Does the SBCT Intelligence Structure Need a Dedicated ACE/Fusion Cell

摘要

This monograph examines the SBCT intelligence structure to determine if it is adequately resourced to conduct operations under a corps headquarters serving as a Joint Task Force Headquarters without a dedicated division level fusion cell. This question is considered because of the doctrinal lack of a Stryker Division headquarters to serve as the link between a SBCT and a corps headquarters. This monograph compares the capabilities of a division and a corps ACE to the intelligence capabilities of a Stryker Brigade. Chapters 1-2 look at the development and structure of the SBCT, with an emphasis on the SBCT intelligence structure. Chapter 3 reviews the structure and capabilities of a division and corps ACE. Chapter 4 uses the 6-step joint intelligence cycle as criteria to compare these two structures. A trend found during the comparison was an apparent lack of experienced personnel within the SBCT. While the Stryker Brigade has a robust intelligence structure in size, equipment, and number of personnel, the level of experience resident in its analysis teams is significantly less than that found in a division ACE. If a Stryker Brigade deploys directly under a corps headquarters serving as a JTF headquarters, it could be inadequately supplied with the necessary detail of intelligence to conduct effective operations. Three options are presented to improve the intelligence capabilities of the SBCT: restructure the SBCT MI company to include analysis teams lead by senior warrant officers, versus the current three-platoon structure; have the SBCT deploy only under control of a standing division headquarters (this action would provide the SBCT with access to a division ACE for intelligence support); or establish a standing ACE 'type' structure that supports one or multiple Stryker brigades during deployments. This option would increase the overall personnel numbers of the SBCT structure, but provide a necessary intelligence function to the brigade.