What Would be the Functions of an Intelligence Agency?
This really is primarily done for the sake of the country's national security and defense. This really is attained by spying, intercepting communication between foreign authorities, and most importantly, between its military installations. In most cases, the task of intercepting and decoding military communication is undertaken with a separate defense intelligence agency, and other international matters are dealt with a higher intelligence agency.
The important functions of the different intelligence agencies may be broadly classified into these categories:
I. Collection Of Intelligence
It is always the primary objective of any intelligence agency. These operations aren't necessarily conducted within the legal boundaries. Extra legal measures are always employed in pursuit of critical information. Sometimes, on the request of some government official, intelligence agencies also collect information that's already obtainable in the public domain.
This really is said to be a significant waste of the Γραφείο ιδιωτικών ερευνών agency's resources. Many commissions and other ex-intelligence officers have recommended putting a finish to these practices. They argue that the role of the agencies should really be limited to obtaining information that cannot otherwise be obtained through conventional channels of communication and other diplomatic contacts and sources.
However, several experts say that the viability of individual cases should really be evaluated keeping in mind the entire interests of the country's foreign policy and threats to its security.
II. Analysis Of Obtained Intelligence
Analyzing the raw data and evaluating the threat to the country's security is the next most important task of any intelligence agency. It involves the assessment of a certain intelligence agency's significance. A number of hostile organizations keep issuing threats against one or another country. The intelligence agencies collect information regarding all such incidents.
Though not them all pose real threat to the security, the process of analyzing involves the discarding irrelevant threats and identifying the real challenges to a nation. Additionally, it involves anticipating the time and location of any such hostile activity to avoid that. Additionally they suggest the federal government to take preemptive measures against any threat that jeopardizes the country's interest or security on a significant scale.
Some roles of organizations, such as for instance geospatial intelligence agency, are limited to these two functions.
III. Organizing And Executing Covert Operations
A greater intelligence agency also conducts covert operations. The U.S. aid to the Afghan mujahidin during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan is widely considered the history's biggest covert operation by any country of the world. This comprises providing support for factions hostile to the enemy country. They are also given logistic and monetary support. This also involves the use of propaganda against elements hostile to a country.
IV. Counterintelligence
This really is one of the foremost responsibilities of any agency. It is performed to be able to safeguard the nation from the activities of another hostile intelligence agency. This may include defensive along with offensive missions.
