Impact of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004

Abstract

Abstract : The paper analyzes the impact of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) on Department of Defense (DoD) operational intelligence functions. The analysis briefly covers the development and reform process, which led to the creation of the modern US Intelligence Community. The paper then views the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission as the basis for the creation of Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in order to establish how policy makers viewed the DNI role in supporting military operations. Finally, the paper highlights that although the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 provided the tools to the DNI to support operational military commanders it is far less directive than Goldwater-Nichols was for the DoD. Therefore the paper argues that the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 will not improve DoD operational intelligence activities in support of Joint Operations without a significant DNI effort. The paper recommends how DoD can engage with the DNI in order to ensure better intelligence support to operational commanders.