Strategic Implications of Imagery Intelligence

摘要

Imagery intelligence (IMINT) has been integral to decision-makers world wide. This paper explores lessons learned from World War II photo interpreters and their applicability to the United States IMINT program of the 21st Century. The essay opens with a brief comparison of early French, German, British and American Photo Reconnaissance (PR) programs and then moves to an examination of PR in the Second World War. Human capital and coalition partnerships are key themes. In addition, two examples illustrate how the U.S. imagery tradecraft has influenced national security policies since the Cold War. Finally, I offer two recommendations for improving strategic IMINT operations of the present and future, now called geospatial-intelligence (GEOINT).