MOD 2-USAF INTELLIGENCE

USAF Intelligence

Counter intelligence plays a vital role in efforts to both deter and dominate conflicts that arise with other nations whose military strength is comparable to our own. There are several factors to be considered on what provides strong intelligence on comparable adversaries, but all acts as a vital role in their strengths, weaknesses, and their expected tactics. Within the United States, there are several departments that collectively creates a clearer picture of our adversaries and their intent.

Within the United States, it is seen that between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Defense (DOD) that there are several different areas that they look too cover. For example, under the DHS they are focused on collecting intelligence that is used to develop foreign policies, enable counter terrorism efforts, and aid in the prevention of drug trafficking with the Drug Enforcement Administration. While the DHS handles various state matters, the DOD is focused on collecting intelligence on its adversaries through multiple different departments within it. They'll collectively share their intelligence and can aid each-other in providing a clearer strategic picture. This is highlighted by some publications that were written by the commander of USSTRACOM (US Strategic Command) as informed by various members of the intelligence communities from different branches of service. The link below shows a document produced by the US Strategic Command which highlights some of our near-peer adversaries such as China and Russia. Their goal was to evaluate how much of a they are, what their military strategies include, and what our efforts are to deter them.

The USAF Intelligence community works towards identifying the intent of our near pear adversaries, to include China and Russia. They are continuously evaluated to see what new technologies they are developing or employing, where these assets are, and what their intent with them is. By utilizing one of the six intelligence collections methods, the Air Force can gain a perspective on what they actively trying to do. For example, in the posture report published by the USSTRATCOM, we can see that they identified that China is continuously working towards being the sole nuclear super-power and is seeking to advance the technologies they have available. Through counterintelligence efforts, we can discover what they are doing and how to deter them from that activity. Having the capability to see where your adversary is as well as knowing what they are doing is a invaluable tool in the military's arsenal.

An MQ-9 Reaper flies a training mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range, July 15, 2019. MQ-9 aircrew provide dominant, persistent attack and reconnaissance for comabtant commanders and coalition partners across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Rio Rosado)

Another specific example is the MQ-9 Reaper, which is used to provide imagery data to combatant commanders. Imagery can also be collected by something as simple as a drone capturing live footage of combatant in a war zone. This provides us the opportunity to evaluate the potential target in such a manner as previously mentioned for an adversary employing an asset to an unknown location.

LINK TO STRATCOM PAPER: https://www.stratcom.mil/2023-Posture-Statement/

References:

Benny, D.J. (2022). U.S. National Security and the Intelligence Services (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi-org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/10.4324/9781003270843

Cotton, A. (2023, March 8). 2023 Posture Statement. 2023 posture statement. https://www.stratcom.mil/2023-Posture-Statement/

Defense Media. (2021, March). MQ-9 reaper. Air Force. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104470/mq-9-reaper/

Defense Media. (n.d.). RC-135s Cobra Ball. Air Force. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104498/rc-135s-cobra-ball/

Department of Defense. (n.d.). America’s nuclear triad. U.S. Department of Defense. https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/Americas-Nuclear-Triad/

Director Of National Intellegence. (n.d.). Odni Home. Home. https://www.dni.gov/index.php/what-we-do/members-of-the-ic#usaf

USSTRATCOM. (n.d.). About USSTRATCOM. About Us. https://www.stratcom.mil/About/

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