What is
intelligence?
Sources of intelligence
Types of
intelligence
The Intelligence
Cycle
Further
Reading |
Sources
So, if intelligence
is the product that results from processing raw information, just where
does all that raw information come from in the first place? In
intelligence work, types of raw information are often divided into various
categories based upon the means by which they are collected. Classically,
the "big three" types have been (click on the images for more):
 |
"Human intelligence" or "HUMINT" is the oldest type. This is
information gathered from human sources. Obviously this can include
"spies", but HUMINT does not mean "espionage". In fact, in the
military context HUMINT more often comes from our own troops.
Patrols, forward observers, and in particular trained observers
provide a steady stream of reporting, and since all of that comes
from humans, its "HUMINT." Just talking with the locals often
produces valuable information, and all of that is "HUMINT." |
 |
"Imagery intelligence" or "IMINT" is information from images.
Classically, this involved air photography of enemy rear areas, but
even photos taken by hand can constitute "IMINT." Today it includes
all manner of imaging devices, including radar, infra-red and other
exotic "picture types." Major powers have not just special aircraft
but also orbital satellites to take such pictures, but nowadays,
anyone willing to pay can buy some commericial satellite
imagery. |
 |
"Signals intelligence" or "SIGINT" is the interception of
electronic emissions of all types to gather information on a target.
This can involve listening in on enemy radio conversations (which
may require code-breaking to understand what they're saying), or
monitoring enemy radar sites to keep track of what they're up
to. |
As we said, HUMINT, IMINT and SIGINT are the classic "big
three",but they are certainly not the only "ints." A couple of other
notable ones include:
- "ACINT" or acoustics intelligence, which is from underwater
listening devices; and
- "DOCINT" or documentary intelligence (ex recovered enemy
documents).
|
An increasingly important source is what is often now called
"OSINT" or "open source intelligence." One of the major forms of
this is the internet. If you're reading this page, you probably know
all about how much information can be gleaned from research on the
web. Other major sources of OSINT include the news media and various
journals.
There is a tendency to think of OSINT as a new thing, but that
would be wrong. While the internet is certainly new, OSINT is not.
For instance, in the War of 1812 the major source of information
used by the British/Canadians against the Americans was the American
newspapers! |
 |
Questions or comments for
us?
|
