got geoint?

While we have continually been covering news around intelligence challenges the the Obama administration will face, we came across an op-ed that goes beyond the “usual” challenges (i.e., managing the bureaucratic nature of the intel community, dealing with the post Bush intel baggage, etc.). Lee Hamilton, director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., penned this op-ed, which appeared in today’s Indianapolis Star.

Some things worth noting in this op-ed:

– The intelligence community requires robust oversight to function properly. As Congress is the only source of independent advice on intelligence matters, the president should welcome the House and Senate intelligence committees’ oversight efforts.

– The new administration must restore the public’s confidence in the intelligence community’s adherence to the law and Constitution — in the wake of domestic surveillance and disturbing intelligence activities (torture, waterboarding, extralegal rendition and warrantless wiretapping).

– Human intelligence capabilities need to be improved, and cannot be strengthened unless the United States makes a strong effort to recruit a diverse work force. According to the op-ed, the chances of a white male penetrating a jihadist-terrorist cell are not good.

– To enhance recruiting, the cumbersome security clearance process needs to be changed. According to the op-ed, it poses major obstacles to candidates who have spent significant time overseas or have strong ties to foreign countries. “Simply put, the better you know a critical language, culture, or people, the less likely you are to get a security clearance.”

Happy Monday and welcome back from the post-Christmas weekend.

Tags: Intelligence Challenges, Intelligence Community, Obama Administration