How to Win the Next "Libya"

            The war, yes war, in Libya is certain to become another drain on the United States.  At this time the U.S. is debating the arming of Libyan rebels.  The rebels are also now in contact with CIA operatives.  (CNN)   The decision to consult with, train, and arm rebels should have been made well before any action by rebel forces or commitment of U.S. military resources.  More effective intelligence work would have determined a decisive course of action and a quick victory by the rebels.  Instead the U.S. will be fighting another war, in a third different country, 7,000 miles from home.  This is just one more responsibility placed on the military. 

            The U.S. military is an incredible entity, more capable than any armed force in the world.  Although they are highly trained and well equipped the U.S. military is not designed to be an occupation force.  Counterinsurgency is a very demanding mission.  Iraq and Afghanistan have shown military leadership the best plan for dealing with insurgents is to enable the populace to care for and police itself.  Proper intelligence work can lay the groundwork for a populace to rise up but more importantly the information can be given to leadership so they can make a proper assessment of the situation.  Correct assessment of rebel intentions, strategies, and capabilities allow the U.S. to implement plans that have a higher probability of success.  Conversely, correct assessment could also allow the U.S. to steer clear of situations deemed less likely to be beneficial or worthwhile.  Improving and broadening the intelligence capabilities is a complex undertaking but is possible with more funding.

            The United States has $703 billion proposed for the defense budget in 2012.  (Washington Post)  While the defense budget is important for maintaining and improving our military to defend our country and project power across the globe, some of this money could be better spent to reduce the need for some military missions.  Only $55 billion has been allocated for non-military intelligence services.   (Harvard National Security Journal)  While this may seem like a large amount, the money is spread between 12 separate agencies*.  An influx of money to the intelligence community would allow the U.S. to increase, diversify, and improve international intelligence operations.  These operations could produce more desirable results at a lower cost than full scale military action.  A cost effective solution to a broadening global situation is the best course.

            Steering our military away from unnecessary conflicts and empowering other countries to do more for themselves is a worthwhile and attainable goal. 

    

*The agencies are the Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Energy (Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence), Department of Homeland Security (Office of Intelligence and Analysis), Department of State (Bureau of Intelligence and Research), Department of the Treasury (Office of Intelligence and Analysis), Drug Enforcement Administration (Office of National Security Intelligence), Federal Bureau of Investigation (National Security Branch), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, National Security Agency/Central Security Service, Office of the Director of National Intelligence.  (http://www.dni.gov/faq_intel.htm)