Each U.S. military service now has “combat camera” (COMCAM) units that provide a unique visual record of military operations, according to a new manual on COMCAM tactics and procedures (pdf). The photographic and motion imagery produced by military photographers “enhances the commander’s situational awareness and establishes a historical operations record.” If and when such imagery […]
Military doctrine for the planning and execution of U.S. counterdrug operations, including detection, monitoring, disruption and interdiction of illegal drug trafficking, is presented in a new publication from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. See “Joint Counterdrug Operations” (pdf), Joint Publication JP 3-07.4, 13 June 2007. The “capstone” publication for all joint military doctrine was also […]
Noteworthy new reports of the Congressional Research Service on national security, foreign policy and other topics include the following (all pdf). “Venezuela: Political Conditions and U.S. Policy,” updated June 8, 2007. “Navy Role in Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) — Background and Issues for Congress,” updated April 16, 2007. “Turkey’s 2007 Elections: Crisis of Identity […]
The structure of Army special operations forces, their capabilities and characteristic mission profiles, and the role of intelligence in supporting them are described in a newly disclosed U.S. Army field manual (pdf). There are nine distinct missions for Army special forces, including: unconventional warfare, direct action, counterproliferation, foreign internal defense, psychological operations, and “special activities,” […]
A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate would require the Director of National Intelligence to prepare an unclassified report on energy security. “American dependence on foreign oil has made our Nation less safe,” said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) in an introductory statement. “Oil revenues have provided income for dangerous rogue states, they have sparked bloody […]
To qualify for conscientious objector status and to be granted military discharge on that basis, an individual must oppose all wars, not just a particular war. However, a conscientious objector may still embrace “spiritual warfare” between good and evil, the Department of Defense explained in a new policy instruction (pdf). “An individual who desires to […]
The U.S. intelligence community may acknowledge professional excellence by presenting employees or others with one of several monetary or honorary awards specified in a new Intelligence Community Directive (pdf). “It is the policy of the DNI to recognize and honor all individuals and groups for distinguished service and/or exceptional contributions to the security of the […]
A defense attorney in the prosecution of former CIA executive director Kyle “Dusty” Foggo and contractor Brent Wilkes on bribery charges has refused to undergo a background investigation or submit to other procedures required in order to obtain a security clearance for access to classified information. Defense counsel should not be required “to undergo any […]
Notable new reports of the Congressional Research Service include the following (all pdf). “Iran: Ethnic and Religious Minorities,” May 25, 2007. “National Continuity Policy: A Brief Overview,” June 8, 2007. “‘No Confidence’ Votes and Other Forms of Congressional Censure of Public Officials,” June 11, 2007. “Veterans and Homelessness,” May 31, 2007. “Border Security: The San […]
“Intelligence community contracting and procurement activities are receiving increasing scrutiny from Congress,” an official of the Office of Director of National Intelligence told a meeting of industry officials last month. “Congressional oversight is intensifying,” said Daniel C. Nielsen (pdf), ODNI Deputy Procurement Executive. Among other things, “Senior congressional leaders favor increased IC procurement data reporting,” […]
A bill introduced in the House of Representatives last month would require that certain reports of the Congressional Research Service be made publicly available online. The “Congressional Research Accessibility Act” (HR 2545) was introduced on May 24 by Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT), along with Reps. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and David Price (D-NC). (The bill was […]
The National Reconnaissance Office, the U.S. intelligence agency that builds and operates spy satellites, has released a redacted version of its declassification guide (pdf) for review of historical records that also provides a unique overview of the agency. Although the primary purpose of the document is to assist official reviewers in the declassification process, it […]