Piercing the Fog: Irregular Forces as a Source of Operational Intelligence.

摘要

This monograph examines the employment of irregular forces as a source of operational intelligence. Often, technical methods are the primary (and sometimes the only) source of operational intelligence. Irregular forces, locally recruited paramilitary groups indigenous to the targeted region, can provide valuable augmentation to the usual sources of intelligence. The goal of intelligence at the operational level of war is to discern the enemy commander's intentions. Reducing uncertainty is one way for the commander to better assess the risk in his campaign and thereby plan alternative operational methods to address any shortfalls in capability or mission. The Ends-Ways-Means model provides the criteria for evaluating a commander's risk in this monograph. The monograph uses General George Crook's 1880s campaign to pacify the Chiricahua Apaches and the prelude to General Douglas MacArthur's liberation of the Philippines in 1943 as case studies to evaluate theory in light of the Ends-Ways-Means criteria.