Definition of Military Intelligence
The use of spies to collect secrets from enemy forces goes back as far as the dawn of war itself. However, the U.S. military has only developed a formal military intelligence framework within the past 100 years. Throughout this time the discipline has evolved and the definition has become more complex. At its heart, however, military intelligence is still about knowing what the enemy doesn't want known.
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Purpose
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Military intelligence (MI) exposes weaknesses of the enemy forces. This in turn allows commanders to shape their battle plans to achieve maximum effect while risking the minimum number of lives. MI also reveals weaknesses in the security of friendly forces which also leads to a change in procedures that will lessen the likelihood and effectiveness of an enemy attack. This is why MI is such a crucial battlefield discipline. Practiced well, it can end engagements decisively and maybe even prevent them in the first place.
History
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Prior to World War II, Military intelligence forces took on other unrelated tasks that today would be considered out of the scope of MI branches. For example, prior to WWII, Army intelligence officers also did work in public affairs and psychological warfare. In 1945, the War Department created the Military Intelligence Division, but there was no clear direction as to how intelligence units should operate in peacetime. With the onset of the Cold War, military intelligence personnel had a new target even though the U.S. was not actively at war with the Soviet Union. Over the years improvements in communications technology have led to more scientifically-based intelligence collections operations.
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Types
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There are several different types of intelligence sources and intelligence personnel. Imagery analysts examine satellite photos to determine the location of enemy troops and what kind of weapons they have. Signal intelligence collectors and analysts capture electronic communications and exploit them to determine enemy plans. Human intelligence collectors work on the ground, interacting with civilians, refugees, prisoners of war, even friendly forces to gain more information about enemy troops. All of these intelligence sources come together to paint a picture of the battlefield that commanders can use to find and destroy enemy forces.
Misconceptions
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When people think about intelligence operations, they often have visions of spies like James Bond in their heads. In truth, most intelligence information is captured from electronic communications, photos, or even open sources such as newspapers and television shows. Human intelligence collectors often work face to fact to glean information from people, but they don't have jet packs or other spy gadgets. They simply know how to listen to people.
Potential
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As new methods of communication are developed, military intelligence professional will find new ways to exploit them to gain information about enemy strength and plans. Until a century ago, military intelligence operations were not well appreciated of well utilized. There is little danger of that situation returning in the future.
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References
- Photo Credit military image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
