History of U.S. Intelligence
← Third Culture Kids | Soul → |
Provision of maximum security is always a key demand for people from their government. The U.S. Government has always endeavored to ensure that its provides credible security to all citizens as well as the visitors to the U.S. Being a super power, the country has many enemies. This makes protection of the country’s borders quite a sensitive issue. As a result, the government has over time employed intelligence services in order to gather critical information regarding the security state of the country. The various changes in security matters have often called for reforms in the intelligence. This paper explores the various reforms that the U.S. intelligence has undergone over time.
Key words: Intelligence
Introduction
The intelligence services in the United States have a very rich history, often undergoing reforms in order to meet the demands of the society. General George Washington is reported is reported to have enlisted the services of secret intelligence service officers during the Revolutionary war. In 1775 for instance, George Washington deployed an intelligence service officer in Boston; the officers reported comprehensively on the military activities of the British forces, especially their movement. The result of this intelligence report and similar reports by a number of intelligence agents that had been recruited was the U.S. victory at York Town and the corresponding ability of the continental army to evade the British soldiers during the winters at Valley Forge (Lowenthal, 19992). The Continental Congress also recognized the importance of intelligence services in championing the colonial’s cause and in late 1775 formed the Committee of Secret Correspondence. The committee was given the mandate to collect foreign intelligence from people in England, Ireland and other European countries to aid in prosecution of the war (Richard & Cumming, 2005). In this research paper, different historical sources are explored in order to establish the major reforms that the U.S. intelligence underwent especially after the World War II, the Congress investigations in the 1970s and also the 9/11 attack and the war in Iraq.
George Washington’s interest in Intelligence
George Washington’s desire for intelligence services was imminent and ascended to the presidency. As a president, he appealed to the Congress to allocate funds for establishing intelligence services. This was in his very first state of the Union address in January 1790. The appeal was successful; in July, the Congress established the Contingent Fund for Foreign Intercourse, also to be known as the Secret Service Fund and authorized $ 40,000 for this course. As a result of great support and need for intelligence services in the country, it took only three since its inauguration for budgetary allocation towards intelligence services to shoot to 12 % of the government’s budget at the time. In later years, the House of Representatives necessitated that the information on the use of the amount be revealed; President Polk refused to comply with this request in 1846 citing sensitivity of the information involved. This was to be a precedent that other presidents were to follow.
American Civil War
Intelligence services were to gain more prevalence during the American civil war. Different historians do agree that both the Union and Confederate leadership had high esteem for information gathered through intelligence and always competed to oust each other in gathering this information. The Confederate side established the Signal and Secret Service Bureau whose primary charter was obtaining the northern newspapers. On the other hand, the Union’s Navy, State and war departments each maintained an intelligence service. Each side secretly maintained its intelligence service and tried to protect the gathered information from getting into the hands of the other group as was the case when Union codebreakers decoded Confederate messages and learnt that the plates for Confederate currency were being manufactured in New York.
Giving support to military operations was the main purpose of intelligence services before 1880s. This was however to be given a totally new face especially during the President Roosevelt’s tenure. He highly rated intelligence information and employed the information in order to achieve different targets. Unlike most of his successors who had used intelligence services for military gains, he used the services in order to gather foreign intelligence. It is reported that the president employed intelligence service in inciting a revolution in Panama with the aim of annexing the Panama Canal. This was replicated in 1907, when he relied on the intelligence information that indicated military build-up of the Japanese as his justification of the worldwide cruise of the “Great White Fleet” (Roger & Robert, 2002). Despite these events, intelligence in the early 20th century remained purposefully for domestic intelligence capabilities. In 1908, the security of the members of the congress was questioned following immense reports which indicated that the Secret Service was spying on these members. As a counter measure, the Justice Department’s Bureau of Investigation was created. This was later changed to the famous Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Bureau grew rapidly and its roles also increased significantly to include collection of crucial foreign intelligence in 1916. Intelligence services intensified during the World War II, the Congressional Investigations of the 1970s and even most significantly following the September, 11 terrorism attack and the War in Iraq begun in March 2003 (Lowenthal, 1992).
World War II
The events that transpired during the World War I served to increase the interests of United States in the European affairs. As a result, more foreign intelligence had to be obtained using a variety of means. In 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt sent William J. Donovan, an aficionado of intelligence to Europe. He was able to provide a comprehensive report on intelligence upon his return in 1941. As a result of the report, Donovan was appointed coordinator of information and as such was to form a non- military intelligence organization, an idea he had generated. Donovan was expected to gather information from different intelligence bodies and together with his team provide the analysis of the information. Vulnerability of the strength of the intelligence teams was laid open by the Japanese’s unprecedented attack on Pearl Harbor in December 7, 1941. Poor coordination of the intelligence teams was blamed on the lack of information regarding the attack. With eventual entrance into the World War II, the U.S. had to strengthen its intelligence. This led to the formation of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in June 1942. This team was charged with the provision of all important clandestine information on Alexis Powers. Rivalry from other intelligence teams remained major obstacles to the operations of the OSS (Roger & Robert, 2005).
