Joint Intelligence Operational Command

The Joint Intelligence Operational Command is a proposal by the Defense Department. The proposed new department, The New York Times reported on January 25, 2005, "would elevate intelligence missions to much more prominence and possibly replace the Defense Intelligence Agency.

The Defense Department, and other US agencies, have found a mandate in the 9-11 Commission report to improve intelligence across the board. The new department would implement new ideas in intelligence gathering, such as "fighting for intelligence," which is launching military operations for the purpose obtaining intelligence.

The CIA's main concern is the expanded role of the Pentagon in intelligence gathering could effectively avoid the Congressional oversight demanded by law for operations carried out by intelligence agencies.

These ideas are influenced by new approaches initiated by Stephen A. Cambone, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, and his deputy, Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin. Boykin is known for such statements like, "Our spiritual enemy will only be defeated if we come against them in the name of Jesus."

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