What is the primary goal of strategic intelligence?

The primary goal of strategic intelligence is to inform decisions at the national or theater level. This type of intelligence is critical for high-level decision-making processes, as it provides an understanding of the broader operational environment, including political, military, economic, and social factors. By synthesizing and analyzing information from various sources, strategic intelligence supports policymakers and military leaders in formulating strategies, allocating resources, and planning operations that align with national objectives and security interests.

Other options, while related to intelligence operations, do not accurately capture the essence of what strategic intelligence aims to achieve. Administrative data for units serves a different purpose and is more operational in nature rather than strategic. The focus on peacetime benefits is too narrow, as strategic intelligence is relevant both in peacetime and wartime scenarios. Additionally, while enhancing social science research may involve intelligence methods, it is not the primary objective of strategic intelligence, which is primarily concerned with influencing policy and operational decisions at higher levels of command.