Differences between the gathering methods and analysis of intelligence for strategic and tactical purposes have inherent and undeniable differences, which can be associated with the purposes for which the information is being gathered, as well as the close working relationship between the two processes.
Strategic operations as the word implies is in regards to the creation of a strategy, a COA, and is generally information that will be key to the development, planning and decision making regarding future operations that will take place upon the ground.Tactical operations information gathering pertains more precisely to factors that may directly and or immediately affect the performance or outcome of the actions within the theater on the ground; based on the COA that strategic information planning has developed. This is one of the first notable differences between the two.Strategic information gathering may take place (But is not limited to this scenario) well in advance, whereas tactical intelligence gathering, is directly and immediately pertinent to action within the theater is generally a need of a more immediate nature, and often gained through means of direct observation and/or communication. An excellent example of strategic planning would be the scenario involving the ultimate disaster, nuclear war between the U.
S. nd Russia. According to author Jeffrey Richelson, The Wizards of Langley inside the CIA's Directorate of Science and Technology, "The Strategic theory was simple.By ensuring that U. S. Missiles would survive any Soviet attempt to destroy them in their silos, the United States would preserve its retaliatory capability, and any Soviet incentive to engage in a first strike would be removed"(Richelson.
2002. p. 150) Strategic information gathering as noted by John G. Heidenrich, The State of Strategic Intelligence; The Intelligence Community's Neglect of Strategic Intelligence, involves in depth studies and multiple areas of expertise. This is due to the fact that " In strategic intelligence especially, though not exclusively, every issue involves multiple disciplines: politics, economics, organizational behavior, infrastructure studies (terrain, transportation, telecommunications" (Heidenrich. 1997.
para. 39).Strategic gathering is a thought process that is aimed at determining multiple what if scenarios. Human nature plays a large role in COA decision making; therefore a strategist should be well educated on the unique cultural aspects of a society under investigation.
For example a key question asked may be; what will the enemy’s possible responses be if a particular course of action is pursued. Tactical information gathering is more interested in what is on the ground, or in the immediate area.This information may include the terrain, which can play a crucial role in the logistics involved in movement of troops and/or supplies and weapons from point A to point B. In gathering tactical data the emphasis on education would be to have a solid education in subjects such as meteorology, weather forecasting, geography and topography for example. Another difference besides the time frame the information is used within, and the actual information that is being gathered, and preferred education requirements for Tactical and Strategic information gathering, is how it is gathered.
Strategic gathering, with the goal to implement a strategy may involve in depth studies, such as statistics, trends, even enemy journals and magazines, as well as incoming information from tactical maneuvers, such as satellite input that allows review of buildings and activities in an area that may imply a development in progress that could require future actions, such as seen with the situation that has been ongoing in North Korea. Information gathering allows awareness of what possibilities may be developing, and further information will be gathered to plan a response in the event of a worst case scenario.Tactical gathering, such as on the ground spy infiltration missions may be required to complete a strategic plan, and is usually much more hands on. The gathering of tactical information is sometimes referred to as reconnaissance, which often, if not always involves real time observation. This immediacy means that multiple, and ever changing factors may affect tactical intelligence operations, such as weather, or enemy troop movements.
This also leads to another major difference between tactical information gathering, and statistical, as tactical information may result in immediate response, in reaction or to prevent a situation occurring at the time gathered. An excellent example of use of tactical information gathering would be a situation such as when aerial surveillance locates enemy troop movement on the ground, which pose an immediate and direct threat to allies. This relayed information can consequently be used to negate the risk by responding with artillery dropped upon the location of the enemy troops.So it may be said that strategic information, before being acted upon will require further analysis; it is not Put to Use by the gatherer. Tactical information as noted on the other hand, may, out of necessity be put to use by the gatherer.
Another difference that may be observed between strategic information gathering and tactical is the permanence of the plan. As is noted by the Haines Center for Strategic Management, Strategic Versus Tactical Operational Thinking, in strategic planning there is a stated mission, a clear plan.Haines concluded that reversing strategic plans would be very difficult, regardless of incoming new information, whereas tactical plans in progress are relying on constantly updating, fresh information, and upon receipt of further intelligence are capable of and often do, and must be able to maintain much more flexibility. So it may be said that strategic information gathering is generally in regards to long range plans that need to be well thought out because they are not as easily reversed, and tactical planning needs to be more versatile, and plan back doors, or contingency plans, to account for unknown possible variables that may occur.
Strategic information gathering may cover a broad area, even across continents, whereas tactical information is generally concerned with an area designated as the theater. Haines states that “Strategic information gathering is about achieving a “means to an end”, and tactical is interested in the means to achieve the desired end. Strategic is more concerned with possible cultural responses, and outcome scenarios, whereas tactical is more concerned with the terrain and weather, logistics on the ground.This means strategic information gathering may involve much study and reading of materials, whereas tactical may involve live monitoring, of satellites for example. The gatherer of strategic information will not personally use the information, whereas often tactical information gatherers may, often out of necessity, put information to immediate use.
While the two disciplines are quite different, they are certainly two halves of a whole, that work together to accomplish the mission at hand.
