MILNET Brief
 Intelligence Community Responsibility Brief, August 23, 2004

By far and away, the highest number of emails we have received of late have asked the question, "What are the individual responsbilities of the 15 agencies within the U.S. Intelligence Community."  To answer this question, we assumed nothing already existing on MILNET would provide the answer and went looking on the internet.  Then we updated slightly older information on MILNET and now present that compilation to our visitors.

Note that it is expected that within the next six months, the chart below may be obsolete as an National Intelliigence Director is appointed by the President and either an Executive Order establishes new operating policies or the U.S. Congress amends or replaces the National Security Act of 1947. 


The text below reflects amendents to the Act as it appears today in U.S. law, and reflects the addition of the intelligence assets of the newly created Department of Homeland Security.  According to the National Security act of 1947 and subsequent Executive Orders (for instance E.O. 12333), the agencies of the Intelligence Community are:
"(4) The term "intelligence community" includes -

               (A) the Office of the Director of Central Intelligence, which shall include the Office of the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence, the National Intelligence Council (as provided for in section 105(b)(3)), and such other offices as the Director may designate;

               (B) the Central Intelligence Agency;

               (C) the National Security Agency;

               (D) the Defense Intelligence Agency;

               (F) the National Reconnaissance Office;

               (G) other offices within the Department of Defense for the collection of specialized national intelligence through reconnaissance programs;

               (H) the intelligence elements of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Energy, and the Coast Guard;

               (I) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research of the Department of State;

               (J) the elements of the Department of Homeland Security concerned with the analyses of foreign intelligence information; and

               (K) such other elements of any other department or agency as may be designated by the President, or designated jointly by the Director of Central Intelligence and the head of the department or agency concerned, as an element of the intelligence community."


The table below summarizes the agencies extracted from the definition above (note that agencies buried in the larger agencies or departments may not appear in the chart...for instance there is probably a special operations (SOCOM) intelligence operation that is fairly independent from DIA, while using the capabilities and data from the entire Intelligence Community to support their missions -- these probably fall under paragraphs G or  K above):

#
 Name of Agency
 Department
 Leader Title/Association
 Responsibilities
1
 Air Force Air Intelligence Agency
 DoD
 Commander
O-8 or above
Assigned by Air Force Personnell at request of Secretary of the Air Force
 Tactical intelligence analysis of specific interest to U.S. Air Force field commanders and counterintelligence.
Has human collection assets and field operatives who may use deadly force to protect their safety or operations under their protection.
"Provide information operations forces delivering battlespace awareness, all-source intelligence and information warfare capabilities to air component and joint force commanders, DoD, and national agencies...anytime, anywhere."
 - AF AIA Website
2
 Army Intelligence and Security Command
 DoD
 Commander
O-8 or above
Assigned by Air Force Personnell at request of Secretary of the Army
 Tactical intelligence analysis of specific interest to U.S. Army field commanders and counterintelligence.
Has human collection assets and field operatives who may use deadly force to protect their safety or operations under their protection.
"produce multi-disciplined, operationally relevant intelligence in support of Department of the Army, Army Service Component Commander, and intelligence community requirements. Current operational focus: Operation Iraqi Freedom, Phase IV support (hostile activity trend and pattern analysis), Global War On Terrorism, foreign intelligence services, and computer network operations."
- Army INSCOM Website
3
 Central Intelligence Agency
(CIA)
 Autonomous,
Executive Branch
 Director
Civilian or Military
Appointed by POTUS and confirmed by Congress
 All source foreign intelligence operations including covert action, collection, analysis, planning.  Also the production arm of the Director of Central Intelligence tasked with generating National Intelligence Estimates and other "products" of the U.S. Intelligence Community.  Has no arrest authority inside the U.S., however in practice may hold (citizen's arrest) foreign agents or terrorist suspects until the FBI can take possession of their prisoner (s).

"Vision

We will provide knowledge and take action to ensure the national security of the United States and the preservation of American life and ideals.

Mission

We are the eyes and ears of the nation and at times its hidden hand. We accomplish this mission by:

  • Collecting intelligence that matters.

  • Providing relevant, timely, and objective all-source analysis.

