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The Complete Introduction to Military Intelligence

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Military intelligence plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational effectiveness by providing commanders and decision-makers with accurate, timely, and relevant information.

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Almost as useful as Chemical Officers #miltok #military #comedy #veteran #veteranhumor #army

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A Complete Introduction to Military Intelligence

This complete introduction explores the critical aspects of Military Intelligence, including its role in military planning, intelligence collection, targeting, and contemporary operations.

Role of Intelligence in Military Planning

Intelligence is an essential component of military planning as it enables commanders to make informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of the operational environment.

Military Intelligence provides insights into the enemy’s capabilities, intentions, and vulnerabilities.

…And, the occasional weather report.

The role of intelligence in military planning includes:

Situational Awareness

Intelligence helps develop a comprehensive picture of the operational environment, including terrain, weather, and adversary disposition, which aids in understanding the challenges and opportunities.

Threat Assessment

Intelligence assesses the enemy’s capabilities, intentions, and potential courses of action, enabling the identification of high-value targets, critical vulnerabilities, and possible threats.

Decision Support

Intelligence provides commanders with actionable information, enabling them to formulate effective strategies, allocate resources, and determine the best course of action.

Intelligence Processes and Tools for Intelligence Development:

The development of Military Intelligence involves several processes and tools that aid in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information. These include:

Collection

Intelligence collection involves gathering information through various methods such as human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), imagery intelligence (IMINT), and open-source intelligence (OSINT).

Analysis

Intelligence analysis involves assessing and synthesizing collected information to identify patterns, relationships, and potential threats. Tools such as data analytics, geospatial analysis, and link analysis support this process.

Intelligence Analysis is the process of critically evaluating information. Learn how to take raw information and turn it into something actually useful with our guide to structured Intelligence Analytical techniques.

Fusion

Intelligence fusion combines information from various sources to create a comprehensive and coherent picture of the operational environment. It integrates multiple intelligence disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of the situation.

Dissemination

Intelligence dissemination involves sharing analyzed and synthesized information with relevant stakeholders, including commanders, operational units, and decision-makers, promptly.

Intelligence Preparation of the Battle Space (IPB):

Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace (IPB) is a systematic process that supports military planning by analyzing the operational environment to determine the enemy’s likely course of action.

Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace involves several sub-steps:

1. Define the Operational Environment

This step includes identifying the physical environment, socio-cultural factors, and potential threat actors within the area of interest.

2. Describe Environmental Effects

Assess how the operational environment, including terrain, weather, and infrastructure, can influence friendly and enemy operations.

3. Evaluate Threats and Adversary Capabilities

Analyze the enemy’s doctrine, organization, equipment, and potential tactics to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and critical vulnerabilities.

4. Determine Threat Courses of Action

Develop potential enemy courses of action based on available intelligence, likely intentions, and historical patterns.

C4ISR: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) is an integrated system that supports military operations. It enables real-time information sharing, facilitates command and control, and enhances situational awareness.

Counterterrorism Operations

Military Intelligence has the pivotal role in targeting terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Through intelligence collection and analysis, Military Intelligence agencies identify high-value targets, disrupt their networks, and prevent terrorist attacks. Examples include Operation Neptune Spear.

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Operation Neptune Spear the raid on OBL compound in Pakistan. 10 years after 9/11 America eliminated the number one most wanted. #history #navyseal #sealteam6 #operationneptunespear #usmilitary #911 #waronterror #americanmilitary #warstories #specialforces

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F3EA

Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyze (F3EA) is a concept employed by special operations forces for targeting. It involves finding the target, fixing its location, executing an operation to neutralize or capture the target, exploiting any gathered intelligence or material, and analyzing the information for further insights.

Military Intelligence Collection Methods and Disciplines

Intelligence collection methods encompass a range of techniques to gather information. These methods include:

Human Intelligence (HUMINT):

HUMINT involves gathering intelligence through human sources, such as agents, informants, and interrogations.

Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)

SIGINT involves collecting intelligence by intercepting and analyzing communications, including radio signals, phone conversations, and digital communications.

Imagery Intelligence (IMINT)

IMINT is obtaining intelligence through imagery, including aerial and satellite imagery, to assess enemy activities, terrain, and infrastructure.

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

OSINT involved gathering intelligence from publicly available sources, including media, academic research, and online platforms.

Intelligence Disciplines

Military Intelligence has a diverse range of Intelligence disciplines with specialist areas of expertise within the Intelligence community. These disciplines include:

Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)

GEOINT focuses on analyzing geographic information to support military operations, including mapping, imagery analysis, and geospatial data integration.

Combat Intelligence

A specialized discipline within the broader Military Intelligence field that focuses on providing actionable intelligence to understand enemy capabilities, enhance situational awareness, and facilitate successful military engagements.

Combat Intelligence encompasses a range of activities and processes, including intelligence collection, analysis, dissemination, and exploitation.

