Considerations for NATO Ground Forces in Joint Intelligence , Surveillance and Reconnaissance Operations
by LTC Nate Martin ( USA ) LANDCOM G-2
An MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft comes in for a touch-and-go during a training mission . Photo by Senior Master Sgt . Paul Holcomb US Army
Joint Intelligence , Surveillance and Reconnaissance ( JISR ) is a critical aspect of all military operations as it provides information and intelligence to decision-makers allowing them to make informed and timely decisions 1 . As NATO establishes a permanent JISR system incorporating current platforms , such as the NATO AWACS aircraft , and new systems like the Alliance Ground Surveillance ( AGS ) system , it is critical that NATO Ground Forces ’ intelligence needs and considerations are factored in future plans and missions that can quickly shift reliance to the air , maritime and space domain .
Ground Forces represent the largest contributor of personnel and combat system within the Alliance . As such , they require volumes of information and intelligence for the planning and successful execution of military operations . Experience the Alliance gained from operations in Afghanistan and Libya has resulted in ISR assets being accessible to military personnel at the lowest tactical levels 2 . These 15 years have resulted in an expectation of almost endless resources during military operations . It is important for Commanders and Staff within the NATO Command Structure and Force Structure to realize that there are limited resources to share across the Alliance and Air and / or Space Superiority is not a given in future operations . These require advocacy for ground forces planning factors and considerations across NATO .
Operational Risk within JISR
With the acquisition of five remotely piloted aircraft , NATO will have its first traditional ISR asset , the AGS 3 . Five platforms are a far cry from the amount of airborne ISR Ground Force Commanders are accustomed to after 15 years of operations in Afghanistan . Preparing for potential conflict with near-peer threats means accepting Air and Space ISR saturation will not be readi-
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