Which entity is responsible for issuing Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs)?

• A. The Department of Defense.
• B. The National Security Council.
• C. The Director of National Intelligence.
• D. The Central Intelligence Agency.

Answer: (C)

Intelligence Community Directives are the formal policies that govern how the entire Intelligence Community operates, ensuring consistent guidance across all IC agencies. The Director of National Intelligence has the authority and responsibility to issue these directives, coordinating with and applying to every IC element—from CIA and FBI to NSA, DIA, NGA, and other members. This central leadership makes sure every part of the IC follows the same rules, procedures, and priorities.

The other entities listed don’t perform this overarching policy‑setting role for the IC. The Department of Defense issues its own policies within the military realm; the National Security Council coordinates national security policy at a high level but does not issue IC-wide directives; and the Central Intelligence Agency issues its own internal policies but not the directives that apply across the entire Intelligence Community.