Human Intelligence: Long-Range Surveillance for Force XXI

摘要

This monograph examines the utility of long-range surveillance human intelligenceas part of a larger intelligence gathering system. The paper proposes that even with the acquisition of high-technology intelligence gathering systems, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), Long-Range Surveillance Units (LRSU) are still an essential part of the system. LRSU do have significant problems associated with their employment currently. The most significant problems are communications equipment, doctrine and organization. These elements limit LRSU effectiveness now and in the future within the framework of FORCE XXI operations. This monograph contains seven sections: introduction, history of LRSU, the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), LRSU doctrine, FORCE XXI operations, LRSU for FORCE XXI, and conclusion. The history section sheds light on the origins of the LRSU mission through World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the 9th Infantry Division test unit of the early 1980's. The section on the RMA examines the problems with LRSU equipment, specifically communications, and how the RMA may affect it. It also examines the future viability of the UAV and JSTARS as examples of advanced technology made possible by the RMA. The fourth section, LRSU doctrine, reveals its origins and the revision of the doctrine in 1992. It establishes the base line for future challenges for LRSU within FORCE XXI. The FORCE XXI section explains the characteristics of those operations and how LRSU are and are not prepared to support them. The LRSU for FORCE XXI section details how present companies and detachments can be combined into battalion level organizations to solve the problems associated with supporting future operations. The conclusion provides a synthesis of the problems facing LRSU.