Report Of The Defense Science Board Task Force On Defense Science And Technology Base For The 21st Century PDF Download

Collection and analysis of foreign intelligence is, and will continue to be, a vital component of U.S. national security strategy. However, there is significant debate regarding whether our existing intelligence apparatus can sufficiently transform itself to meet the demands of the 21st century. The Department of Defense (DoD) has a vested interest in this debate - both as a customer and as a major supplier - because the goals of the National Military Strategy cannot be achieved in the absence of a robust foreign intelligence apparatus. This task force first examined the anticipated 2lst century threat environment, focusing on how the threats and adversaries are changing in the post-Cold War era. We then worked to characterize future intelligence customers' needs, again emphasizing how the dynamic global security environment is altering both needs and expectations. Finally, we formulated a top-level opinion of the strategic posture of today's Intelligence Community (IC) and its ability to meet the needs of its primary DoD customers - with particular emphasis on the warfighter. Our recommendations are intended to better position the IC to meet the evolving demands of its diverse customer base.