PrintLowenthal notes that most authors and intelligence experts do not consider the policy maker to be part of the intelligence process. Lowenthal disagrees, and that is why he adds two stages to the process. Remember that, according to Lowenthal, "Intelligence refers to information that meets the stated or understood needs of policy makers and has been collected, processed, and narrowed to meet those needs." The needs of policy makers drive intelligence priorities, which will drive the intelligence process, and, very importantly, drive resource allocation. Note also the problems that can arise when the "understood" needs of policy makers are unclear or contentious. To put this another way, the needs of the client policy maker drive the mission and activities of the geospatial intelligence professional. A clear understanding of the client's requirements (which may change over time) is essential to the successful intelligence enterprise.
Required Reading
Read Lowenthal's Chapter 9: "The Role of the Policy Maker" in Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy.
As you read, do some critical thinking and ask yourself:
- Given the author's background and focus on government, is his analysis applicable and appropriate to other intelligence applications in other communities such as disaster preparedness (FEMA, the American Red Cross, etc.), international humanitarian aid and disaster response (UN, International Federation of the Red Cross, other NGOs), the business community, etc.?
- Are there alternative discourses that might define the role and relationships of policy makers and the intelligence community differently?
Now consider how this discussion applies to GEOINT. According to NGA Pub 1.0:
GEOINT can also create a Common Operational Picture (COP) of a specific area by effectively using multiple and advanced sensors, multiple types of data and information (including operations, planning, logistics, etc), as well as multiple intelligence disciplines (INTs) to present a comprehensive visual depiction. This capability provides many advantages for the warfighter, national security policymakers, homeland security personnel, and IC collaborators by precisely locating activities and objects, assessing and discerning the meaning of events, and providing context for decision makers.
In short, GEOINT provides innovative, versatile solutions for meeting today's demanding intelligence requirements and predicting tomorrow's future threat environment. (NGA Pub 1.0 pages 5-6, emphasis added)
NGA Publication 1.0 Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Basic Doctrine
This passage points out that NGA provides GEOINT products and support to a wide customer base beyond federal government policy makers as envisioned by Lowenthal. NGA customers also include warfighters (military commanders and their forces engaged in planning and operations), the homeland security community (focused on both terrorism and disaster planning and response—i.e., all hazards preparedness and response), and other domestic and international partners (allies).
Knowledge Check
Prepare for the quiz by answering the following questions.