The primary objective is to provide commanders and decision-makers with timely, accurate, and relevant information to enable them to plan, execute, and evaluate military operations effectively.

Counterintelligence (CI)

Counterintelligence aims to identify, assess, and neutralize threats posed by hostile intelligence services or insider threats within friendly forces.

Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT)

MASINT is an intelligence discipline that focuses on the analysis of physical and technical characteristics of targets, including their electromagnetic, nuclear, chemical, or biological signatures.

Information Operations (IO)

Information Operations (IO) encompasses a range of activities including Psychological Operations (PSYOPS), Electronic Warfare (EW), Denial and Deception aimed at influencing, disrupting, or exploiting the information environment to achieve Military objectives.

Information Operations involves strategic communication, media manipulation, and propaganda to shape perceptions, disrupt enemy systems, and protect friendly information to gain an advantage in the information domain.

Contemporary Intelligence Examples and Case Studies:

Cyber Operations Targeting Nation-State Actors

In recent years, intelligence agencies have conducted cyber operations to disrupt the activities of nation-state actors involved in cyber espionage, intellectual property theft, and malicious cyber activities. These operations involve the collection of digital intelligence, the analysis of adversary capabilities, and the development of defensive and offensive cyber strategies.

Operation Haymaker – Targeting HVIs in Afghanistan

Operation Haymaker, conducted by the United States between 2011 and 2013, focused on targeting high-value individuals (HVIs) within the Taliban and other militant groups in Afghanistan.

This operation aimed to disrupt the enemy’s leadership network and degrade its operational capabilities.

U.S. military, utilized a combination of HUMINT, SIGINT, and surveillance to identify HVIs and track, map and prosecute these high-value targets.

By targeting key leaders and decision-makers, Military Intelligence strategy aimed to create a leadership vacuum, sow discord within the organization, and disrupt the enemies ability to plan and execute attacks.

Operation Haymaker significantly weakened the Taliban’s operational capabilities and hindered their ability to launch large-scale attacks.

Military Intelligence – Summary

Military intelligence is the cornerstone of operational effectiveness by providing critical information for decision-making, planning, and execution.

By harnessing the power of Intelligence, military forces can gain a competitive advantage, protect national security, and accomplish their missions with greater precision and effectiveness.

Simple (and Powerful) OSINT Geolocation with Google

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One of the critical skills of a good Intelligence Analyst is the ability to interrogate data and information.

Intelligence Analysts don’t need to know everything, but the best ones know how to get information when it’s needed.

So, here’s a simple Open Source Intelligence tool that’s exceptionally powerful for OSINT Geolocation.

Introducing Google Lens

Located in the google search bar, the Google Lens search function scans within images for related results on the internet.

Drag and drop an image into the Google search function to use Google Lens

How Does Google Lens Work?

Google’s ‘Image recognition and search’ function scans images and suggests results based on it’s index.

It’s pretty simple to use. Just drag a photo / image into the Google Search bar and the Lens feature will begin.

You can then select specific parts of the image to search.

Using Google Lens for OSINT Geolocation

Using the Random Place Generator, I took a screenshot of a road and some surrounding features to use in Google Lens.

Google Lens Geolocation Example 1: Tsirang Hwy, Bhutan

This image has large rusty rings discarded on the side of the road.

Identifiable powerlines ran over the top of the rust rings with the road appearing in a valley.

Clear mountains are observable on both sides of the road with a small hut visible on the right.

Focusing on Identifiable Features – Large Rusted Metal Rings

Using Google Lens on the whole image the location wasn’t immediately clear.

However, after focusing Google’s Search function on the large metal rings (below), a result for a hydroelectric power plant in Bhutan appeared with similar geography.

✅ Large rusted metal rings – Check

✅ Discarded on the side of the road – Check

✅Overhead power wires within the valley – Check

The article by Google Lens suggested we should be looking somewhere in Buthan.

Google’s Lens Results: Hydropower in Bhutan – Time for a Rethink?

The Google Lens results gave us an article discussing Bhutan’s massive hydroelectric power plants and gave us a location near the Basochhu Hydro powerplant in Bhutan. Tick boom! ??

With confidence, I could say the image was located along a main route connecting the two major hydroelectric power plants in the suggested article. Somewhere on the Wangdue – Tsirang Hwy, Bhutan.

Example Two: Too Easy – Google Makes Short Work of Stock Image

Example two turned out to be too easy.

I thought the photo was just a random railway somewhere…

But, as soon as I used the Google Lens feature, the image showed up as a stock image with the exact location.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway – Mumbai Rail. Adobe Stock Image.

Next.

Example Three – Where in the World?

Random Street View – Where in the world is this? Google Lens Example Three

This random street view was also pretty easy given Reykjavik’s most famous church, the Hallgrímskirkja is clearly visible at the end of the street. ?

Want More OSINT GEOINT?

Check out Trace Labs – Day at the Beach article for A Simple Example of Geo-Location. Or,

Six Tools To Help With Geolocation by OSINT Site NixIntel.

Both are great references I found while playing around with Google Lens for this OSINT Article.

OSINT Challenge

And finally, the OSINT article wouldn’t be complete without our own GEOINT Challenge.

Challenge 1 – Where Was This Photo Taken? (Easy)

Use Google Lens to determine where this photo was taken

OSINT Geolocation Challenge 1 – What is the image of? And where was I when I took the photo?

Post your answers in the comments (with any supporting images).

OSINT Geolocation Challenge 2 – Name the Park, and City

OSINT Geolocation Challenge 2 – Use Google Lens to name the City and Park in this photo.

OSINT Geolocation Challenge 2. Can you name the Park and City from this photo?

For extra credit can you tell when I was there?

Post your answers in the comments (with any supporting images) below.

Scientia sit potentia.

The ULTIMATE Guide to Writing Intelligence Reports…(Complete with Templates & Examples)

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This Article Will Teach You How To Write Intelligence Briefs That Get Read and Actioned.

Rumour is back in 1961 Present Kennedy refused to accept any classified briefing longer than a single page…

Apparently, President Kennedy told CIA Director Allen Dulles not to bring him any long-winded Intelligence Reports, or he wouldn’t read them out of sheer principle.

President Kennedy and CIA Director Allen Dulles, 1961 (Unclassified)

The President eventually extended the same rule to the President’s Daily Brief. Requiring only a single page for any issue of National Security or Political Intelligence.

So how does the CIA fit the latest intelligence about the Soviets’ October Revolution anniversary, Sino-Soviet developments, tensions in the Taiwan Straits, Chinese nuclear tests, the French-Algerian impasse, King Hussein’s delicate position in the Middle East, the unsettled situation in the Congo, and possible action by Cuba against Guantanamo Naval Base onto a single page?

Pages from the October 25 1962 PICL, which notes developments in the Cuban Missile Crisis. (Top Secret//Declassified)

(Arguably they probably should have spent a bit more time on the Cuba Intelligence…)

Answer: Learn to write influential Intelligence briefs with actionable outcomes!

So, What is an Intelligence Report?

An Intelligence Report, also known as an INTREP, is just a document or brief used to convey the findings of the Intelligence process.

Intelligence reports are written to answer Information Requirements.

Intelligence staff develop Intelligence Reports (INTREPs) to update the Commander and prompt further action.

Here’s an example:

Declassified FBI Intelligence Report – Hoax Bomb Threats, Atlanta Field Office 2009

Why are Intelligence Reports Written?

Intelligence Reports are written to convey Intelligence. They’re produced when new events or new information comes to light.

Let’s imagine you’re an all-source Intelligence Analyst. One of your Information Requirements might be Operational Security for deployed troops.

Any information relating to the enemy’s use of Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or the enemy’s possession of Armed Drones for example would prompt an Intelligence Report.

In short, they’re written to convey Intelligence.

Who Writes Intelligence Reports (INTREPS)?

INTREPs are the product of the Intelligence process and are written by Intelligence Analysts.

Different Intelligence Agencies and Organisations can contribute to larger more strategic Intelligence briefs – but they’re all written by Intelligence Staff.

Who Receives Intelligence Reports?

Intelligence reports are received by the leadership, policymakers, or executives in charge of strategy.

They’re used to shape operational initiatives and provide a ‘decision advantage’.

In the military context, INTREPS are received by the Commanding Officer who decides the best course of action based on the latest information and updates.

All-Source Intelligence Reports

As an all-source intelligence analyst, I was responsible for developing Intelligence Reports on a daily basis.

Depending on the operational events, I’d write five, maybe six Intelligence Reports daily which would be included in the daily Intelligence Summary.

Are there different types of Intelligence Reports?

Intelligence reports are sometimes referred to as Intelligence Summaries, Intelligence Estimates, or Intelligence Briefs.

Some Intelligence reports are long detailed assessments, and others a smaller, designed to convey tactical Intelligence or updates.

There’s a list of Intelligence Reports and Returns at this link here.

All Intelligence reporting is similar in its goal: to convey Intelligence to the customer.

DHS-FBI-DomesticExtremistThreatDownload

How do we Share Intelligence Reporting?

Intelligence reports are compiled and shared usually by electronic means.

Back in the 1960s, Intelligence Reports would have been typed and typically hand delivered by a classified messenger.

Today, however, most Intelligence reporting is delivered electronically. Even the President’s Daily Brief got an electronic update during the Obama administration.

So, How do you write Intelligence Reports?

Intelligence reports all seek to do the same thing – share Intelligence.

The easiest way I was taught to write Intelligence Reports was to use the following three-part format:

  • Information Obtained,
  • Context, and,
  • Assessment.

Part 1 – Information Obtained

Part 1 is the new information. Provide the 5’Ws (Who, What, When, Where, and Why).

Part 2 – Context

Part 2 is any additional information that the audience needs to know to understand the situation or the assessment.

It’s the other information that might be relevant (i.e. is this the second or third time this has been reported?).

Part 3 – Assessment

Part 3 is the ‘So What’?

This is what Intelligence Analysts get paid for – their Assessment.

  • What does the new information mean?
  • How can/does it affect us?
  • What is likely to happen next?

Writing Intelligence Reports (Structure and Format)

Here’s the typical structure of an Intelligence Report:

  1. Executive Summary (Bottom Line Up-Front),
  2. Information Obtained (Who, what, when, and where),
  3. Context (other relevant information),
  4. Assessment (So what? What does it all mean?)

Click the images of the declassified FBI Intelligence Brief below:

The summary, also sometimes referred to as the ‘executive summary’ delivers the ‘what’, and ‘so what’ of the Intelligence report within a few lines.

The Bottom Line Up Front gives the ‘guts’ of the intelligence report to the customer up-front.

In fact, the BLUF format was designed to provide the key points up front. As you’ll see in this example.

https://docplayer.net/22665702-How-to-write-an-intelligence-product-in-the-bottom-line-up-front-bluf-format.html

So, How to develop an Intelligence Report (INTREP) – Template

U.S. Army Doctrine Provides the basic structure for an Intelligence Report in this image. They’ve used the S.A.L.U.T.E format for Tactical Intelligence Reports.

Below, we’ve created an Intelligence Report template for you to download and use.

U.S. Army Doctrine – Intelligence Reports. FM 101-5-2 (Unclassified)

If you’re starting from scratch, here’s a quick guide to developing an Intelligence Report Template (download is also available).

Step 1 – Security Classification & Document Details

With a blank word document, insert your organization name, logo/image, and security clearance in the heading of the document.

Step 2 – Title that summarizes Intelligence Report

Give the Intelligence report a title that summarises the message. Use a numbering system to track INTREPS, i.e. 00X/2023 (for example).

Step 3 – Information Obtained, Context & Assessment

Provide a date of the report, and then create three headings: Information Obtained, Context, and Assessment (explained above).

Step 4 – Number Paragraphs and Include Security Classification

Step 4 is to number your paragraphs and provide security classification at the beginning of each paragraph.

Step 5 – Write Your Report

Now, write your Intelligence Report according to the format above, and include supporting images, links, and references as you write.

Step 6 Provide a Detailed Assessment

When it comes to the assessment, really dig deep and provide an assessment that helps the customer make informed decisions.

Step 7 (Final Step) – Edit

Read, re-read, PDF, and password-protect (if required) before sending to those with the need to know. See the final copy in the PDF text box below.

Intelligence101-Intelligence-Report-Template-and-ExampleDownload

Intelligence Report Template (Word Version For Download)

Here’s the template we created above for you to download and use.

Intelligence101-Intelligence-Report-Template-and-ExampleDownload

Tips and Tricks For Writing Intelligence Reports

So now you know how to put the Intelligence Report together let’s remember a few golden rules:

The 80% solution on time is better than the 100% solution too late. Intelligence Needs to be timely. Deliver on time, you can always update your assessment later.

Keep it simple. Don’t lose yourself in the data, or demonstrate every step of your analysis. Most the time commanders don’t have time and want you to tell them what it means!

Use images. Images help to convey your message. They’re used to break up walls of text and add bucketloads of context to your Intelligence Reports.

Intelligence Report Quick Edit Cheat Sheet:

Here are some editing tips and tricks courtesy of Copywritting Course. Originally intended for copywriting – I felt these were all very appropriate for writing better intelligence reports also.

Intelligence Reports are just ways to convey Intelligence.

The product is not the Intelligence. So, remember to focus on the process first.

Questions, Comments, and Feedback?

So, how do you write Intelligence Reports?

Do you have any tips, tricks, or recommendations for the Intelligence101 Audience?

Place your ideas and any questions you’ve got in the comments section below.

If you’ve got links to INTREP examples from the internet, let us know as we love to share resources with everyone.

Structured Intelligence Techniques: How to Create Actionable Intelligence

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Intelligence Analysis is the process of critically evaluating information.

It involves taking raw information and actually turn it into something useful.

In this article, you will learn the Analytical Tradecraft and Intelligence Techniques to process raw data to turn it into Intelligence.

This process involves using Structured Analytical Techniques (SATs) to view the information in different ways, and to determine how it all fits together.

Structured Analytical Technique 1# Devils’ Advocate Technique

Every intelligence analyst needs to be an expert on the enemy.

And to understand the enemy we need to think like them…

The ‘Devils Advocate’ technique involves putting yourself in the enemy’s shoes.

How does the Devil’s Advocate work?

It works by providing an alternative view (usually a competing one) to test existing ideas, thoughts or beliefs.

In essence, it involves taking a position as an adversary, or challenging an existing assessment, plan, or strategy.

