E Pluribus Unum: Enhancing Intelligence Support in the Network Centric Environment

Abstract : Network Centric Warfare's emphasis on timeliness and targeting challenges the Intelligence Community to concurrently support tactical combat operations and operational planning and execution while maintaining strategic situational awareness. To successfully accomplish each requirement obligates the Intelligence Community to make fundamental changes in the authority of the Supported Theater Intelligence Officer relative to the other members of the Intelligence Community. Additionally, a renewed emphasis must be placed on the collection of human intelligence, the development of regional expertise, and utilization of imagery analysts. Lastly, the Network Centric Warfare's requirement to concurrently support the Strategic, Operational, and Tactical levels places a premium on accessing archived intelligence via the Information Grid. As a consequence, the Intelligence Community must use available technology to filter information and better allocate analytical resources to achieve real time intelligence support.