What organization was established to coordinate intelligence and covert operations at the federal level after WWII?

• A. National Security Agency
• B. Federal Bureau of Investigation
• C. Defense Intelligence Agency
• D. Central Intelligence Agency

Answer: (D)

After WWII, the United States sought a single agency to shape and carry out foreign intelligence and covert actions across the federal government. That role was filled by the Central Intelligence Agency, created by the National Security Act of 1947 to unify foreign intelligence gathering, analysis, and covert operations under one umbrella and to coordinate with the President and the National Security Council.

This agency’s design focused on overseas intelligence and clandestine activities, rather than domestic law enforcement or purely military signals. The National Security Agency concentrates on signals intelligence and cryptography rather than covert action. The FBI operates primarily as a domestic law enforcement and counterintelligence organization. The Defense Intelligence Agency handles military intelligence within the Department of Defense. The Central Intelligence Agency was established specifically to coordinate intelligence and covert operations at the federal level.