Intelligence Professional Resources

People Often Ask – “What Books, Tools, Articles, Apps & Resources do you recommend to help people learn about intelligence…?”

…So, I’ve put together this resource list (which I’ll regularly update)

Apps I Use Everyday:

Evernote – Evernote is my second brain. Evernote is quite possibly my favourite app, and perfect for intelligence analysts as it syncs with your phone, computer and online account to allow for the capture and transfer of information between systems quickly, particularly when you need to leave your phone outside of the SCIF. Just put your notes into Evernote and access online.

Dropbox – I keep all my work on the cloud, and use Dropbox for backups also.

Dashlane is my preferred password wallet. If you’re anything like me you’ll have 100+ passwords for various websites, log-on and systems. Keeping track of which one works is one of the hardest problems. Like Evernote, Dashlane also syncs across platforms and has a Chrome extension to save time and brain power when accessing your accounts online. Also, the autofill function for online forms and purchases makes me happy every time!

Essential Hardware for Intelligence Professionals:

Voice Recorder – Having a portable voice recorder is an ESSENTIAL item for any good intelligence analyst. Whether you’re debriefing staff or Interviewing a source or witness; Every Intelligence Professional NEEDS a decent voice recorder.

Tile Mate – Never lose anything again! Tile allows you to place a tag on your keys, wallet, Work ID or anything else prone to being misplaced or left somewhere and allows you to locate it using your phone. It’s basically a GPS tracker for your important stuff!

Pens – I always use a fine black uni-ball (eye) pen made by Mitsubishi Pencil Co. I’ve bought expensive pens before, and while they’re nice to have, ultimately I end up lending to someone or leave it somewhere. Pens should be disposable, and so I buy a pack of 10 uni-ball (eye) pens (always black) and have one where ever I go. Good Intelligence Analysts always have a pen and pad where ever they go.

Notebooks – I usually have a diary or moleskin notepad I keep on my desk and use it as a notebook at work. I also use the ‘rite in the rain’ water-proof notepads for use in the field or on operations. Yes, they’re sometimes expensive – but I they’re the best field notebook in my opinion.

NATO Military Stencils – I prefer the Faber-Castell military stencil for map marking and military symbols.

Books I Recommend:

Critical Thinking for Strategic Intelligence – by Katherine Hibbs Pherson and Randolph H. Pherson. Organized around twenty key questions that all analysts should ask as they prepare to conduct research, draft papers, and present their analysis.

By Way of Deception: The Making and Unmaking of a Mossad Officer by Victor Ostrovsky. An intriguing insight into “the institute” through the authors’ recount of his recruitment, training and career postings in the secretive Israeli Mossad.

Tiger Trap: Americas Secret War with China by David Wise. FBI Espionage, Counter Intelligence, and Chinese spying! What more could you ask for?

The Art and Science of Intelligence Analysis by Julian Richards. Intelligence borrows from both disciplines of art and science.

Structured Analytic Techniques for Intelligence Analysis by Richards Heuer. Richard J Heuer. If you could only ever buy ONE book on the topic of Intelligence Analysis this would be it!

For more Intelligence books, check out our Intelligence Bookshelf – Recommended Reading for Intelligence Professionals.

Audiobooks

Audible – If you don’t have an Audible account yet, it’s easy to sign up. I love listening to audiobooks on the way to work and while driving.

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink. An extreme view of internal-locus of control and the discipline required to be great in battle, and in business.