This technique prompts you (or a group) to consider alternatives or weaknesses in a plan… to ‘think like the enemy.’

The Devils Advocate technique involves considering the flaws in a plan or existing assessment as a way of testing it.

The Devils’ Advocate Process:

1. Identify the main judgment or key assumptions.

2. Select one or more assumptions that appear susceptible to challenge.

3. Review the information asking questions on the theory, the validity, or attempt to identify gaps.

4. Highlight any evidence that could support an alternative hypothesis or contradicts the current thinking.

5. Present findings that demonstrate there are flawed assumptions, poor quality evidence, or possible deception.

6. Consider drafting an Intelligence assessment that lays out the arguments for a different conclusion. 

Structured Analytical Technique 2# Timeline Analysis

Timelines are an excellent tool for Intelligence Analysis.

Because Intelligence makes more sense when it’s delivered logically and sequentially.

Timelines allow you to tell a story and build a picture in your audience’s mind.

How does Timeline Analysis Work?

Timelines are pretty simple. They work by plotting all events in a sequence by time.

This might be by minute, hour, month, or structured around events.

The point is to show a sequence, and how one event has led into the next.

When to Use Timelines?

Use timelines when trying to explain how something occurred or re-constructing the elements that lead to a result.

Tip: I like to use the little icons you see in the image above. They add a little creative flourish.

Structured Analytical Technique 3# Mind Maps

Mind Mapping is a technique to quickly deconstruct the different elements of a problem..

Our Brains Don’t Think in Linear Thoughts

Since our brains don’t follow a linear thought pattern we have the tendency to jump between different ideas.

Mind Mapping allows you to capture your thoughts and ideas as they happen. 

Mind Maps are the perfect way to quickly deconstruct the different elements of a problem or subject so you can understand them better.

How Mind Maps Work

Start with a blank piece of paper (or whiteboard, etc) and place a central theme or idea in the middle.

Expand on the ideas and thoughts as you write them down.

Try to explore all elements as they come to you and feel free to jump around as different ideas pop up.

Don’t limit yourself. Mind Maps promote creativity, so allow yourself to be free to explore any / all thoughts you might have.

You can go back later and edit, but allow this process to just get all your thoughts and ideas on paper.

Tip: Use different colours to associate the branches and if you’re creative, draw corresponding images to build the associations.

Structured Analytical Technique 4# Event Charts

Event charts are a powerful tool for the analyst to visualize the importance of events.

They show chronological relationships among entities or sequences of events.

Event charts should be developed by Intelligence Analysts early in a complex case and added to as more events and information becomes known.

How to make an Event Chart?

The event chart consists of the following components:

Symbols:

Events are contained in symbols such as circles or rectangles.

Ensure a symbol represents the same thing whenever it is used (circle, triangle, square, etc)

Event Descriptions:

Keep the descriptions of events short. No longer than three or four words.

Connecting Lines:

Connecting lines are used to indicate relationships among events—the time sequence of events in which one event leads to another.

An arrow on each line indicates the sequencing of the events—the flow of events through time.

Date and Time:

The date and/or time associated with each event is tied in some way to the description of the event—within the event symbol, close to the symbol, or linked to the symbol.

Since events are often not reported in sequence, take careful note of dates and times.

Link analysis can be applied to relationships among those entities, which might have been identified in a given analysis.

Entities can be:

  • Individuals,
  • Organizations,
  • Business,
  • Locations, or
  • Events
  • Personal relationships
  • Associations
  • Partnerships
  • Financial flows
  • Telephone / Communications

Structured Analytical Technique 6# Organisational Charts

Organisational charts are a great way to visually represent a hierarchy within a group or organisation.

How Do Organisational Charts Work?

Organisational charts are easy to put together and can provide heaps of info at a glance.

Organisational charts allow you to identify who reports to whom and provides analysts with an opportunity to identify High Value Targets (HVTs) and key decision makers within a group.

Structured Analytical Technique 7# SWOT Analysis

S.W.O.T. analysis is used to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a Person, Group, or Organisation.

How Does SWOT Analysis work?

SWOT analysis provides different ‘lenses’ intelligence analysts and highlights factors that we could exploit as well as consideration for our own vulnerabilities also.

SWOT analysis allows us to examine potential opportunities and helps to identify risk factors that could negatively affect us also.

How To Use The SWOT Technique?

The first step to using the SWOT method is to identify what you want to evaluate. Is it a person, a place, a group or perhaps an organisation?

Once you’re clear on the focus, list and evaluate each of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats you can think of.

Here are some S.W.O.T. prompts to get you started:

Strengths. What are the factors that make the enemy stronger, more dangerous, or more capable?

Weaknesses. What are the areas perceived as limits of capability, i.e. what can’t they do?

Opportunities. What could provide a favourable impact for the enemy?

Threats. What could conceivably have or cause a negative impact?

