The IC functions as a single corporate enterprise, supporting those who manage the nation’s strategic interests –political, economic, and military.
Intelligence is a vital element in every substantial international activity of the US Government. IC organizations support a broad range of activities, including national level policymaking, military planning and operations, law enforcement, and the countering of foreign intelligence activities.
Individual consumers (the end readers) of intelligence range from the President of the United States, to senior leadership in various organizations, to staff and line department personnel in those organizations, to field managers, to operational personnel throughout the world.
The major consumers of intelligence are: