Thank you for your analysis. I am sure it takes much time and energy to gather and decipher information like that. We would never hear this type of information on media magpie stations.
P.S. Thank you for using plain words.
The Raison d'Etre (reason for being) for an Intelligence Officer is to give the commanders the intelligence information they need to know to do their job. The WORST sin you can commit is to waste a flag officer's time. They will not forgive you.
You learn quickly that you know the deep background intel and they don't. They don't need to, that's why they have you. You hit the high points in a brief and they ask you questions. And believe me, if they need to know something and you didn't give it to them, they will ask. From this you learn the 'altitude' of the briefing the commander prefers.
A pleasant side effect from standing in front of a 4-star and getting questioned is that you permanently lose your fear of public speaking. I'd much rather deliver a talk on the history of the piccolo to a crowded Rose Bowl than be the focus of an angry flag officer.
As for getting information you wouldn't see from the LSM, it works both ways. I learn from all y'all. You have experiences and expertise I will never have. I am better for being around y'all.
SpyNavy
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)