Traditional Intelligence Collection Disciplines

“Human Intelligence” (HUMINT)

This is intelligence that is drawn from human sources. HUMINT collection is mainly undertaken by explicit collectors such as military attaches and diplomats. This is one of the oldest techniques for gathering information about a foreign power. It remains the most preferred intelligence-collection method for most nations worldwide. HUMINT comprises unconcealed, complex, and secret activities. Overt HUMINT collectors may comprise diplomatic staff and military personnel, among others (Chapple & Seidl, 2021).

“Single Intelligence” (SIGINT)

SIGINT is obtained from signal interception and consists of a combination of specific intelligence. It is mainly drawn from electronic signals such as radars, weapon systems, and communications systems. Information can be derived from intercepted communications broadcasts. SIGINT can be conducted on different platforms, such as open-air collection sites. SIGINT has facilities that are able to assess transmissions from communication satellites(Chapple & Seidl, 2021).

“Imagery Intelligence” (IMINT)

This discipline entails imagery analysis where imagery consists of objects duplicated optically or electronically. Imagery can be obtained from radar sensors, lasers, and pictures, among others. IMINT analyzes data to determine, categorize, as well as distinguish objects or organizations. It can be generated from either hard or soft copies.

“Measurement and signature Intelligence” (MASINT)

This is both technical and scientific intelligence data derived from data analysis through quantitative and qualitative approaches (Chapple & Seidl, 2021). The information obtained here is then used to enable the successive evaluation or identification of the same type of equipment.

“Open-source Intelligence” (OSINT)

As the name suggests, intelligence is obtained from publicly available material from agencies and other foes. Open-source information can sometimes be very valuable, especially when it comes to determining an organization's operations as well as activities. In most cases, open-source information can offer significant information on organizational dynamics, research operations as well as technical operations.