The Defense Intelligence Agency is expanding its espionage program to up to 1,600 collectors stationed nationwide and contain both military attaches and clandestine operatives, the Washington Post reports.
Greg Miller writes the Pentagon is making the move to align with its top intelligence priorities including Islamist militant groups in Africa, weapons transfers by North Korea and Iran and military modernization in China.
Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, head of the DIA, said at a conference that this is a major adjustment for the agency, Miller reports.
The Defense Department will give the operatives their assignments, the CIA will provide training and the operatives will frequently work with the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command, according to the Post.
Miller writes the DIA will receive $100 million in funding initially to start up the program.
