Human intelligence(HUMINT,pronounced/ˈhjuːmɪnt/HEW-mint) isintelligence-gatheringby means of human sources andinterpersonal communication.It is distinct from more technical intelligence-gathering disciplines, such assignals intelligence(SIGINT),imagery intelligence(IMINT), andmeasurement and signature intelligence(MASINT).[1]HUMINT can be conducted in a variety of ways, including viaespionage,reconnaissance,interrogation,witnessinterviews, ortorture.Although associated withmilitaryandintelligence agencies,HUMINT can also apply in various civilian sectors such aslaw enforcement.[2]
Overview
editNATOdefines HUMINT as "a category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by human sources."[1]A typical HUMINT activity consists of interrogations and conversations with persons having access to information.
As the name suggests, human intelligence is mostly collected by people and is commonly provided via espionage or some other form ofcovert surveillance.However, there are also overt methods of collection, such as via interrogation of subjects or simply through interviews.
The manner in which HUMINT operations are conducted is dictated by both official protocol and the nature of the source of the information. Within the context of theUnited States Armed Forces'military intelligence,HUMINT activity may involve clandestine activities, however these operations are more closely associated withCIAprojects.[3]Bothcounterintelligenceand HUMINT includeclandestine human intelligenceandits associated operational techniques.
Sources of HUMINT
editTypically, sources of HUMINT generally include:
- Advisorsorforeign internal defensepersonnel working with host nation forces or populations
- Diplomatic reportingby accrediteddiplomats
- Espionageclandestine reporting,access agents,couriers,cutouts
- Military attachés
- Non-governmental organizations
- Prisoners of warordetainees
- Refugees
- Routine patrolling(military police,patrols,etc.)
- Special reconnaissance
- Traveler debriefing
The first steps for recruiting HUMINT sources is spotting and assessing a target.[4]Surveillance of targets (e.g., military or other establishments, open source or compromised reference documents) sometimes reveals people with potential access to information, but no clear means of approaching them. With this group, a secondary survey is in order. Headquarters may be able to suggest an approach, perhaps through a third party or through resources not known to the field station.[5]
Notable HUMINT examples
edit- Oleg Penkovskywas aSovietGRUcolonelwho served as a source to the United Kingdom and the United States by informing them of the precise knowledge necessary to address rapidly developing military tensions with the Soviet Union.
HUMINT by country
editItaly
editItaly'sAISEuses mainly human intelligence.[clarification needed]
See also
editReferences
editBibliography
edit- "NATO glossary of terms and definitions (English and French)"(PDF).2013. AAP-6.
- DeVine, Michael E. (June 14, 2019). "Covert Action and Clandestine Activities of the Intelligence Community: Selected Definitions in Brief".Congressional Research Service.
- Thomas Patrick Carroll,Government 139 (Class Notes) Syllabus Section 1 — Human Intelligence: From Sleepers to Walk-ins(PDF),California State University Sacramento
- Steele, Robert David (2010).Human Intelligence: All Humans, All Minds, All the Time.Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College.ISBN978-1-58487-439-3.
- Clark, Robert M. (2013-09-13).Intelligence Collection.CQ Press.ISBN978-1-4833-2437-1.