subject: Help Solve U.s. Intelligence Management Issues With An Intelligence Degree [print this page] After the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, the 9/11 Commission released a report that in part detailed the intelligence failures leading up to the incident. One of the main issues that it noted was a break down in intelligence management. In its investigation, the Commission found that there were weaknesses in both operational intelligence management and institutional intelligence management within the intelligence community (IC). This led to a lack of communication and cooperation between the various agencies and departments that make up the IC.
The troubles with intelligence management were apparent long before 9/11 brought them into focus. One great example of this is a 1996 government report released by a specially created Commission on the Roles and Capabilities of the United States Intelligence Community.
Chapter 6 of the document, Preparing for the 21st Century: An Appraisal of U.S. Intelligence, discusses the Central Intelligence Agency and the need for strong intelligence management. It states, The Agency needs managers who are skilled, savvy, and decisive, who understand not only the craft of espionage, but the broader environment in which they operate, including how their work supports the mission of the Agency as well as complements other activities of the Government.
The report also criticized its current policies on management training, and the selection and promotion of managers. Specifically, it called for a more systematic approach to increasing the quality of the agencys managers through training. On page 66 of the report, the commission stated that Management training has been especially weak, and and recommended that the CIA place a higher priority on training, especially training in management skills for those in, or likely to be in, management positions.
Intelligence Management Issues Remain Unresolved
Even though the government vowed to take up intelligence management reform after the 9/11 commission report, systemic problems are still being reported. For instance, a 2005 commission report on WMDs states that they agree with a Department of Defense officials description of todays intelligence community as not so much poorly managed as unmanaged. Even as recent as this year, Congress and the GAO have had debates on intelligence management.
This does appear to be something that the IC is working on, however. In the 2009 National Intelligence Strategy, the IC outlined its objectives; one of them was to develop the intelligence workforce. To meet this objective, the strategy stated that it will enhance professional development, and build a culture of leadership excellence.
Meet Intelligence Management Needs with an Intelligence Degree
As you can see, professionals who have an education in intelligence and management are especially qualified to help the intelligence community meet its objectives. Whether you are already in the intelligence industry or want to become a part of it, an intelligence degree in intelligence management will give you the training you need to become an integral member of the IC.
Many schools offer intelligence degree programs, but only a few of them focus on intelligence management. Those that do often have intelligence degree programs at all degree levels, including bachelors and masters. Some of these universities even have programs that are taught completely online. This, in particular, is beneficial to those who are already in intelligence positions but would like to move into a management role. Enrolling in one of these programs that offer sound management strategies in the context of the overall intelligence mission can provide you the training you need to climb the ranks within the intelligence community. By earning an intelligence degree that emphasizes on cross-agency collaboration, security issues within human resources, and managing the intelligence process, you will gain the education you need to succeed in intelligence management. Plus, you will also help the intelligence community meet objectives essential to national security.
