What level of intelligence is produced for the President, Congress, SecDef, senior military leaders and combatant commanders?

The level of intelligence produced for the President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense (SecDef), senior military leaders, and combatant commanders is classified as National Strategic intelligence. This type of intelligence is broad in scope and is focused on understanding national security challenges, international developments, and emergent threats that can impact the entire nation or national policy.

National Strategic intelligence is crucial for high-level decision-making and helps inform policy and strategy at the highest levels of government. It synthesizes information from various sources and agencies to provide comprehensive insights into issues that affect national security and is intended for senior officials who need to make significant strategic decisions.

Operational intelligence, on the other hand, is more focused on specific military operations and the objectives in a particular theater of operation. Tactical intelligence is concerned with more immediate, short-term needs relevant to tactical operations and battlefield decisions. Counterintelligence focuses on the protection of sensitive information and the prevention of espionage or intelligence threats. While each type of intelligence serves a distinct purpose, the highest level of strategic understanding and guidance is delivered through National Strategic intelligence.