In addition to the OSS, the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) was also created in 1942. It carried out a number of intelligence operations around the globe, including signal interception and photo reconnaissance. It provided vital intelligence analysis not only to U.S. but extended its services to allied forces to ensure that they emerged victorious. The end of World War II saw the disbanding of OSS and the formation of National Security Council (NSC) to coordinate the civilian and military national security policy for the president and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to coordinate national security intelligence.
The Congressional Investigations of the 1970
The congress took a lot of interest in the activities of the intelligence community especially in the last half of the 1970’s decade. New reforms in intelligence were instituted and mechanisms were also put in place to check the implementation of those reforms. In 1974, the congress passed an amendment to the Foreign Assistance act that required the president report to relevant committees on any intelligence operation any covert CIA operation in a foreign country. This was aimed at streamlining the CIA following media revelations on its covert operations in Angola (Roger & Robert, 2005).
In 1978, the Congress passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act 1978. The Act gave new directions on how foreign intelligence surveillance would be conducted. It created special courts that would authorize surveillance of electronic communication for intelligence services. This was aimed at combating unwarranted searches that were previously being perpetrated by intelligence officers who claimed presidential authority. These reforms were as a fact aimed at protecting the rights of the people since intelligence officers were enormously violating the constitutional rights of the people.
September 11, 2001 and the War in Iraq initiated in March 2003
Good intelligence was identified as the best instrument in combating terrorism activities as well as defeating resurgence in Iraq. In order to achieve these and other goals, various reforms were suggested. Among the important recommendations that were implemented are: the establishment of the position of the Director of National Intelligence, (DNI), the creation of the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) and National Counter Proliferation Center (NCPC), the creation of intelligence-oriented National Security Service in the FBI and the breaking down of many walls preventing corporation and information sharing among the intelligence community’s 15 federal agencies. These reforms in the intelligence have resulted in a better Intelligence Community that is expected to achieve a lot for the country (Jack, 2005).
Conclusion
Intelligence services have existed in the United States for a long time. The need for these services increases as time goes. At independence, domestic intelligence was the main concern of the government. Global changes have necessitated investment in foreign intelligence in order to protect the people from any foreign attack while at the same time ensuring that domestic problems are effectively addressed. Unlike in the past, all aspects of the economy in the world today greatly rely on the ability to provide accurate intelligence information. Investors rely on intelligence information before making the decision on where to invest and so do tourists. It is only by having credible intelligence service national security can be enhanced.
Dramatic changes occurred in the organization of U.S. intelligence during World War II. U.S.’s involvement in this war called immense gathering of intelligence, this led to expansion of the intelligence community (IC) and increased sophistication in intelligence operations. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was created and played a crucial role in coordinating the various intelligence groups that constituted the intelligence community.
Congress investigations of the 1970s of the intelligence community were well intended. They ensured that intelligence budget was manageable. The reforms also ensured that intelligence operations are carried out within the law and hence no violation of the constitution. The reforms have continued and in the wake of 9/11 attack and the war in Iraq, focus has been on improving intelligence operations in order to combat terrorism activities.
- Soul
- Harmonizing Class Differences by Intersecting Gender, Sexuality and Race
- Third Culture Kids
- Bilingualism
Thomas C.
Louisville, KY
|
|
|
I loved the paper that your writers helped me with. They wrote from a very interesting perspective that I had never even considered. My teacher was happy with the work, and so was I. Thank you very much. |
Ren B.
Sparks, NV
|
|
|
I ordered two papers from you at once. Both of them had strict deadlines and not that much time left. Your writers managed to get both papers to me on time, and both of them received high marks. I am so happy about this! |
Nancy B.
Lawrence, KS
|
|
|
I accidentally read the wrong chapters for my history assignment. Therefore, when it came down to the wire and I needed to hand in my history paper, I had to reach out for help very quickly. Your writers were able to put something together for me so fast! I couldn’t believe it! I handed the paper in and got a very high score on it. I was stunned! Thank you so much for your help! |
Sarah H.
Brooklyn, NY
|
|
|
As always, I can count on EssaysEmpire.com to never let me down. I had to place an emergency order and was worried that I had not given the writer enough time to do a good job. I was wrong. They did a tremendous job! Thanks ever so much! |
Enrico V.
San Diego, CA
|
|
|
I was really happy about the speedy turn around time for my paper. It is rare to find a writing service that can write things so quickly without taking away from their quality. Hats off to EssaysEmpire.com! |
Mark M.
Cambridge, MA
|
|
|
The paper I ordered from EssaysEmpire.com is incomparable! Thanks for doing such stellar work. I have recommended your services to a few other folks who plan to try you out soon. EssaysEmpire.com gets my vote for best writing service every time. |
Trilly M.
