This thesis traces the development of American radio intelligence at the operational and tactical levels from its beginnings in World War I through the end of World War II. It shows that signals intelligence is useful to the tactical and operational level commander. The study recommends the Army rethink signal intelligence support to the various echelons, primarily through changes to tables of organization and equipment. The thesis covers the initial appearance of radio intelligence units on the battlefields of France in the first world war, identifying specific instances where radio intelligence played a role in a command decision. It also looks at training and doctrine in the period between the two world wars. The thesis also covers the organization, doctrine, and training of radio intelligence units as they prepared for combat. It provides a glimpse into the intelligence support provided to the corps, army, and army group commanders during World War II through examination of actual intercept operations. Where possible the study compares and contrasts German radio intelligence units and operations with their American counterparts.
This thesis investigates the significance, theory and practice of tactical signal security (SIGSEC) during the Ardennes Offensive of 1944-1945. The work includes a brief introduction to the offensive and to the history of SIGSEC, and examines how the American and German armies safeguarded communications from the enemy. Inherent in this study was an investigation of actions taken by these armies to exploit their adversary’s SIGSEC and the processing and exploitation of the signal intelligence (SIGINT) they obtained. The study concludes that both armies had similar equipment, basic procedures, and training in the areas of communications, SIGSEC and SIGINT, and suffered similar deficiencies in these areas. Analysis, however, revealed a deep disparity concerning their use and importance. The Americans’ near complete lack of regard for tactical SIGINT was a major factor contributing to the success of Hitler’s deception. The U.S. Army relied heavily upon intelligence gleaned from the German ULTRA code, and American intelligence officers were untrained in the use of tactical signal intelligence, mainly using it to validate operational plans. This attitude is reflected also in the American emphasis on SIGSEC. The Germans, however, were more experienced in SIGINT and SIGSEC, and formed a structure and doctrine that focused on immediately influencing tactical operations.
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