Strategic intelligence is defined as intelligence that is required for the formulation of strategy, policy, and military plans and operations at national and theater levels. Similarly, in relation to homeland security, it can be defined as intelligence required for policy makers to create policies and plans that protect the U.S. and its interests. It is an all encompassing form of intelligence utilizing information from tracking nuclear weapons in other countries to cyber threats directed at the U.S. Earning a degree in intelligence will enable individuals the ability to provide consumers of intelligence relevant and accurate strategic intelligence in order to make informed decisions protecting U.S. security.

Military leaders and U.S. policy makers constitute a large portion of the consumers of national security intelligence. Recent global events such as North Korea’s testing of their third nuclear weapon, which could indicate that they are getting closer to the capability of a nuclear missile, require collection and analysis by personnel trained in the intelligence field. Al Qaeda groups, such as those forming in Africa, require continuous monitoring by the Intelligence Community (IC) in order to determine their capabilities and threat to the U.S. and our allies. The U.S. is continuously monitoring situations that affect national security, and the IC continues to look for personnel with formal training and experience in the field of intelligence. Another key asset within the IC is personnel with cultural and foreign language skills. Those with a degree in intelligence will be better suited to meet demands within the IC.

Members of the IC are on the forefront of protecting U.S. national security. An excerpt from the White House National Security Strategy published in 2010 highlights the need for trained personnel within the IC. It states that, “Our country’s safety and prosperity depend on the quality of the intelligence we collect and the analysis we produce, our ability to evaluate and share this information in a timely manner, and our ability to counter intelligence threats. This is as true for the strategic intelligence that informs executive decisions as it is for intelligence support to homeland security, state, local, and tribal governments, our troops, and critical national missions.” It goes on to state that enhancing the capabilities of the IC are crucial to the success in protecting the U.S.

As the war in Afghanistan comes to a close at the end of 2014, there will be an increased need to monitor terrorist groups in that region and ensure that al Qaeda does not take root again. Additionally with the potential looming sequestration, it may become more difficult for the IC community to monitor threats against the U.S. and its allies. This increases the demand for IC members to become more efficient and continue to collaborate and share information. Personnel who have a degree in intelligence offer a competitive advantage in meeting the needs of U.S. Intelligence Community and keeping the U.S. safe. Though real world experience is near priceless, a very good substitute for years working in the intelligence community is a degree in intelligence.

Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, strategic intelligence, degree in intelligence, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, strategic intelligence, degree in intelligence, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Author Bio: Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, strategic intelligence, degree in intelligence, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Category: Education
Keywords: strategic intelligence,degree in intelligence