Priority Intelligence Requirements: The Operational Vacuum

This monograph examines the problem of developing priority intelligence requirements at the operational level. Tactical and strategic priority intelligence requirements have been clearly defined and are taught throughout the military education system. There appears to be a vacuum at the operational level of war. This paper asks, is the Army training and educating intelligence officers to meet operational requirements and the answer is no. The monograph begins by examining the current CorpsEchelons Above Corps intelligence support structure. It reviews the manning and experience level of these organizations and concludes the force structure is not robust enough to support continuous operations. Second, the paper examines the doctrinal literature to include Joints Chiefs of Staff publications and Army manuals to determine what operational intelligence requirements have been identified. Third, the paper analyzes how intelligence officers are trained and educated to develop and evaluate operational priority intelligence requirements. Finally, six joint exercise after action reports are used to judge how well the training and education system prepares officers to meet actual operational requirements.