CIA vs DOD: A Conversation with David Oakley

Post-9/11 Shift

The relationship between the CIA and DoD has significantly evolved, especially after 9/11. David Oakley explains that the CIA's role has shifted from long-term strategic analysis to more immediate, tactical support for military operations, which has led to increased subordination to the DoD 1. This shift is partly driven by policymakers' desire for quick results, often for political gain 2.

The idea of turning the CIA into a push button, gee whiz, let's see the bad guy blow up. And that makes me happy.

--- Vince Houghton

Oakley argues that this change has fundamentally altered the CIA's independence and its original mission 1.

   

War on Terror Impact

The War on Terror has had profound impacts on intelligence operations. David Oakley notes that the global battlefield concept has disrupted traditional intelligence collection methods, causing friction between the CIA and DoD 3. This shift has also led to the evolution of new roles within the CIA, such as targeters, which did not exist before 9/11 4.

If the whole world is a potential battlefield, then there's no such thing as doing standard human intelligence collection anymore.

--- Vince Houghton

Oakley highlights that these changes have sometimes undermined long-term intelligence efforts and strained relationships with allies 3.

   

Intelligence Preparation

Intelligence preparation of the battlefield has become a contentious issue. David Oakley discusses how the militarization of foreign policy has given combatant commanders significant influence in shaping global affairs 5. This dominance has raised concerns about the balance of power between military and intelligence agencies.

This role of the combatant commanders shaping the environment has given them kind of a dominant position in foreign affairs.

--- David Oakley

Oakley emphasizes that this shift has led to a broader militarization of intelligence, affecting the CIA's traditional roles and responsibilities 6.