Intelligence Officer - Sources of Intelligence

Sources of Intelligence

Intelligence officers make use of a variety of sources of information, including

  • Open source intelligence (OSINT): Derived from publicly available sources such as the Internet, library materials, newspapers, etc.
  • Communications intelligence (COMINT): Eavesdropping and interception of communications (e.g., by wiretapping) including signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT).
  • Imagery intelligence (IMINT): Derived from numerous collection assets, such as reconnaissance satellites (e.g., the Key Hole series) or aircraft (e.g., Lockheed U-2).
  • Human intelligence (HUMINT): Derived from covert human intelligence sources (agents or moles) from a variety of agencies (e.g., the United States Intelligence Community) and activities.
  • Measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT): Derived from collection assets that collect and evaluate technical profiles and specific characteristics of certain targeted entities (e.g., E-8 Joint STARS).
  • Technical intelligence (TECHINT): Based on scientific and technical characteristics of weapons systems, technological devices and other entities.
  • Financial intelligence (FININT): The gathering of information about the financial affairs of entities of interest.

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