  • Conducting covert action at the direction of the President to preempt threats or achieve United States policy objectives.
- CIA Website
4
 Coast Guard Intelligence
 DoD
 Commander
O-8 or above
Appointed by Sec DoHS
 Tactical intelligence analysis of specific interest to U.S. Coast Guard Captains at sea and counter drug, contraband and human smuggling operations
Has human collection assets and field operatives who may use deadly force to protect their safety or operations under their protection.
5
 Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
 DoD
 Director, O-9
U.S. Military
Appointed by SecDEF and confirmed by Congress
 Three divisions, collection, analysis and technology and operates the Defense Attache program which also provides additional collection capability.

"(1) Collection, production, or, through tasking and coordination, provision of military and military-related intelligence for the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, other Defense components, and, as appropriate, non-Defense agencies;

(2) Collection and provision of military intelligence for national foreign intelligence and counterintelligence products;

(3) Coordination of all Department of Defense intelligence collection requirements;

(4) Management of the Defense Attache system; and

(5) Provision of foreign intelligence and counterintelligence staff support as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff."

 - EO 12333


"The Defense Intelligence Agency is a Department of Defense combat support agency and an important member of the United States Intelligence Community. With over 7000 military and civilian employees worldwide, DIA is a major producer and manager of foreign military intelligence. We provide military intelligence to warfighters, defense policymakers and force planners, in the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, in support of U.S. military planning and operations and weapon systems acquisition."
- DIA Website
6 Federal Burean of Investigation
 DoJ
 Director of the FBI
Appointed by the Attorney General of the U.S. and confirmed by Congress
 Counterterorrism intelligence gathering and operations within U.S. boundaries, investigation of all criminal acts or terrorist attacks against U.S citizens or faciliities worldwide, counterintelligence inside the U.S., criminal investigation of all federal crimes, racketeering, and interstate criminal activities within the U.S.  Has arrest authority in the U.S. and on rare occassions overseas.

A key element in the FBI's participation in the U.S. Intelligence Community, according to EO 12333, seciton 1.14 is:
"(c) Conduct within the United States, when requested by officials of the Intelligence Community designated by the President, activities undertaken to collect foreign intelligence or support foreign intelligence collection requirements of other agencies within the Intelligence Community, or, when requested by the Director of the National Security Agency, to support the communications security activities of the United States Government;"
- EO 12333, online at the CIA Website.

Post 9/11, the Director of the FBI establisehed new sections and departments within the FBI to support the War on Terrorism:

"
  • The Terrorism Financing Operation Section - TFOS, which centralizes efforts to stop terrorist financing;
  • Document and media exploitation squads to exploit material found both domestically and overseas
  • Deployable Fly Teams which lend counterterrorism expertise wherever it is needed.
  • the interagency Terrorist Screening Center  - TSC
  • Foreign Tracking Task Force -- FTTF
  • Terrorism Reports and Requirements Section which disseminates FBI terrorsim-related intelligence to the Intelligence Community
  • Counterterrorism Analysis Section which connects the dots and addresses the indicators of terrorist activity against the U.S. from a strategic perspective."
- John Pistole, Executive Assistant Director for FBI Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence, testimony before the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, 8/03/2004
7
 Marine Corps Intelligence
 DoD
 Director of Intelligence
 The Commandant of the Marine Corps with approval of the Secretary of the Navy
 Tactical intelligence analysis of specific interest to U.S. Marine Corps field commanders and counterintelligence.
Has human collection assets and field operatives who may use deadly force to protect their safety or operations under their protection.
" Serves as the Commandant's principal intelligence staff officer and is the functional manager for intelligence and cryptologic activities. As such, the Director acts as Service Intelligence Chief on joint intelligence matters, participates in the formulation of policy for electronic warfare, sponsors research, development and study projects on intelligence, cryptology, and ground electronic warfare"
 - Marine Corps Intelligence Website
8
 National Geospatial Intelligence Agency - NGA
 DoD
 Director
O-8 or above
U.S. Military		 Analysis of overhead reconnaissance images derived from all overhead platforms which include aircraft and satelllites.  Does not have covert action authority but may operate in the field with other agency covert operators, in covert locations, or as part of staff in clandestine operations.

"NGA provides timely, relevant, and accurate Geospatial Intelligence in support of national security.