Structured Analytical Technique 8# OCOKA Analysis

O.C.O.K.A. is an acronym for; Observation, Cover and Concealment, Obstacles, Key and Decisive Terrain, and Avenues of approach.

OCOKA analysis is used by Military Intelligence when conducting terrain analysis or operational preparation.

When to use OCOKA Analysis?

In a military context the battle-ground offers advantages and disadvantages to both sides. O.C.O.K.A. is used to conduct detailed evaluation of any operational environment.

You can also apply OCOKA to correctional facilities, asymmetric locations (such as urban cities and towns), and the information terrain also.

Observation & Fields of Fire

Observation is the ability to see or view targets within the operating environment. Including the distance at which targets can be identified (and acquired) based on the terrain.

Fields of Fire refers the area or distance a weapon can cover effectively from a given point. Knowing your ability to utilise different weapon systems based on terrain factors is a key factor for a Military Intelligence Analyst.

Cover and Concealment

Cover and Concealment refers to the ability to remain protected by cover or undetected by concealment.

Obstacles

An obstacle is any natural or man-made terrain feature that stops, slows, impedes, or diverts movement. 

In conducting battle-space analysis, Intelligence Analysts must identify what obstacles exist and how they are likely to affect you and the enemy.

Key and Decisive Terrain

Key Terrain is any terrain feature (natural or manmade) which, if controlled, will provide a marked advantage to those who control it. Decisive Terrain is that which affords ‘mission success’.

Avenues of Approach

Avenues of Approach require the Intelligence Analyst to assess how an adversary is likely to access the terrain, and consider which routes, avenues and locations they will use.

Structured Analytical Technique 9# Crime Mapping

Crime Mapping is an analytical process to map, visualise and analyse crime patterns.

How Does Crime Mapping Work?

Crime mapping works by plotting specific incidents on a geographical map to identify criminal hot spots, trouble areas, trends or patterns.

Crime mapping helps intelligence analysts to identify high-incident and high-volume areas and provide a visual representation to inform the assessment.

Volume and Location

Crime mapping allows analysts to see where incidents are occurring, and map the volume of incidents in regional or geographic locations.

How to Conduct Crime Mapping:

  1. Get a large-size physical map of your operational area (put it on your desk or wall at work).
  2. Populate the most recent incidents in the area of operations on the map
  3. Use different colours for different types of incidents.
  4. Each time a new incident is reported, recorded it on the map.
  5. Using the volume and incident data you can visually see areas with higher rates of incidents or events.
  6. Now draw conclusions and make assessments about these areas.

Structured Analytical Technique 10# ASCOPE Analysis

ASCOPE is an effective tool for analysing a society or cultural environment.

What is the A.S.C.O.P.E Intelligence Technique?

ASCOPE stands for Areas, Structures, Capabilities, Organisations, People, & Events.

ASCOPE provides Intelligence Analysts a framework to study and analyse the cultural and human environment.

ASCOPE is used by Military Intelligence in Counter-Insurgency campaigns (such as Iraq or Afghanistan) to see environmental characteristics through the eyes of the populace.

In essence, ASCOPE provides the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the environment.

In the end you should be left with a framework for in-depth analysis of the civil considerations within the operating environment, including:

  • Religious and political boundaries;
  • Areas and social enclaves;
  • Criminal groups and their locations;
  • Agricultural, mining, and business districts;
  • Trade flows;
  • Government centers; and
  • Police and military centers. 

Structured Analytical Technique 11# Six Thinking Hats

Six Thinking Hats is a technique designed by Edward de Bono that provides a systematic way of thinking about an issue from different perspectives.

Each category is identified with its own coloured metaphorical ‘hat.’

By mentally wearing and switching hats, Intelligence Analysts can focus their thoughts, check their bias or draw new reasoning from the existing information. 

This technique forces your brain or the group to see the same information in a different light.

Structured Analytical Technique 12# SALUTE Reports

SALUTE Reports allow Intelligence Analysts to quickly assess important aspects of an enemy force.

SALUTE stands for; Size, Activities, Locations, Unit, Time, Equipment.

If you’re a Military Intelligence Analyst (or assessing any enemy groups), use the S.A.L.U.T.E. technique to breakdown the elements of the enemy, and quickly assess key components.

How to use SALUTE Reports:

SALUTE reports include:

  • Size and/or strength of the adversary.
  • Activities of the enemy.
  • Location of the adversary and their direction of movement.
  • Unit. The designation of the adversary may be derived from unit markings, uniforms worn, or thorough information provided by enemy prisoners.
  • Time and date the adversary was observed.
  • Equipment and weapons of the adversary also observed.

S.A.L.U.T.E. Technique Example:

Size: a squad/ section ” of 7 visible soldiers (likely more out of frame).

Activity: Section conducting stop along route with visible Comms check occurring by 3 soldiers in frame.

Location, Kherson, Ukraine on sealed route. An 8 or 10-digit grid coordinate will suffice if you have a GPS with you.

