National Intelligence Council

The National Intelligence Council (NIC) replaced the top-level group that prepared National Intelligence Estimates under the Central Intelligence Agency. Its key professional members retain the title of National Intelligence Officer.

While the equivalent function had many names at CIA, they all derive from the principles of estimative intelligence articulated by Sherman Kent. For general discussions of estimative intelligence, see intelligence analysis management. For general discussion of broader products, called Net Estimates by the United States, and correlation of forces documents in Soviet/Russian doctrine, see intelligence dissemination management. These broader documents go beyond intelligence, and balance US capabilities against foreign threats. Another aspect of high-level analysis is politicomilitary gaming.

While the NIC still does major estimates internally, it has commissioned outside experts, as well as fellows on special assignment, to write specific topical reports in their areas of expertise.