An Overview of Intelligence Chapter 1 ©2013, Taylor & Francis

Intelligence is more than information. It is knowledge that has been specially prepared for a customer’s unique circumstances. The word knowledge highlights the need for human involvement. Intelligence collection systems produce... data, not intelligence; only the human mind can provide that special touch that makes sense of data for different customers’ requirements. ~Captain William S. Brei ©2013, Taylor & Francis

Introduction The purpose of intelligence is to provide a critical edge in decision-making that shifts the balance in favor of the decision-maker. This is a concept known as decision advantage, where one knows more than a competitor or adversary. ©2013, Taylor & Francis

What is Intelligence? James Bond – the world’s worst spy? The Hollywood perception of intelligence Many different definitions exist within the IC – they are constructed to meet the needs of the agency ©2013, Taylor & Francis

What is Intelligence? Intelligence is the process by which specific types of information important to national security are requested, collected, analyzed, and provided to policymakers; the products of that process; the safeguarding of these processes and this information by counterintelligence activities; and the carrying out of operations as requested by lawful authorities ~Mark Lowenthal ©2013, Taylor & Francis

What is intelligence? A product Protecting what we know A community – the IC ©2013, Taylor & Francis

Information and Intelligence Information is unprocessed material of every description that can be used to produce intelligence Disinformation - intentionally false information Can raw information ever rise to the level of intelligence? ©2013, Taylor & Francis

Types of Intelligence Tactical Strategic Operational Foreign Domestic ©2013, Taylor & Francis

Functions of Intelligence Agencies Collection – the act of gathering information and data Analysis – linking, interpreting and contextualizing raw data Counterintelligence – the protection of information and intelligence Covert operations – untraceable operations Intelligence management – organizing, processing, storing and proper dissemination ©2013, Taylor & Francis

Policy Makers and Decision-Makers Those who produce intelligence should refrain from formulating policy “Tell it like it is” A producer-consumer relationship between the analyst and policy-maker ©2013, Taylor & Francis

United States Intelligence Community The primary mission of the IC is to collect and convey the essential information the President and members of the policymaking, law enforcement, and military communities require to execute their appointed duties 17 agencies, state and local law enforcement, private organizations ©2013, Taylor & Francis

The Purpose of Intelligence Answers questions Reduces uncertainty Insight into our adversaries Decision advantage ©2013, Taylor & Francis

Conclusion Good intelligence is primarily the result of solid headwork and legwork. Developed through the focused collection of information, thorough study, and effective analysis and synthesis. Provides knowledge, reduces uncertainty, and supports effective decision-making. ©2013, Taylor & Francis