Intelligence Analysis HLS 437 Haynes

Chs 1-3

Intelligence Analysis

The systematic process of collecting, evaluating, integrating, and interpreting information to produce judgments that support decision-making.

Information

Raw or unprocessed material that can be used to produce intelligence. Remember that information may be incomplete, confusing, or even contradictory

Decision Advantage

Having greater knowledge or understanding than a competitor or adversary.

Actionable Intelligence

Intelligence that provides a consumer with enough understanding to potentially take some type of action

Progression of Intelligence

Information... Analysis... Intelligence.... Decision Advantage

Tactical Intelligence

Supports relatively immediate actions or decisions

Strategic Intelligence

Focuses on long-term issues, trends, threats, and future considerations.

Operational Intelligence

Falls between tactical and strategic intelligence and is commonly associated with military operations.

HUMINT

Human intelligence. Information obtained from human sources such as interviews, informants, witnesses, confidential sources, conversations, debriefings, and observations.

Disinformation

Information that is intentionally false and may be used to disguise someone's true intentions.

Five Functions of Intelligence Agencies

1. Collection

2. Analysis

3. Counterintelligence

4. Covert Activities

5. Management of Intelligence

Collection

What information can we obtain?

Analysis

What does the information mean?

Counterintelligence

How do we protect our information and capabilities?

Covert Activities

What activities can be undertaken without publicly revealing U.S. involvement?

Management of Intelligence

How do we organize, coordinate, prioritize, share, and direct intelligence activities?

Decision-Maker

Someone who has the authority or responsibility to determine what action should be taken.

Policymaker

Generally operates at the strategic level and helps establish policy or the overall direction of an organization or government.

Analyst

Provides objective intelligence to policymakers and decision-makers. Remember: the analyst explains what the intelligence tells us. The decision-maker determines what to do about it.

Planning and Direction

The first stage of the intelligence cycle. This is where the intelligence need is identified and requirements are established.

Collection

The stage where relevant information is gathered from available sources.

George Washington

Provides an early example of HUMINT. Information was obtained through human interaction and observation and then reported to leadership for decision-making.

Pearl Harbor

Demonstrates that simply possessing information is not enough. Information must be analyzed, interpreted, shared, and delivered to decision-makers in time for action.

National Security Act of 1947

Established a permanent national-security and intelligence structure, including the CIA and National Security Council.

September 11

Demonstrated significant problems involving information sharing and the failure to effectively “connect the dots.”

Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI)

Created in 2004 to improve coordination and information sharing across the Intelligence Community.

CIA

Primarily focuses on foreign intelligence and national-security threats.