Intelligence is gathered through various methods, both covert and overt. Here are some key approaches:

  1. Human Intelligence (HUMINT): Collected by people, often through espionage or covert surveillance. It includes information obtained from sources such as informants, agents, and field operatives1.
  2. Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): Derived from intercepting and analyzing signals, including communications intelligence (COMINT), electronic intelligence (ELINT), and foreign instrumentation signals intelligence (FISINT).
  3. Imagery Intelligence (IMINT): Involves analyzing visual representations of objects obtained through photography, radar sensors, or electro-optics.
  4. Other Sources: These include open-source intelligence (OSINT), measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT), and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT)2.

The intelligence cycle involves collecting, processing, exploiting, and disseminating information for decision-making and action3. It’s a continuous loop that ensures timely and relevant intelligence reaches those who need it.

Sources:

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_intelligence_(intelligence_gathering)
  2. https://www.dni.gov/index.php/what-we-do/what-is-intelligence
  3. https://www.aktek.io/blog/best-practices-for-intelligence-gathering