43. What Are the Sources of Intelligence – 1. Open

In blog entry Number 19 I posted a brief explanation of how intelligence works and the general categories of intelligence sources. I want to significantly expand that now, to present the complexity of gathering intelligence data in the modern world.

Sources are classified into about eight categories. Finished intelligence (for dissemination) is a fitting together of pieces from overlapping sources. In the following entries I will present each of these sources. I will review the sources here.

1. Open Sources


2. HUMINT


3. Signal interception


4. Measurement and sensing




1. MASINT


2. UGS




5. Imagery


6. Scientific and Technical Intelligence


7. Other




1. Diplomatic reports


2. Liaison relationships


3. Interrogation

Recall the process of Intelligence Analysis (Entry Number 41)



This graphic shows that the process is cyclical, and really never ends.

1. Open Sources

About 85% of information is obtained from open sources, such as newspapers, journals, etc. As an example, in 1938 nuclear fission was observed and published in scientific journals. As soon as the journals reached the United States the science of fission was immediately known and understood. When it was realized that fission might be weaponized, all publication on fission ceased. That gave every nuclear physicist in the world the indication that the United States might have a nuclear weapon development program underway. Some of the types of open source material are:

• Internet


• General: such as newspapers, magazines, books, foreign broadcasts, telephone directories, films, maps, and charts


• Scientific/Technical literature (also applies to Scientific and Technical Intelligence)


• Various HUMINT specialties (e.g. trade shows, association meetings, interviews) (Overlaps with HUMINT, or Human Intelligence)

1. Advantages:




• Often presents an “insider’s” view.


• Frequently provides a source of pictures and information not obtained from any other source


• Gives insight into another’s thought processes and intentions


• May be the most timely information available


• Timeliness




2. Limitations:




• Materials (particularly military and scientific journals) often represent an idealized rather than a real picture of a capability that is aspired to rather than possessed. However, such materials can provide a window into the future, if this caution is kept in mind.


• • Censorship or other motivations limit promulgation of military related information.
  
• • Deception is possible.


• • Translations may be needed, which often causes a delay in using the information.


• • Significant information may be overlooked in the high volume of material to be processed.

The next entry will be on HUMINT.