Our Vision:
Know the Earth...Show the Way

  • NIMA Strategic Intent (.pdf)
  • NIMA Commission (.pdf)
  • We provide Geospatial Intelligence in all its forms, and from whatever source--imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial data and information--to ensure the knowledge foundation for planning, decision, and action.
  • We provide easy access to Geospatial Intelligence databases for all stakeholders.
  • We create tailored, customer-specific Geospatial Intelligence, analytic services, and solutions."
 -  NGA Website
9
 National Reconnaissance Agency
 DoD
 Director
O-8 or above
U.S. Military
Appointed by SecDEF and confirmed by Congress
In the past the Director was dual hatted in a USAF Command
 Operates launch programs and contracts to build and deliver platforms for overhead recon programs to the program's launch or deployment faciliites, manages on orbit and earth station support facilities.
Does not have covert action authority but may operate in the field with other agency covert operators, in covert locations, or as part of staff in clandestine operations.
"The NRO designs, builds and operates the nation's reconnaissance satellites. NRO products, provided to an expanding list of customers like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), can warn of potential trouble spots around the world, help plan military operations, and monitor the environment.."
 - NRO Website
10
 National Security Agency
 DoD
 Director, O-9 or above
U.S. Military
Appointed by SecDEF and confirmed by Congress
 Operates all worldwide signal intercept and signals analysis, decryption and provides guidance for COMPSEC -- Computer security, and ciphers used by military cipher systems.  Staffs collection centers worldwide and it is thought that there are covert operators in place worldwide who may be armed and authorized rules of engagement to protect their safety and/or collection equipment.
"collects, processes and disseminates foreign Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). The old adage that “knowledge is power” has perhaps never been truer than when applied to today’s threats against our nation and the role SIGINT plays in overcoming them.

NSA’s SIGINT mission protects the nation by:

  • Providing information in the form of SIGINT products and services that enable our government to make critical decisions and operate successfully.
  • Protecting the rights of U.S. citizens by adhering to the provisions of the 4th amendment to the Constitution.
  • Using the nation’s resources responsibly, according to the best management processes available.
    •
- NSA Website
11
 Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI)
 DoD
 Commander
O-8 or above
Assigned by Navy Personnel(BUPERS)  at request of Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations
 Tactical intelligence analysis of specific interest to U.S. Navy Fleet Commanders at sea or land stations, also provides support to NSA at key naval underwater listening posts and counterintelligence.
Has human collection assets and field operatives who may use deadly force to protect their safety or operations under their protection.
12
 Bureau of Intelligence and Research
 DoS
 Civil Service Appointed by Secretary of State and confirmed by Congress
GS-10 or above
 Gathers intelligence used to verify or deny visas for entry into U.S., operates legate intelligence operations in consulates and embassies worldwide, provides DoS and Foreign Service leadership with intelligence in country, support for the Diplomatic Security Service.  "...drawing on all-source intelligence, provides value-added independent analysis of events to Department policymakers, ensures that intelligence activities support foreign policy and national security purposes; and serves as the focal point in the Department for ensuring policy review of sensitive counterintelligence and law enforcement activities. INR's primary mission is to harness intelligence to serve U.S. diplomacy. The bureau also analyzes geographical and international boundary issues." - Dept. of State website
13
 Drug Enforcement Administration
Intelligence Section
 DoJ
 Assistant Adiministrator for Intelligence
Civil Service Appointed by the Administrator of the DEA
and confirmed by Congress
GS-10 or above		 Intelligence gathering on organized crime in relation to illicit drug activities, operations along U.S. borders and within major illicit drug supplying countries.  Work very closely with U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Department of Transportation, F.B.I., and the Department of Homeland Security intelligence opeations.
"enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States, or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States; and to recommend and support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic and international markets.

