Changes

The position was created amidst a host of reforms and reshuffling among federal departments and agencies, including the creation of the [[Department of Homeland Security]], after the [[9/11 attacks]]. Previously in theory, the DCI, or Director of Central Intelligence who also heads the [[CIA]], served as the link between the IC and the President. The DCI was downgraded to that of merely an agency head, no longer with direct access to the President, and must report through the DNI.

The position was created amidst a host of reforms and reshuffling among federal departments and agencies, including the creation of the [[Department of Homeland Security]], after the [[9/11 attacks]]. Previously in theory, the DCI, or Director of Central Intelligence who also heads the [[CIA]], served as the link between the IC and the President. The DCI was downgraded to that of merely an agency head, no longer with direct access to the President, and must report through the DNI.

The competition, and often confusion, between the various members of the IC exists on two levels. First the traditional and institutional difference between proactive covert intelligence operations, and reactive defensive counter-intelligence operations. Both are independently specialized fields and are often unaware of each other's activities. A central clearinghouse is needed to coordinate the two fields, exchange information, produce consensus analyized data, and avoid conflict.  

The competition, and often confusion, between the various members of the IC exists on two levels. First the traditional and institutional difference between proactive covert intelligence operations, and reactive defensive counter-intelligence measures. Both are independently specialized fields and are often unaware of each other's activities. A central clearinghouse is needed to coordinate the two fields, exchange information, produce consensus analyized data, and avoid conflict.  

Secondly, inter-agency tasking, analysis, and redundancy needs oversight and coordination. Agencies are often reluctant to share sources for fear of leaks and compromising efforts They can often be critical of each other's work. The DNI's job is to smooth over squabbling and keep people focused on a specific task. And finally, to produce a consensus analysis of data for recommendations to policymakers in both the Executive and Legislative branches.

Secondly, inter-agency tasking, analysis, and redundancy needs oversight and coordination. Agencies are often reluctant to share sources for fear of leaks and compromising efforts They can often be critical of each other's work. The DNI's job is to smooth over squabbling and keep people focused on a specific task. And finally, to produce a consensus analysis of data for recommendations to policymakers in both the Executive and Legislative branches.