Marine Corps Intelligence and All-source fused analysis support to Marine and joint operating forces: complexities, problems, and challenges for the future

Abstract

This thesis examined the status of all-source fused intelligence support within the United States Marine Corps. Deficiencies in this area were identified in the late 1980s and the Marine Corps created two new organizations dedictated to the production of all-source fusion intelligence: the service level Marine Corps Intelligence Activity and three MAGTF All-Source Fusion Centers. Despite the creation of these organizations, a number of factors continue to complicate and inhibit Marine Corps Intelligence from providing more than rudimentary all-source, fused, tailored intelligence support to Marine Corps and joint operating forces. A survey questionnaire returned by nearly half of all Marine Corps intelligence officers, and research into these new all-source fusion organizations, determined that continued manning and structure deficiencies, inadequate training and education, and problems with experience level and assignments are the main problems. The Marine Corps is taking active steps to correct these deficiencies, but with downsizing and budget cutbacks, all-source, fused intelligence support by Marines to Marines, may remain more a goal than a reality.