Federal Intelligence Agencies
Their Missions and How They Function
The following describes some of the major U.S. intelligence and security agencies and their functions. In addition, the major branches of the military have their own intelligence agencies, all reporting to the Pentagon via the Defense Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)The Central Intelligence Agency was created in 1947 with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry Truman. The National Security Act charged the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) with coordinating the Nation’s intelligence activities and correlating, evaluating, and disseminating intelligence that affects national security. The CIA is an independent agency, responsible to the President through the…
