Chris Cruden
As the global landscape shifts into an era of Great Power Competition, characterized by unconventional threats and complex geopolitical dynamics, the need for a reimagined Office of Strategic Services (OSS) framework has never been more pressing. The revival of an OSS 2.0 would empower the Department of Defense (DoD) with enhanced Human Intelligence (HUMINT) capabilities that are critical for navigating the intricacies of Irregular Warfare (IW). Leveraging an updated OSS concept, the DoD could build deeper, longer-lasting relationships with foreign partners and local populations, laying the foundation for invaluable intelligence collection and clandestine or covert operations.
The Role of HUMINT in IW
In the so-called “new” era of Great Power Competition, AKA Cold War 2.0, where the DoD prioritizes Irregular Warfare, the timeless adage “everything old is new again” rings especially true. HUMINT, a discipline often dismissed as a Cold War relic, is indispensable to IW, as it offers unparalleled insights into enemy tactics, operational plans, and overall capabilities. It is the bedrock of operations that requires an intimate understanding of the local population, its culture, and the situational dynamics on the ground. Through HUMINT, military leaders gain vital information to neutralize key enemy leaders, unravel supply chains, and disrupt operational plans.
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