How to train an army of intelligence analysts

Abstract

This thesis analyzes facets of US involvement in El Salvador, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Iraq to demonstrate the value of using joint military training between host nation and US military personnel as a vehicle to establish intelligence sharing programs. Military-to-military relations already facilitate the distribution of logistical assistance, the exchange of technical expertise, and the teaching of advanced military capabilities. However, military-to-military relations are more than just a means to provide financial and technological aid. Within this thesis, military relations are presented as a way to develop the trust necessary to operate in areas of current and future US national interest, at a time when increased bilateral cooperation and intelligence sharing between the United States and coalition governments is desperately needed. Guidelines extrapolated from an analysis of political, military, cultural, and intelligence sharing characteristics in each one of these countries are presented to help the US and host nation personnel develop better intelligence capabilities through the training of host nation military forces; in effect, locally train an army of intelligence analysts. Based on current American intelligence shortfalls and elusive transnational enemies, the use of military-to-military relations is proposed as a way to enhance US intelligence capabilities and empower coalition partners against mutual threats.