Page:SASC Iraq OIF Decker April 2004.pdf/5

 (U) Our EMW concept continues to be used with great success today in Iraq and Afghanistan for force protection, security and stability operations, and counter-terrorist operations. Our commanders are using actionable intelligence to conduct focused raids and attacks on a daily basis in Iraq and Afghanistan. When only partial information exists, commanders are conducting patrols and "cordon and knock" operations to generate intelligence. Actionable intelligence requires not only commanders who are empowered and willing to act, but also the presentation of target development information by Marines who are viewed as part of the team. Both focused raids and patrols are examples of commanders viewing their ISR Marines as trusted members of the command element's decision making process. It is very rewarding to routinely read in commanders' Situation Reports things like "…forces throughout the AO positioned to conduct focused, intelligence driven operations against the enemy…;" "…execution time based on actionable intelligence…;" and "…continue to gather and refine targetable intelligence…".

(U) I would like to thank the Subcommittee for your support of Marine Corps intelligence. I have tremendous pride in the contributions made and the hard work being done by our ISR Marines. With your continued support, intelligence will remain the indispensable precursor to and enabler of MAGTF operations. The Marine Corps remains focused on organizing, training, and equipping our forces to best support Marine commanders, combatant commanders and national decision makers throughout the spectrum of conflict. Incorporating recent experiences, increasing our forces' integration with joint capabilities, exploiting the flexibility and rapid response capabilities of our units, and preserving the adaptability of our Marines will collectively lead to more options for the Combatant Commanders. I look forward to addressing our successes in detail in closed session.