In carrying out its mission as the agency responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States, the DEA's primary responsibilities include:

  • Management of a national drug intelligence program in cooperation with federal, state, local, and foreign officials to collect, analyze, and disseminate strategic and operational drug intelligence information.
  • Seizure and forfeiture of assets derived from, traceable to, or intended to be used for illicit drug trafficking.
  • Enforcement of the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act as they pertain to the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances.
  • Coordination and cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement officials on mutual drug enforcement efforts and enhancement of such efforts through exploitation of potential interstate and international investigations beyond local or limited federal jurisdictions and resources.
  • Coordination and cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies, and with foreign governments, in programs designed to reduce the availability of illicit abuse-type drugs on the United States market through nonenforcement methods such as crop eradication, crop substitution, and training of foreign officials.
  • Responsibility, under the policy guidance of the Secretary of State and U.S. Ambassadors, for all programs associated with drug law enforcement counterparts in foreign countries.
  • Liaison with the United Nations, Interpol, and other organizations on matters relating to international drug control programs."
- DEA website
14
 Department of Energy Intelligence Section
 DoE
Intel
 Assistant Secretary for Intelligence
Civil Service Appointed by
Secretary of Energy and confirmed by Congress
GS-10 or above		 Intelligence gathering for protection and transportation of nuclear materials, protection and security for nuclear materials handling sites and nuclear power sites, and administers programs for certifying and tracking radioactive materials used in research and medical science.
"insuring the integrity and safety of the country's nuclar weapons; promoting international nuclear safety, advancing nuclear non-proliferation." - DOE Website
15
 Department of Treasury Office of Terrorism and  Financial Intelligence
 DoTR-Intel
 Under Secretary for TFI Civil Service Appointed by Secretary of the Treasury and confirmed by Congress
GS-10 or above
Dual hatted as the Under Secretary of Enforcement
 Intelligence gathering in support of currency and financial operations for organized crime and terrorist operations primarily in the U.S. however may be involved in overseas financial tracking of international terrorist funding for terrorists operating in the U.S. or against U.S. interests overseas.
"develops and implements U.S. government strategies to combat terrorist financing domestically and internationally, develops and implements the National Money Laundering Strategy as well as other policies and programs to fight financial crimes. TFI participates in the Department’s development and implementation of U.S. government policies and regulations in support of the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act, represents the United States at focused international bodies dedicated to fighting terrorist financing and financial crimes; and develops U.S. government policies relating to financial crimes."  Dept. of Treas Website
16
 Department of Homeland Security Information Analysis
 DoHS-IA
 Assistant Secretary for Information Analsysis
Civil Service
Appointed by Secretary of Homeland Security and confirmed by Congress
GS-10 or above
 The IA provides the intelligence for the newly created Departmetn of Homeland Security. It's mission is described as:
  • "Providing the full range of intelligence support to senior DHS leadership and component organizations and to state and local and private sector respondents
  • Mapping terrorist threats to the homeland against assessed vulnerabilities to drive our efforts to protect against terrorist attacks
  • Conducting independent analysis and assessments of terrorist threats through competitive analysis, tailored analysis, and an analytical red cell
  • Assessing the vulnerabilities of key resources and critical infrastructure of the United States
  • Merging the relevant analyses and vulnerability assessments to identify priorities for protective and support measures by the Department, other government agencies, and the private sector"
 - Lt. General (Retd) John Hughes, ASIA, DoHs, testimony before the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, 8/03/2004.
17
 Terrorist Threat Integration Center
 TTIC
 Director
Appointed by the Director of Central Intelligence
and confirmed by Congress
GS-10 or above
 "Real time collaboration among analysts from a broad array of agencies and departments who sit side-by-side sharing information and piecing together the scattered pieces of the terrorism puzzle.  These partners include the FBI, CIA, the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, as well as other federal agencies and departments such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Energy."
 - TTIC Director John Brennan, testimony before the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, 8/03/2004.

Note:  Directors of the civilian agencies (CIA, FBI) are confirmed in open hearings, while directors in DoD budgeted agencies (NSA, NRO, DIA, etc.) are appointed by the Secretary of Defense and confrimed in closed hearings, their identities not secret but usually not publicized as they are serving military officers. Officers at the assistant director or assistant secretary level are typically confirmed in unpublicized confirmation hearings of the Senate Intelliegence Committee.   Directors appointed by confirmed officers may be confirmed by Congressional oversight committees who have pprimary oversight responsibility, for instance, the Attorney General submits names of his choices for the Director of the FBI, the President makes the nomination, and the Senate Judicial Commiittee confirms that nomination.



Sources:
  1. The U.S. Intelligence Community Website
  2. Executive Order 12333, CIA Website, first issued on Dec. 4, 1981
  3. The National Security Act of 1947 (MILNET Mirror)






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