Technology and Operational Intelligence: Coping with Unintentional Consequences.

Technology has substantially affected operational intelligence and the intelligence Support environment. The significant amount of intelligence available to the operational commander is directly attributable to technological advancements in computers, communications, and collection systems. More importantly, enabling technologies improve functions within the intelligence cycle, considerably increasing the quality and timeliness of intelligence. Technology has reshaped the intelligence support architecture and is the driving factor in defining the future intelligence environment. However, numerous complications and vulnerabilities result from an operational intelligence environment excessively dependent on computers, communications, and collection systems. Effective employment of technology requires recognition of unintentional consequences that distract and impede the operational commanders decision process. This paper examines operational intelligence and the intelligence cycle. The effect of technology is discussed, focusing specifically on unintended consequences. Three adverse consequences are identified information overload, increased system vulnerabilities, and less emphasis on analysis. Each of these effects are examined and recommendations for contending with these undesirable consequences are provided.