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| Marines create intel cells at rifle-company level |
| 2008-01-27 |
| A need for more intelligence analysts in the Corps is forcing infantry operations to get a whole lot smarter, under a new initiative that is for the first time pushing battalion-level intelligence know-how down to the rifle-company level. The Corps is creating company-level intelligence cells — called C-LICs — in an attempt to plug the hole and curb the loss of valuable intelligence that often goes missing when units pass the baton on the battlefield. The C-LIC initiative, launched under the direction of the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab in Quantico, Va., will soon be battle-tested by California-based 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, on its next Iraq deployment, slated for early 2008. “On this battlefield, in this era, we’re asking those rifle companies to do, frankly, sorts of things and cover an area bigger than I was used to as a battalion commander,” Vince Goulding, director of experimentation plans at the Warfighting Laboratory, said. As part of the trial, 28 Marines from 3/4 were selected for C-LIC training based on a laundry list of criteria. Each of 3/4’s C-LIC Marines had to receive the required security clearance. Those Marines also had to want the position, show an aptitude for computer skills and analytical analysis, show individual initiative and have high General Technical scores or some college experience. Yhey also needed combat experience. The new intelligence roles will also translate into new gear for the battalion. C-LIC Marines will also get an interim secret clearance. In a separate but concurrent initiative, 3/4 also will get 48 Wasp micro-unmanned aerial vehicles, outfitted with night vision. C-LIC training for 3/4 wrapped up Nov. 9, and the new intel-grunts are already pulling information to study their various areas of operations before their deployment in early 2008. Of the 28 intel-grunts, four will move up to the battalion’s intel shop as manpower replacements for the 0231 intelligence analysts headed to each company. The remaining 24 C-LIC Marines will return to their regular companies, but in support roles, commanded not by the company officer, but the battalion’s intelligence officer. Despite working as intel analysts, C-LIC Marines keep their original infantry military occupational specialty. Marines chosen for the C-LIC team, however, could also expect a little more love from command in the short term. While 3/4 is launching the lab’s trial for this initiative, the Corps isn’t waiting for the results at the end of the unit’s deployment before sharing its C-LIC model with other interested battalions. “My initial view was that [six] Marines per company would be painful, given force protection and troop-to-task requirements on the ground, but the benefit would outweigh the cost,” said Lt. Col. William Visted, the battalion’s commander, in an e-mail. “If we can generate faster, better, and more effective intelligence, it will compensate for the loss of a fire team in each company.” |
| Posted by:Pappy |
| #9 I would equate this with a beat a cop has in a neighborhood. Establishes contacts for intelligence on criminals. |
| Posted by: www 2008-01-27 21:27 |
| #8 I really like this idea, as long as it is very, very carefully managed. G2/S2 operations have long had a tendency to be top down oriented, even though they are bottom up reliant. But at the rifle company level, you can develop the damndest intel sources. The British were able to hold on to India for many years more than they should have, because of their ground level intel sources, often mistresses of soldiers. And while few of our Marines are dating Iraqi girls, unfortunately, out of some mis-oriented morality, they are making friendships right, left and sideways with Iraqis. So Abdul really likes Lance Corporal Jones, because the LC not only kept Abdul from getting his head cut off by al-Qaeda, but stood up for Abdul when a Shiite cop wanted to kick his ass on general principles. So Abdul lets LCpl Jones in on a little secret. He heard from his sister in law's cousin that a top al-Qaeda money guy is coming to town in the next week, and if the LCpl drops a dime on him, no tears will be shed, and maybe the LCpl will get a promotion, or even better, a goat. And that he should not forget his friend, Abdul, who is quite fond of goat burgers. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-01-27 19:07 |
| #7 OS (not to be confused with the poster formally known as Old Spook) is very correct. Former is ok. Ex is not. We're always in - some on active duty, some doing "other" things (cops, federales, ???). Fat Boy Murtha is the glaring exception. |
| Posted by: Bangkok Billy 2008-01-27 17:26 |
| #6 Former yes, X no.(with the dishonorable exception of Con. J. Murtha) |
| Posted by: Omung Squank9908 2008-01-27 16:04 |
| #5 Ima made to understand there's no such thing as a former Jarhead BB. |
| Posted by: Thomas Woof 2008-01-27 15:08 |
| #4 Did y'all see the description of the new intel-grunts? I want my daughters to marry those! |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2008-01-27 13:44 |
| #3 Strategypage had an article about how our troops are gathering up so much information that we don't have enough grunts to exploit all of it. Meybe these guys can sift through the intell before it grows cold. Al |
| Posted by: Frozen Al 2008-01-27 13:36 |
| #2 Marines trading a fire team for intelligence operatives? Hold my hand, I'm getting the vapors... |
| Posted by: gromky 2008-01-27 13:09 |
| #1 As a former Jarhead, I can only imagine how the acronym "C-LIC" will treated by the ever creative 0311s. |
| Posted by: Bangkok Billy 2008-01-27 13:03 |