Foreign Intelligence And National Security example essay topic

3 SEP 2002 INTELLIGENCE CUSTOMERS The collapse of the Soviet Union has finally brought the cold war to a conclusion in the 1980's. This collapse brought about a transfer in the global power structure. Threats such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, narcotics trafficking and organized crime e became more prominent. The United States' national security policies were revolutionized to be successful against the new risks towards the Nation.

It may be assumed that the best group to handle the new pressures of the world would be the U.S. Intelligence Community, but the unique threats do not harbor the traditional roles that were designed for the U.S. Intelligence Community. Biological hazards such as Anthrax and Small pox, which are both remarkable threats to global and national security, have been collected, analyzed and dealt with by civilian government agencies and academic circles. The Intelligence Community should only use its technology to collect non-traditional intelligence that may infringe on only national and global security issues. There are hundreds of intelligence customers, but there are 14 primaries that come together for national security purposes. To gain a better understanding of intelligence, the term must be defined.

Intelligence is when data is collected, organized and becomes useful information. The information is then analyzed and becomes intelligence. The U.S. Intelligence Community supports the President of the United States, the cabinet, Congress, and down to the tactical level of deployed military forces. Each customer is equally as important as the other. The members of the Intelligence Community, also known as intelligence customers are comprised of 14 members: The Defense Intelligence Agency is a major producer and manager of foreign military intelligence. They provide military intelligence to war fighters, defense policymakers and force planners, the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community in order to support U.S. military planning, operations, and weapon systems acquisition.

The National Security Agency is the Nation's crypto logic organization. They coordinate, direct, and perform highly specialized activities to protect U.S. information systems and produce foreign intelligence information. The NSA is one of the most important centers of foreign language analysis and research within the Government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the principal investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice. The FBI is to uphold the law through the investigation of violations of federal criminal law; to protect the United States from foreign intelligence and terrorist activities; to provide leadership and law enforcement assistance to federal, state, local, and international agencies; and to perform these responsibilities in a manner that is responsive to the needs of the public and is faithful to the Constitution of the United States. The Army is aspiring to be the most esteemed institution in the Nation, and will remain the most respected Army in the world as well as the most feared ground force to those who would threaten the interests of the United States.

The U.S. Coast Guard provides economic vitality, enforce laws and treaties, ensure safe and efficient marine transportation, protect natural resources, protect our nation's borders and provide for the national defense. The U.S. Air Force provides defense to the U.S. and protects its interest through aerospace power. The purpose of the U.S. Navy remains to project the power and influence of the Nation across the seas to foreign waters and shores in both peace and war. At the same time the U.S. Marines provide the joint forces commander and the synergy created when leveraged with the complementary capabilities of other services and agencies.

These capabilities translate into power projection designed to shape the global security environment, assuring our friends and allies while dissuading, deterring, and defeating potential adversaries. The elements of expeditionary maneuver warfare will guide the process of innovation, change, and adaptation to ensure the Corps continues its role as the Nation's total force of readiness. The purpose of United States State Department is to create a more secure, prosperous, and democratic world for the benefit of the American people successful U.S. international leadership is essential to security at home, better jobs and a higher standard of living, a healthier environment, and safe travel and conduct of business abroad. The Department of Energy provides reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy for America's future. The mission of the Department of the Treasury is to promote prosperous and stable American and world economies, manage the Government's finances, safeguard our financial systems, protect our Nation's leaders, and secure a safe and drug-free America. The mission of the National Reconnaissance Office is to enable U.S. global information superiority, during peace and war.

The NRO is responsible for the unique and innovative technology, large-scale systems engineering, development and acquisition, and operation of space reconnaissance systems and related intelligence activities needed to support global information superiority. DoD and CIA personnel staff the NRO, while the Secretary of the Air Force serves as the Director of the NRO. The National Imagery and Mapping Agency provides timely, relevant, and accurate Geospatial Intelligence in support of national security. The last customer for Intelligence is the Central Intelligence Agency, which provides support to the President, the National Security Council, and all who make and execute U.S. national security policy by providing accurate, evidence-based, comprehensive, and timely foreign intelligence related to national security. The CIA conducts counterintelligence activities, special activities, and other functions relating to foreign intelligence and national security as directed by the President. The Director of Central Intelligence Agency also establishes collection requirements and priorities for satellite-gathered intelligence within the NRO and NSA.

As shown, there are 14 major intelligence customers that produce and support National Security issues and policies, even though there are hundreds more. Competition for intelligence is fierce, cut-throat, and time sensitive. Many customers are not satisfied with their products due to the inadequate intelligence access, redundant reporting, lack of understanding the customers' needs and lack of understanding the producers' capabilities. Those are a few problems the Intelligence customers have. An agency, possibly the CIA because they staff the majority of the Intelligence Community, needs to be committed in ensuring performance and customer service standards for the entire Intelligence Community.