7 June 1997

Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 2, Intelligence, describes the theory and philosophy of intelligence as practiced by the United States Marine Corps. It provides Marines a conceptual framework for understanding and conducting effective intelligence activities. The Marine Corps' view of intelligence is based on our common understanding of the nature of war and on our warfighting philosophy as described in MCDP 1, Warfighting.

Intelligence discusses the effective use of knowledge about the enemy and the environment in support of military decisionmaking. Intelligence acknowledges that uncertainty pervades the battlefield and that our best intelligence efforts can only reduce, not eliminate, uncertainty.

One of the main aims of this manual is to put intelligence into its proper context in relation to other activities of warfighting. The Marine Corps views intelligence as a fundamental component of command and control that is inseparable from operations. The general concepts which apply to effective command and control apply equally to intelligence. This publication, therefore, presumes familiarity with MCDP 6, Command and Control, which establishes fundamental doctrine for command and control.

MCDP 2, Intelligence, does not supersede any current doctrinal publication. It provides the authoritative basis for the subsequent development of intelligence doctrine, education, training, equipment, procedures, and organization. Intelligence affords no specific techniques or procedures for intel- ligence activities; rather, it offers broad guidance which requires judgment in its application. Other publications in the intelligence series of Marine Corps warfighting publications provide specific tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Marine Corps intelligence doctrine applies across the full spectrum of conflict, from peacekeeping or humanitarian assistance operations on the one hand to general war on the other. Furthermore, this publication pertains equally to small-unit leaders and senior commanders. Since intelligence is an essential component of any military activity, this manual is meant to guide Marines at all levels of command in both the operating forces and the supporting establishment.

                                                                                     C. C. KRULAK
                                                                              General, U.S. Marine Corps
                                                                          Commandant of the Marine Corps

DISTRIBUTION: 142 000005 00

© 1997 United States Government as represented by the Secretary of the Navy. All rights reserved.