CI technical capabilities for Homeland Security.

Technical counterintelligence (CI) capabilities have proven to be invaluable assets in the Global War on Terrorism. Within the mission of Homeland Security (HLS) is the inherent task of reducing incidents by enhancing preparedness, protection, and response capabilities within the United States. The 310th Military Intelligence Battalion is responsible for conducting worldwide technical operations and investigations in support of CI and counterespionage activities. By design, it plays a crucial role in detecting, neutralizing, and exploiting foreign intelligence services. As part of the 902d MI Group, the 310th MI Battalion provides unique capabilities to aid HLS and supply needed technical security vital to the U.S. Army and Department of Defense (DOD) assets.

Technical HLS Assets

To accomplish its HLS mission, the military intelligence community needs to leverage the following technical assets:

* Information warfare operations.

* Polygraph operations.

* Technical surveillance and countermeasures force protection (FP) operations.

Each unique program covers a specific area to reduce vulnerabilities within the United States and worldwide.

The Information Warfare Branch (IWB) conducts diverse CI operations and investigations. The IWB leads computer forensic operations and investigations of electronic media to detect computer intrusions. It works closely with other federal agencies in conducting forensic analysis. Successes in the area have been recognized at the national level for our timely and thorough electronic forensic analysis and network intrusion detection investigations. IWB provides superior capabilities in support of the 902d MI Group's CI mission for HLS.

The Polygraph Detachment provides worldwide support to CI and counterespionage operations for the U.S. Army. Their specific missions include:

* Conducting counterintelligence scope polygraph (CSP) examinations to support several DOD agencies.

* Conducting polygraph examinations to support the Department of the Army Cryptographic Access Program (DACAP).

* Standard polygraph missions.

Basic polygraph activities consist of support to contingency operations, FP operations, contractor linguist screening, and counterespionage investigations.

Finally, the Technical Operations Branch (TOB) is the technical surveillance and countermeasures (TSCM) section of the 31 0thMI Battalion. The mission of the TOB is to provide a quick response and comprehensive security solutions to enhance commanders' FP and physical security postures. The first priority of a TSCM investigation is to detect and neutralize technical penetrations and hazards.

Final Thoughts

The 310th MI Battalion provides specific technologically oriented assets that are critical for Homeland Security. The advantage of these assets is that they leverage technology to arm the United States with another layer of protection against terrorist incidents in the United States or other U.S. interests, as well as against the traditional threat of foreign intelligence and security services' activities. The 310th MI Battalion is on the forefront of technology and strives to advance the use of technical counterintelligence in all CI operations.

Captain Elizabeth Duncklee received her commission as a Military Intelligence Officer from Clemson University, South Carolina. She is currently serving in the S3 Office at the 310th MI Battalion at Fort Meade, Maryland. Readers may contact the authors via E-mail at [e-mail].

First Lieutenant Jeremy McKnight received his commission as an MI Officer from the United States Military Academy. He currently is serving in the S3 Office at the 310th MI Battalion at Fort Meade.