Unit/Uniform: If identifiable, provide the type of uniform. Here I would accept Ukraine Army in uniform, part of a missile transport / launch crew.

Time: This is usually your local time unless you’re supporting an operation from a foreign location. Here it’s clearly day, and, depending on their direction, the shadow might indicate early morning.

Equipment: Multiple launch missile systems. 2 x vehicles.

Structured Analytical Technique 13# Wargaming

Wargaming is an analytic process that simulates a conflict situation. Action, reaction and counter-action.

Wargaming is a simulation allowing Intelligence Analysts to consider adversary actions and responses.

Wargaming is a structured analytical technique used by Intelligence Analysts to make decisions in a simulated environment, and observe the consequences of those decisions.

Wargaming is often used as part of the military planning process, it allows commanders and analysts to explore scenarios and assess planning choices that affect campaign outcomes without committing troops or resources.

How Does Wargaming Work?

Wargaming involves an action & response structure between two opposing sides. Sometimes referred to as ‘Blue Force’ for friendly and ‘Red Force’ for enemy.

Typically one side makes a move based on a plan or strategy and the other reacts, moving in response.

Structured Analytical Technique 14# Dealers Choice (Your Help Needed)

Seeking your input to include one more Structured Analytical Technique.

Can you suggest a SAT to include here?

Ghosts In The Machine: A PSYOPS Spy Game

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Shakespeare famously said “All The Worlds A Stage”

…This is especially true in the shadowy world of PSYOPS.

This week’s interactive SpyGame takes a dive into Influence Operations with this slick recruiting video by the U.S. 4th PSYOPS Group (3:35).

Watch the video and see if you can catch the answers to the questions below.

Can You Answer the Following Questions?

Question 1: Name the Cartoon that plays in the first scene of the video.

Question 2: What historical events are used multiple times throughout the video (hint: 1989)

Question 3: Who are exemplified as the threats in the video?

Question 4: What national leader is captured at the conclusion of the video?

Question 5: What is the reference to the floating body with the word ‘deceive’ at 02:06?

Question 6: Who is the video’s target Audience–could it have an ulterior motive?

Question 7: What do they mean by ‘anything we touch is a weapon?’

Bonus questions:

  • What are the threats lying below the surface?
  • What is meant by the battlefield changing?

Post your answers in the comments section below. I’ll edit this post with a link to the answers next week.

For more information about PSYOPS, check out our ULTIMATE Guide to PSYOPS on the blog.

Intelligence Career? How to land a job in a three-letter agency.

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Getting a job in a three or four-letter agency is not easy.

It’s not impossible.

..But it’s not as simple as dropping your resume at the front counter or applying for a role as a Christmas Casual.

If I had to guess, I reckon I get an email a day from someone asking about making a Career change into Intelligence.

I’ve even had Students ask me to pick their Colledge subjects for them.

But getting a job in the CIA / FBI or any Intelligence Agency is not about the subjects you study or the letters after your name.

And no, it’s not about the strange way you count the people in the cafe or sit facing the entrance.

Getting a job in an Intelligence agency, or making a career change to Intelligence takes a degree of commitment, and certainly some investment.

So this week I thought I’d address some of the Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs) I get received from readers wanting a career in Intelligence.

FAQ 1# Am I too Old for an Intelligence Career?

Nathan is 40 years old. He is employed full-time as a professional IT consultant and wants to make a Career change to Intelligence.

Answer: No. You’re Not Too Old

I know some people get down on themselves because they’re not 22-year-old grads applying to join Intel agencies fresh outta College.

No worries, good Intelligence organizations appreciate experience. You’re never too old (unless you’re like 80…it which case yea, you’ve probably had your Career).

But no, 40 is not too old.

FAQ 2# What if I’ve got no experience with Intelligence Roles

Most (if not all) agencies will train you. They all have in-house training programs.

FAQ 3# Is there an easy way to Start an Intelligence Career?

Intelligence Roles are hard to get for two reasons:

1. They’re super competitive – so there’s more talent to choose from.

2. Intelligence jobs require a degree of security and trust. So they don’t make it ‘easy’ to get in.

But there is a way to ‘back-door’ yourself into an Intelligence Job… Police and the Military.

By default, both Police and Military need and use Intelligence. And recruitment / admission is often easier than applying to a three or four-letter agency directly.

I know this route isn’t for everyone, BUT, Intelligence roles abound in both the military and police and often include training.

Here’s the kicker –

Transferring into the Intelligence Community is often much easier from one of these roles – which is why I call it the back door. 

FAQ 4# Is there a way to start an Intelligence Career without quitting my current job?

I recommend finding a ‘problem set’ or intelligence ‘skill’ you’re interested in and dominating it.

Owning a unique interest, or developing your expertise in a collection method will make you very attractive to Intelligence Agencies.

My advice is to start applying the skill or working on the problem in open forums.

Eg, OSINT is a unique collection capability, with people who are very good at GEO-location based on images (terrain, buildings, signs, shadow, metadata, etc).

