Intelligence is gathered through various methods, both covert and overt. Here are some key approaches:
- 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.
- Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): Derived from intercepting and analyzing signals, including communications intelligence (COMINT), electronic intelligence (ELINT), and foreign instrumentation signals intelligence (FISINT).
- Imagery Intelligence (IMINT): Involves analyzing visual representations of objects obtained through photography, radar sensors, or electro-optics.
- 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:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_intelligence_(intelligence_gathering)
- https://www.dni.gov/index.php/what-we-do/what-is-intelligence
- https://www.aktek.io/blog/best-practices-for-intelligence-gathering