Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin
VANTAGE POINT
by Major General Charles W. Thomas
The A-series division table of organization and
equipment (TO&E) that emerged from the military intelligence (MI)
Gulf War retrospective is a better balanced organization than its
1990 predecessor. While there is less organic signals intelligence
(SIGINT), there is more countervailing access to SIGINT through
broadcast intelligence and the emerging Ground-Based Common Sensor
(GBCS) systems. The divisional direct support (DS) MI companies in
support of ground maneuver brigades provide this balance by
vertically integrating all-source intelligence to the brigades.
All-Source Collection
Access to systems outside the brigade is enhanced by the new
architecture that includes the All-Source Analysis System (ASAS),
the Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System (JDISS), and
associated communications systems. Through the Common
Ground Station the DS MI company can provide the supported brigade
with available Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint
STARS) information that can highlight enemy unit movements and
serve as a cue to other sensors. One of these sensors is the
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV provides the best
near-real-time imagery available to the warfighter. UAV support is
tiered (by echelon) with system access and control ranging from
echelons above corps to brigade. The specific vehicles are yet to
be determined, but the Army leadership views the UAV as critical,
and we can be sure that this essential system will remain in our
architecture.
The intelligence balance further improves with the human
intelligence (HUMINT) capability that is part of every DS MI
company. Counterintelligence and interrogation remain important,
particularly in the force projection nontraditional missions like
Somalia, Haiti, and what we face in Bosnia, where the need for
HUMINT is high. In fact, often it is the most critical
collection capability we have, especially against
unsophisticated, technologically ill-equipped opponents.
The GBCS system of the general support MI company replaces several
ground-based SIGINT and electronic warfare systems, consolidates
functionality of the old systems, and is a technological step
forward. GBCS, in concert with the divisional Advanced QUICKFIX
helicopter, provides more detailed and accurate SIGINT than ever
before.
ASAS Provides the Fusion
Again, not much organic collection belongs to the brigade, but the
analysis and control team of the DS MI company has enormous
capacity, primarily through the ASAS architecture, to pull timely
intelligence and accept broadcast products efficiently. ASAS merges
the information of the tactical systems with information from
higher echelons, including national level, to optimize the clarity
of the intelligence picture. Equally important to this balance is
the integration of all reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance,
and target acquisition (RISTA) capabilities in the division.
The RISTA effort is a critical source of information for the
warfighter. First, we focus the systems by illuminating the threat
for the commander. Second, the ASAS correlates and places into
context the collected information obtained through RISTA. Finally,
following the correlation, we make target recommendations, based on
our analysis of the enemy situation, and feed these targets through
ASAS directly to the appropriate warfighting system. The vertical
and horizontal proliferation of ASAS makes it possible to more
quickly add to situational awareness and targeting databases. While
the current generation of ASAS makes this a fusion of multiple
inputs from numerous sensors and human sources, it is only the
first step on the path to vastly greater efficiencies in battle
space visualization.
Employing the Architecture
The efficient use of this architecture requires carefully refined
tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) with accompanying
training. Divisional units develop most TTP through training
programs; G2s, S2s, and MI battalion commanders develop and
orchestrate them. Frankly, our MI technical architecture will not
work without these homegrown TTP efforts and training. We cannot do
this alone from Fort Huachuca-it has to be a cooperative effort
with the field. When it is done with resourceful determination,
this architecture not only works, it works with dazzling
efficiency. It truly draws together all of the elements of
RISTA making the whole division part of the process.
Our Responsibility
MI officers, noncommissioned officers (NCOs), and civilians have an
obligation to learn our architecture and refine the TTP that
implement it. It will not work without a focused effort. We will
not be ready for the ever-increasing pace of change in our
architecture's technical capability if we cannot use the
efficiencies currently available.
I am convinced that the high quality officer and NCO corps that we
have today are up to this challenge. If you are not, then stand
back for those who will take it on. It is too important to allow
deterrents it is a very real leap into Information Age warfare.
ALWAYS OUT FRONT!