incorrect

If an installation is transitioned, defensive capabilities are
reduced with the size of the base. One of the most vital assets
to an installation is an Aerostat. Installations where
an Aerostat could be transferred to the Afghans had fewer
threats than those that lost their “eye in the sky” to deter
enemy activity, provide early warning, and identify hostile
activity. It was identified that early forward positioning an
FP Officer and an MOS 35F (Intelligence Analyst) to build
relationships and tie into the base defense operations paid
great dividends. Each installation base defense cell or TF
along with the human intelligence and counter intelligence
teams become our best source of intelligence. As the BOS-I
leaves, only small security elements remain with maybe as
little as concertina wire in the final days. Tracking subtle
changes in enemy activity and constant adjustment of FP
measures are essential.
The CMRE is not tasked, equipped, or placed to assume
the traditional roles and responsibilities of any defense entity.
It is not until the final weeks or days that this responsibility
becomes critical for the CMRE to assume. With the
reduction of the remaining barriers and walls it becomes incumbent
of the CMRE to ensure security and awareness is
maintained during operations. As BOS-I and integrated base
defense controls and protects throughout the base security
zone, the CMRE S2/FP becomes important and a contributor/enabler
as all organic assists are moved or descoped.
Train up and Preparation
As the intelligence section began to prepare for this unique
mission the leadership looked at what would be the most
important tools and our primary weapon systems. In an
SB the analysts primary weapon system is the Distributed
Common Ground Station–Army (DCGS-A). Even with the
utilization of other systems in-Theater such as Palantir,
DCGS-A still plays a significant role. Receiving the latest upgraded
hardware was critical to tying into the Theater intelligence
architecture. Another key piece of hardware to have
on hand is the Global Broadcast System (GBS). Even with all
the other systems providing the same feeds and information,
having a secondary system or one that does not draw
from the same bandwidth the rest of the Brigade is using
provides another key system to keep the unit tied into intelligence
feeds.
Additional classroom training was conducted prior to
the intelligence section’s deployment that resulted in
gains of efficiency. Having little to no garrison requirement
for a DCGS-A, skills are lost. The DCGS-A Pre-deployment
Operator’s Course offered through Foundry becomes critical.
This is also true for the GBS Users’ Course. Other nonsystem
based training like the Green on Blue Train the
Trainer Course provided the ability to disseminate more
effectively on awareness of insider threat to organic lower
units, increasing awareness and survivor ability. The other
intelligence related course that produced great dividends
in the accuracy and effectiveness of intelligence operations
and support is the foreign disclosure representative course.
With the diverse groups, whether other North American
Treaty Organization countries or Afghanistan, the CMRE provides
many products at various classifications across multiple
networks. This responsibility takes a marked amount of
time and if not done correctly will initiate significant consequences.
Training and guides are available but a close tie to
the RC/TAAC Foreign Disclosure Officer is critical.
Non-Foundry or intelligence related courses worth considering
are CPOF and Blue Force Tracker (BFT). Though not always
associated with the S2 section, many commands will
use CPOF and post SIGACTs or other pertinent information
on these systems. The challenge of tying into all the needed
data streams and locations is eased if you are able to observe
the COP other commands in your unit or the BOS-I
you are supporting are utilizing. By utilizing the CPOF you
are also able to provide an enemy or threat COP in a format
that can be easily transferred to the system those you
are supporting are operating on and increase the flow and
timeliness of information you are providing. The BFT becomes
a tool for your awareness as convoys move along
the MSR/ASRs. With the software already built into the BFT
timely critical situational updates can be pushed to those
convoys that may be directly affected. An example of this
would be IED emplacing reports or engagements occurring
further ahead on the MSR/ASR.
Conclusion
For the SB S2 section the intelligence duties and responsibilities
are the same as other S2 sections but the focus
changes rapidly and the section TTPs must be able to change
rapidly and adjust with the changing focus and shift in responsibilities
to maintain the flow of timely and accurate
intelligence to support MDMP and the commander. The focus
is not always military but more political, economic and
social. The dynamic OE varies and changes from mature
to austere conditions and expeditionary capabilities. The
CMRE must be able to adapt to various systems and to areas
with varying capabilities and requirements, whether it’s
drawing support from the OE’s organic units or conducting
additional analysis to support FP.
The CMRE mission from inception to its current operation
has changed due to the changing environment and reduction
in both forces and infrastructure throughout the
Theater. The support to the mission by the S2 is fluid and
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