Operational Intelligence

<p>This study investigates the question that if valid operational intelligence is available are there reasons or factors that preclude it from contributing to or providing operational success? Case studies utilizing intelligence indicators from Pearl Harbor Midway and the Battle of the Ardennes are cited for use in the study. Doctrinal requirements from FM 34-1 Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Operations and FM 100-5 Operations form the basis for the study. The study concludes that operational intelligence indicators were present in all three case studies. The paper presents the case that while Midway is considered an intelligence success and Pearl Harbor and the Ardennes an intelligence failure the intelligence indicators were present in all three to varying degrees and therefore intelligence should have contributed to operational success. The study identifies six shortcomings that were present and caused the intelligence indicators not to be acted upon. These shortcomings are too much intelligence or the noise theory preconceived ideas overconfidence desire for certainty wolf theory and systematic and intrinsic problems of intelligence system. The study concludes that there is an interrelationship among the shortcomings and that if one shortcoming is allowed to manifest itself then another normally follows. When operational intelligence is high in quality and adequate in the amount of detail required the commander has greater freedom of action in his planning spectrum. Operational intelligence can allow the commander to increase his agility and synchronization take full advantage of his depth and allow initiative to be on his side.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>