Introduction
Intelligence is a type of data gathered with the help of different sources. With the support of these sources, organizations can identify and eliminate threats to both people and authorities. For example, among the most well-known types of intelligence collection is Human Intelligence, which is recognized by the abbreviation HUMINT (What is intelligence? n.d.). It is the method of collecting data by using human sources. The collection of intelligence might occur overtly, such as when federal authorities question witnesses or suspects, or it can happen clandestinely or covertly, known as espionage.
Discussion
It is noteworthy that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of collecting this type of intelligence in the United States. Outside the United States boundaries, HUMINT is primarily gathered by the Central Intelligence Agency, although it is gathered by other U.S. components abroad as well (What is intelligence? n.d.). While HUMINT is an essential collecting activity for the FBI, the department gathers information using other techniques such as Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Open-source Intelligence (OSINT), and Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) (What is intelligence? n.d.). Thus, it can be claimed that various types are used simultaneously when it comes to intelligence collection.
Another type of intelligence collection that was mentioned, Measurement and Signature Intelligence, is data generated by both quantitative and qualitative study of the physical characteristics of objects and activities to define, track, and recognize them. Measurement and Signature Intelligence employs several phenomenologies derived from multiple detectors and systems to aid in classic design and implementation and technical indicators (What is intelligence? n.d.). Moreover, it helps with the detection, characterization, location, and identification of objects and activities. Thus, it can be seen that both the intelligence collection types use qualitative and quantitative analysis that might be overt or covert.
Numerous organizations in the intelligence community ensure national security. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, and the United States Marine Corps are among such members. For example, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is in charge of supplying top United States officials with homeland security intelligence. In this case, the president appoints, and the Senate confirms the CIA chief (Members of the IC, n.d.). The designated individual oversees the Central Intelligence Agency’s activities, employees, and funding, as well as serves as the National Human Source Intelligence director (Members of the IC, n.d.). The agency is divided into seven foundational pillars: the Directorates of Analysis, Operations, Science and Technology, Support, Digital Innovation, Mission Centers, and Operations (Members of the IC, n.d.). The given directorates execute the intelligence cycle, which is the process of gathering, evaluating, and delivering intelligence material to senior United States government figures.
The Bureau of Intelligence and Research enables immediate, impartial evaluation of geopolitical events and legitimate observations from any type of intelligence to the Secretary of State. The given bureau acts as the Department of State’s centerpiece for all policy priorities and operations regarding the Intelligence Agencies (Members of the IC, n.d.). The Intelligence and Research Assistant Secretary is responsible for directly reporting to the Secretary of State and acting as the Secretary’s primary data advisor on all topics (Members of the IC, n.d.). Qualified, impartial international affairs specialists at the Bureau of Intelligence and Research rely on all-source data, embassy reports, INR polling data, and interactions with US and international experts (Members of the IC, n.d.). Such broad regional and operational expertise enables them to adapt quickly to shifting policy objectives, as well as give timely indications and in-depth assessment of changes and actions affecting US international affairs and national security interests.
The United States Marine Corps generates operational and tactical information for use during warfare or other conflicts. This member’s intelligence component (IC) is mainly composed of all intelligence experts in the Marine Corps field who are in charge of policies, planning, programs, finances, and supervisory roles of intelligence (Members of the IC, n.d.). The division assists the Marine Corps Commandant in their duty as a part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, promotes the military services in Joint and Intelligence Community affairs, and supervises the MCIM.
The division is in charge of service employees for geographic information systems intelligence, signals and human intelligence, and counterespionage. This division is in charge of ensuring the advancement of the MCI, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise (Members of the IC, n.d.). The chief of MCI is the leading intelligence member of the staff as well as the direct supervisor of espionage, counterintelligence, and cryptographic concerns.
Conclusion
Hence, the discussed members of the intelligence community play a vital role in the establishment of the nation’s safety. While the CIA supplies the nation’s authorities with collected and analyzed data, the Bureau of Intelligence and Research is responsible for guiding the authorities with international affairs trends. Meanwhile, the last member, the United States Marine Corps, not only oversees several members of the intelligence community but ensures the preparedness for warfare and other conflicts.
References
Members of the IC. (n.d.). Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
What is intelligence?(n.d.). Office of the Director of National Intelligence.