Read on Twitter
#DYK that the IC recognizes six major sources of intelligence. One agency may contribute a piece of the puzzle while another agency contributes a second piece, and so on, each one providing a clearer picture of world events.
When people think of intel, they likely picture what we call "HUMINT," information derived from human sources. In the movies, HUMINT is usually associated with espionage or clandestine activities, but it also includes overt collection. @CIA is the IC’s lead on human intelligence.
"SIGINT" or Signals intelligence, derived from intercepted communications and electronics signals. A big part of signals intelligence is cryptography, cracking the codes used to disguise messages and encrypt electronic signals. The leader for SIGINT in the IC is @NSAgov.
Measurement and Signature Intelligence, or "MASINT," is highly technical data that locates, identifies or describes features of targets. For example, identifying distinctive radar signatures of specific aircraft systems. @DefenseIntel is responsible for @DeptofDefense MASINT.
Next up we have "IMINT" and "GEOINT, " Imagery Intelligence, such as photographs, satellite imagery or radar imagery and geospatial intelligence, which is the analysis and visual representation of security matters on Earth. @NGA_GEOINT leads the charge on both.
Next up we have "IMINT" and "GEOINT, " Imagery Intelligence, such as photographs, satellite imagery or radar imagery and geospatial intelligence, which is the analysis and visual representation of security matters on Earth. @NGA_GEOINT leads the charge on both.
The importance of "OSINT," or open source intelligence, which is data found in the public domain might surprise some people. News reports, social media, government or commercial data -- if you've used any of these for a report or project you've been gathering open source info.
These diverse sources of intelligence, the "INTs," when combined, help to produce an evolving picture of world events we share with the president, policy makers, the military, with the IC’s assessments playing a major role in decisions about public policy and military strategy
