Intelligence

by U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 2, 'Intelligence,' describes the theory and philosophy of intelligence as practiced by the United States Marine Corps. It provides Marines a conceptual framework for understanding and conducting effective intelligence activities. The Marine Corps' view of intelligence is based on our common understanding of the nature of war and on our warfighting philosophy as described in MCDP 1, 'Warfighting'. 'Intelligence' discusses the effective use of knowledge about the enemy and the environment in support of military decision-making. Intelligence acknowledges that uncertainty pervades the battlefield and that our best intelligence efforts can only reduce, not eliminate, uncertainty.

Genres: Military Fiction

116 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 1997

About the author

The U.S. Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States. In the civilian leadership structure of the United States military, the Marine Corps is a component of the United States Department of the Navy, often working closely with U.S. naval forces for training, transportation, and logistic purposes; however, in the military leadership structure the Marine Corps is a separate branch.

Reviews

[John Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief, concise summary of basic US intelligence doctrine.
Useful reading for all Marines, even those not directly involved with intelligence operations.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

In terms of most Marine doctrine, this one was well-written and succinct in the doctrine approach and over arching respect to broader Marine concepts. While I wouldn’t be out there saying it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, because it is doctrine after all which can be dry, I find this less so than other ones, looking at you MCDP 1-0 and 1-3.

[Spurius Lartius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and clear, a high level overview of the doctrinal view of intelligence as it supports warfighting.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far less comprehensive read than the MCDP 1-3. That said it more directly addresses knowledge generation and use under uncertainty.