ABSTRACT
America first used intelligence when conducting military operations. Indeed, the oldest surviving U.S. intelligence agency is the Office of Naval Intelligence, founded in 1882. While the military variant adheres to the basic structures of intelligence production, it also contains unique features to serve the needs of the commander in the field or the general at headquarters. Perhaps most notable, military intelligence is overseen by the “2 Section,” an organizational structure that extends from the smallest to the largest operational unit. Each of the services has its own intelligence branch and both officers and enlisted personnel can serve as intelligence professionals throughout their careers.
