Joint Intelligence Operations Centre Stands Up

December 6, 2021 -  Defence Stories

Officially standing up in August 2021 at 1600 Star Top Road in Ottawa, the Joint Intelligence Operations Centre (JIOC) is a significant milestone in enhancing the intelligence function across DND/CAF. “The objective of the JIOC is to enhance integration of the intelligence and operations functions across DND/CAF while providing a defence intelligence construct that is increasingly integrated, agile, and responsive to strategic and operational demands,” explains Colonel Danny Pomerleau, the newly appointed Director of the JIOC.

As part of Phase 1 implementation, the JIOC has established a Headquarters; amalgamated the Joint Targeting Intelligence Centre and Canadian Forces Integrated Command Centre Intelligence Watch under a temporary arrangement between the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command (CFINTCOM) and the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC); and is developing a DND/CAF Intelligence Partner Node. Formal integration of all JIOC components will be conditions based and implemented through the Inter-Component Capability Transfers process. Implementation of the JIOC is being conducted in close collaboration with the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and other DND/CAF stakeholders.

At full operational capability, the JIOC will provide an integrated, all-source intelligence production, target development, and Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) collection operations capability delivering intelligence support to operational commanders and DND/CAF strategic decision makers. The JIOC is a critical Optimization Measure associated with the Defence Intelligence Enterprise Renewal (DIER) which is aimed at more effectively posturing the Defence Intelligence Enterprise to meet the demands of Strong, Secure, Engaged - Canada’s Defence Policy.

The JIOC will be implemented in three distinct phases:

1. Phase 1 – Interim JIOC (2021-2024). Phase 1 will focus on improving the integration of the intelligence, operations and plans functions; maturing intelligence support to the CAF Joint Targeting Capability; enhancing the DND/CAF intelligence watch; and designing Phases 2 and 3.  Further, the team size will build and a number of Intelligence activities will begin to coordinated through JIOC
2. Phase 2 – JIOC Initial Operational Capability (2024-2027). Phase 2 will concentrate on developing an all-source intelligence production capability; optimizing DND/CAF processing, exploitation and dissemination capabilities to support current and emerging JISR demands; and reinforcing intelligence partnership and service support capabilities.
3. Phase 3 – JIOC Full Operational Capability (2027-2029). Phase 3 will ensure the JIOC is fully operationalized to satisfy DND/CAF intelligence requirements. The team will be fully staffed and processes will be fully integrated across the defence intelligence enterprise.

“Implementation of the JIOC is an iterative process based on a culture of continuous improvement through experimentation, collaboration, self-assessment, and innovation,” said Brigadier-General Greg Smith, Director General Intelligence Enterprise. “Such an approach will ensure that the JIOC is able to learn, adapt and evolve to meet emerging intelligence demands and operate more effectively in an increasingly dynamic operating environment.”

The JIOC will commence the design and build of Phase 2 in March 2022 and will be seeking the input from DND/CAF stakeholders. For additional information, please visit JIOC Op Concept (accessible only on the National Defence network) / Placemat (accessible only on the National Defence network) or contact JIOC Email.