These people are working with companies like Toddington, and Bellingcat to Geolocate the location of crimes and ‘doing intelligence’ today, from their home…or the cafe with 6 people in it.

Owning a problem (i.e. Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Fledgling Democracies) or being the best OSINTer will make you extremely marketable, you’ll start doing intelligence from today.

Day one is better than one day. 

FAQ 5# Where do I start when it comes to a career in Intelligence?

Learn the basics.

Learn the Intelligence Cycle. How Intelligence informs policy and strategy.

Understand the different Collection Methods, and develop your analytical skills.

Every intelligence professional is an analyst first. Understanding the fundamentals of Intelligence Analysis is Tradecraft101. 

FAQ 6# When is the best time to apply for an Intelligence Career

There’s no time like the present.

Seriously. If you’re thinking about a role or job in an Intelligence Organisation –

Apply right now.

What’s the very worst that happens? Nothing? You don’t hear back? Are you really any worse off?

People often delay their application or overthink their responses –

I’ve seen people rework sentences to sound smarter.

If you’re thinking about applying for an Intelligence role. Apply now. Apply today. You’re no worse off. 

FAQ 7 #: Which Intelligence Agency Should I Apply to work for?

This depends on the type of work you want to do.

Many people think Intelligence is all ‘cloak and dagger’, but there’s a whole array of different roles and interesting areas to work.

Intelligence Agencies are usually ‘task assigned’, meaning they’re responsible for a particular type of intelligence, or a specific role.

For example, the NSA is the premier SIGINT Agency for the United States Intelligence Community.

However, if you’re interested in working in the area of Intelligence Targeting, the Air Force may be more appropriate.

The answer depends on what you want to do. When you know that, then find the best agency that suits you. Then apply.

FAQ 8# What’s better HUMINT or SIGINT Careers?

Neither. They’re just different.

A lot of people see HUMINT as the ‘sexy’ side of intelligence…but there’s no such thing as better intelligence – it’s all relevant!

Spoiler: The best Intelligence is the type that provides timely and accurate advice to inform decision-makers. (Textbook answer).

FAQ 9# Can I apply for multiple Intelligence agencies at the same time?

Yes. Applications for Intelligence Agencies are all typically managed internally (in each agency).  So you can usually apply for multiple at the same time.

Remember though each application is likely to be slightly different.

FAQ 10# If I am unsuccessful at one Intelligence agency can I still apply for another?

Typically, yes.

Of course, you would need to ask yourself why you weren’t successful. If the reason has anything at all to do with a security concern, then this may also jeopardize any other applications.

FAQ 11# How long do I have to wait if I am unsuccessful in my Intelligence Career application?

It depends on each agency and organization.

Generally speaking the wait time (before you can reapply) is between 12-24 months.

Be aware, though, some Intelligence Agencies have a ‘one shot’ rule. This is mostly due to the large number of applications they receive. My advice is to go hard the first time, plan and prepare.

If you are unfortunate to find yourself unsuccessful, and you want to reapply consider what you could do better the second time – and prepare!

FAQ 12# What If I’m sick (or get COVID-19) on one of the assessment days?

People get sick. Intelligence Agencies aren’t immune.

You can typically reschedule, normally with 24 hours notice.

Just do yourself a favor though…and avoid being sick! Go to bed early, eat a healthy breakfast and avoid drinking the night before!

FAQ 13# What if I already have a security clearance (or held one before) do I need to do the security assessment again?

Usually yes!

While having a security clearance already (or in the past) makes your security assessment easier, most agencies will still complete their own vetting and review.

Especially if it’s been some years since you last held a clearance.

FAQ 14# Where are the Interviews and Security Assessments for Intelligence Organisations?

Interviews and security assessments take place in most capital cities.

Sometimes you may be required to travel for secondary (or follow-up) assessments, but initial screening usually occurs in your closest capital city.

FAQ 15# When will I know if my Intelligence Application is successful?

When you get an offer. Not before.

Don’t quit your job expecting to get employment in an intelligence agency; you might be a long time waiting.

FAQ 16# Does having experience in the Police help my application?

Yes.

Similar to Military Experience, Police Officers also display characteristics favorable to Intelligence Agencies. Characteristics such as leadership, duty, and sacrifice.

Police experience is beneficial to Intelligence recruitment.

FAQ 17# How old is too old to apply for a job in Intelligence?

Look, it should be no surprise intelligence agencies are always looking for ‘young talent’, that’s because they want career officers – people who are going to invest time into the agency.

…BUT!!

That doesn’t mean they don’t recruit ‘mature age’ applicants.

A few years ago I had a junior intelligence analyst working for me who was mid-50s! This guy joined because he was sick of his regular 9-5 job and wanted to make a difference. It turns out he was better than all the other ‘junior’ analysts!

FAQ 18# I’m all ears!! What do you want to know?

Write your questions and comments in the field below!

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