Spokane, WA
|
|
|
I just had to let you know how much I appreciated receiving a paper back that was of quality that high. I will recommend your writing service to other people I know. You guys do great work. |
Quincy S.
Cambridge, MA
|
|
|
You guys did a super job on my paper. The work definitely exceeded my expectations and eased my anxiety. This was the first time I had hired a writing service. The transaction was seamless. I would use you guys again in a heartbeat! No questions asked. You’re the best, hands down. |
Pete F.
Sparta, NJ
|
|
|
Dear EssaysEmpire.com, I have never used a writing service like yours before. None of the ones I have tried previously offered the kind of guarantees that you offer. I even bought a paper that was plagiarized once. I never have to worry about things like that with EssaysEmpire.com! Thanks a million! |
Philipa W.
Rome, ITALY
|
|
|
The paper that your writers did for me on the topic of, The Psychological Effects of Fluorescent Lighting in the Workplace,” was right on the money! They included my long list of customizations and did not charge extra for them. The formatting was just right. There were no grammatical errors. The length was what it was supposed to be. I am so happy that I chose to let the EssaysEmpire.com writers take care of my paper for me. I will choose this writing service again without hesitation. |
Sanjaya K.
Calcutta, INDIA
|
|
|
I am fully satisfied with my research paper. It cannot have been easy for your writers to compose! The topic is called, "PARALLEL ALGORITHM FOR MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MATRIX MULTIPLICATION OPERATIONS REPRESENTATION USING KARNAUGH MAP”. That is a very difficult topic! However, your writers developed an algorithm, included a diagram and a graph and related multi-dimensional matrix multiplication perfectly. I am thrilled with the work I received and will be using your company again in the near future. Thank you for all of your hard work on this project. I love it! |
Mary R.
New York
|
|
|
Writer #48376 was very easy to work with. My professor made some changes to his requirements after he had assigned the paper. All I had to do was call your customer service and request to speak with the writer directly. Was able to relay the changes that my professor wanted, and he (writer #48376) accommodated them with no problem. I thought that was great. No headaches and perfect work. I couldn’t ask for a better experience! |
Sylvia S.
Ardmore, OK
|
|
|
Dear EssaysEmpire.com, Over the last couple of years, I have used your writing service for a total of five times. I have never had the same writer twice, but I have had excellent results with the writers who were assigned to my projects. I could easily recommend you guys. You’re the greatest! |
Kyle N.
Tempe, AZ
|
|
|
Dear Sirs: I have just placed my third order from EssaysEmpire.com this term. I feel confident that my paper will be written on time and that the quality of it will be out of the ballpark. The first two papers I ordered from you got A+ marks, and I know this one will, too. It is so great to be able to sit back and concern myself with my reading and exams while you do the difficult writing projects for me. That is really great. You guys are a class act! |
Marcus H.
Eugene, OR
|
|
|
You’ve done it again! Every time I order a paper from EssaysEmpire.com, you top the last one. This latest one was the best yet. I truly do appreciate the fact that you offer such high quality writing. It never fails. With some of the other writing services online, you ever really know what you are going to get. Sometimes, they just sell you a paper that someone else has already bought. I never have to worry about things like that happening when I use EssaysEmpire.com. |
Marcy V.
Paris, FR
|
|
|
Given the short amount of time I gave your writers to create my term paper, I was amazed by how good it was when I received it back! It appeared they had spent months writing it, rather than just one week. Thank you, EssaysEmpire.com! I enjoyed doing business with you. You are a fabulous writing company. |
Cleo C.
Wichita, KS
|
|
|
To the writers at EssaysEmpire.com: Next week, I will be graduating with a degree in clinical psychology. Over the course of my college years, I have had to turn to you for help many times. Each and every time, you produced some of the highest quality writing my professors had ever seen. Because of you, I was able to keep a high grade point average and get into an excellent grad school. There are simply no words adequate enough to fully express my appreciation, so I’ll simply say, “thank you” and let it go at that. Please know that you are appreciated. |
Mark C.
Mexico City, MX
|
|
|
Thanks to EssaysEmpire.com, I was able to keep my GPA up and will be graduating soon. I really needed assistance with my writing. I aced everything else, but I have always had problems expressing myself in writing. The writers at EssaysEmpire.com took the ball and ran with it! Because of them, I am going to graduate. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all of the valuable assistance. |
John G.
Erie, PA
|
|
|
Thanks goes out to the writers who presented me with the best paper I have ever turned in. My professor was so impressed with it that he took excerpts from it to put in his class handouts on how to write the perfect paper. EssaysEmpire.com, you made me one proud student today! |
Steve Y.
Ft. Worth, TX
|
|
|
I would just like to say that I am tremendously happy with the two papers that were written for me by the EssaysEmpire.com writers. They were just what I ordered….only better. |