Marine Corps Intelligence gathers information to aid decision-making for the US Marine Corps. They collect information from various sources, including public sources, and analyze it to determine potential threats and vulnerabilities. This information is then presented to decision-makers for action.
Marine Corps Intelligence is the defense intelligence gathering arm of the United States Marine Corps. Officially known as the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, this department is responsible for gathering information necessary to perform functions such as planning, scheduling, budgeting, and making operational or policy decisions for this branch of the military. The information gathered by this department helps Marine Corps commanders decide what missions will be performed and what personnel and equipment will be needed. Marine Corps Intelligence also shares information with other branches of the U.S. military as well as civilian intelligence agencies.
The Marine Corps collects and analyzes intelligence information from a wide variety of sources. The information is then analyzed and packaged for presentation to policy makers to determine if action needs to be taken. If these officials determine that a credible threat exists, military commanders must decide on an appropriate course of action. Under normal circumstances, intelligence information is usually presented to decision makers at a daily intelligence briefing. In wartime, however, these intelligence briefings may be more frequent.
The most basic intelligence information is often gleaned from public sources. This type of publicly available intelligence can include the operational environment, such as whether forces may be hostile, neutral or friendly, the industries and population of a particular region. Other sources of information that Marine Corps Intelligence may use are newspapers, maps, and satellite photos. Intelligence gathering units can also monitor television and radio broadcasts, as well as military and satellite broadcasts for important intelligence. Under certain circumstances, Marine Corps Intelligence will intercept cell phone and satellite traffic using sophisticated computer equipment and programs.
Intelligence data that has been gathered from all available sources is turned over to Marine Corps intelligence analysts for evaluation. During this assessment, analysts attempt to determine both an adversary’s capabilities and vulnerabilities. These analysts look for ways to cut off or destroy vital military assets such as fuel and ammunition supplies. Analysts are also evaluating whether Marine Corps troops or equipment should be moved to certain locations to make them less vulnerable to attack. Intelligence analysts can also assess troop and equipment buildups to warn leaders of impending attacks.
Once the assessment process has been completed, information regarding enemy threats and vulnerabilities must be packaged for presentation to civilian policy makers. These intelligence packages are used to inform officials who will be making important decisions about whether to engage in armed conflict with an adversary. Marine Corps commanders also use intelligence packages to decide what type of equipment and personnel will be needed if a military strike is called for.
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