Commentary: They deserve better

摘要

The counterinsurgency fight in Afghanistan requires identifying an elusive target in a fluid environment using a thorough effects-based collection strategy of multiple intelligence disciplines focused on a common problem set. It is an art form that defies automation. Unfortunately, today's collection management process seems more apt to support indications and warnings or well-defined largescale operations -- in short, the Cold War. Responsiveness continues to be set by the process and procedure rather than the need of the war fighter. The management process hinders effective and timely collection of brigade combat team requirements. It is time for an overhaul that gives theater commanders a greater role in collection management, shortens the requirement-to-collection timeline, increases planning and transparency and embraces the art of collection management to meet the time-sensitive needs of a multifaceted collection strategy.