Military reference books and manuals (2009-2023, Volume 2)

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Table 2-1. Public speaking forums (continued)

PRINTED

•

Book

•

Brochure

•

Newspaper

•

Periodical

•

Pamphlet

•

Report

RADIO

•

Low Frequency AM Radio

•

Medium Frequency AM Radio

•

VHF FM Radio

•

L- and S-Band Satellite Radio

PUBLIC BROADCASTS

TELEVISION

•

Ku Band Satellite Television

VHF and UHF Terrestrial
Television

COMMUNICATIONS

•

Chat

•

News

•

Newsgroup

•

Webcam

•

Webcast

•

Weblog

DATABASES

•

Commerce

•

Education

•

Government

•

Military

•

Organizations

INFORMATION

(WEBPAGE CONTENT)

•

Commerce

•

Education

•

Government

•

Military

Organizations

INTERNET SITES

SERVICES

•

Dictionary

•

Directory

•

Downloads

•

Financial

•

Geospatial

•

Technical

Support

•

Translation

•

URL

Lookup

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UBLIC

PEAKING

ORUMS

2-7.

Public speaking, the oldest medium, is the oral distribution of information to audiences during events

that are open to the public or occur in public areas. These events or forums include but are not limited to
academic debates, educational lectures, news conferences, political rallies, public government meetings,
religious sermons, and S&T exhibitions. Neither the speaker nor the audience has the expectation of
privacy when participating in a public speaking forum unless there is an expressed condition of privacy
such as the Chatham House Rule. If invoked, privacy conditions such as the Chatham House Rule change
the characterization of the source from an open to a confidential source and may necessitate treating the
source and collected information in accordance with human intelligence (HUMINT) or counterintelligence
(CI) procedures. Unlike the other open source collection, monitoring public speaking events is done
through direct observation and, due to its overt nature, could entail risk to the collector.

UBLIC

OCUMENTS

2-8.

A document is any recorded information regardless of its physical form or characteristics. Like

public speaking, public documents have always been a source of intelligence. Documents provide in-depth
information about the operational environment that underpin our ability to plan, prepare for, and execute
military operations. During operations, documents such as newspapers and magazines provide insights
into the effectiveness of information operations. Books, leaflets, magazines, maps, manuals, marketing
brochures, newspapers, photographs, public property records, and other forms of recorded information
continue to yield information of intelligence value about operational environments. Sustained document
collection contributes to the development of studies about potential operational environments. Collection
of documents on the operational and technical characteristics of foreign materiel aid in the development of
improved US tactics, countermeasures, and equipment.

UBLIC

ROADCASTS

2-9.

A public broadcast entails the simultaneous transmission of data or information for general public

consumption to all receivers or terminals within a computer, radio, or television network. Public
broadcasts are important sources of current information about the operational environment. Television
news broadcasts often provide the first indications and warning (I&W) of situations that may require the
use of US forces. Broadcast news and announcements enable personnel to monitor conditions and take
appropriate action when conditions change within the area of operations (AO). News, commentary, and
analysis on radio and television also provide windows into how governments, civilians, news
organizations, and other elements of society perceive the US and US military operations. Broadcasts also
provide information and insights into the effectiveness of information operations.

NTERNET

ITES

2-10.

Army intelligence components must use Government computers to access the Internet for official

Government business unless otherwise authorized (for example, an Army Reservist participating in the
World Basic Information Library [WBIL] program).

2-11.

Internet sites enable users to participate in a publicly accessible communications network that

connects computers, computer networks, and organizational computer facilities around the world. The
Internet is more then just a research tool. It is a reconnaissance and surveillance tool that enables
intelligence personnel to locate and observe open sources of information. Through the Internet, trained
collectors can detect and monitor Internet sites that may provide I&W of enemy intentions, capabilities,
and activities.

2-12.

Collectors can monitor newspaper, radio, and television websites that support assessments of

information operations. Collectors can conduct periodic searches of webpages and databases for content

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on military order of battle (OB), personalities, and equipment. Collecting webpage content and links can
provide useful information about relationships between individuals and organizations. Properly focused,
collecting and processing publicly available information from Internet sites can support understanding of
the operational environment.

OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE ORGANIZATIONS

2-13.

The Army does not have a specific military occupational specialty (MOS), additional skill identifier

(ASI), or special qualification identifier (SQI) for OSINT. With the exception of the Asian Studies
Detachment (see Appendix A), the Army does not have base tables of organization and equipment (TOE)
for OSINT units or staff elements. OSINT missions and tasks are imbedded within existing missions and
force structure or accomplished through task organization.

2-14.

The nexus of Army OSINT operations is the theater military intelligence (MI) brigade or group.

Each of these INSCOM units conducts sustained, regionally focused intelligence operations in support of
their Army Service Component Command (ASCC) and Combatant Command (COCOM) (Figure 2-2).
While their OSINT capabilities may vary, each of these theater-level MI units is the focal point within the
COCOM for managing Army open source requirements and providing OSINT support to Army tactical
units deploying to or operating within the command’s area of responsibility (AOR). When open source
skills and regional knowledge are not present in these deploying tactical units, personnel from the theater
MI brigade or group may deploy with and form the core of the tactical unit’s OSINT organization as well
as provide the control mechanism for synchronization and information exchange between echelons.

Figure 2-2. Example - 500th Military Intelligence Brigade in US Army Pacific Command

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2-15.

When task organizing for OSINT operations, intelligence units use the following basic types of

organizations or personnel as the basis for organizing and accomplishing open source missions.

Command and Control.

Command and control (C2) organizations and personnel provide

management and oversight of subordinate production, collection, and processing elements.
They are knowledgeable about open source organizations and open source requirements
management. They have the skills and knowledge necessary to synchronize collection and
production within their organization and between echelons. They understand the open source
collection and processing capabilities of intelligence and non-intelligence units within the
supported command. These personnel may have additional authority and training in contracting
for products and services when commercial vendors provide open source products and services.

Collection.

Collection organizations and personnel gather and report publicly available

information in accordance with tasking from their C2 organization. They have skills and
knowledge in one or more of the open source collection techniques. Depending upon the
organization and mission, these personnel may also be regional or subject matter experts with
in-depth knowledge of the operational environment and local language. These expert personnel
are often capable and responsible for multiple tasks (collection, processing, and production) in
their areas of expertise.

Processing.

Processing organizations and personnel transform collected data into a form

suitable for analysis and intelligence production. Some have the skills and knowledge to quality
control the processing and reporting of the information. Processing personnel may have
specialized skills and knowledge in areas such as document exploitation (DOCEX),
transcription, and translation. Sensitive processing techniques such as imagery interpretation
and cryptography are the responsibility of imagery intelligence (IMINT) and signals intelligence
(SIGINT) organizations, respectively.

Production.

Production organizations and personnel convert information into intelligence.

They have skills and knowledge in open source research, intelligence production, and
dissemination. Analysts with production organizations use a number of techniques and tools to
retrieve, integrate, evaluate, analyze, and interpret information into OSINT or multidiscipline
intelligence. They disseminate the results of intelligence production to the users as assessments,
studies, estimates, and reports. They also store the products and the supporting research
material and metadata in databases accessible to other personnel who manage intelligence
operations; collect and process information; produce intelligence; or use publicly available
information and OSINT.

OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE CONSIDERATIONS

2-16.

For the most part, the considerations for OSINT are similar to those of other intelligence disciplines.

OSINT organizations need clearly stated intelligence requirements to effectively focus
collection and production.

OSINT operations must comply with AR 381-10 and Executive Order 12333 on the collection,
retention, and dissemination information on US persons (see Appendix B and Appendix C).

OSINT organizations can be overwhelmed by the volume of information to process and analyze.

OSINT operations require qualified linguists for foreign language-dependent collection and
processing tasks.

2-17.

In addition to the above, personnel responsible for planning or executing OSINT operations must

consider the following:

OMPLIANCE

2-18.

Under AR 381-10, Procedure 2, Army intelligence activities may collect publicly available

information on US persons only when it is necessary to fulfill an assigned function. There must also be a

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link between the collection of the US person information and the Army intelligence component’s assigned
mission. Army intelligence components must exhaust the least intrusive collection means before
requesting a more intrusive collection means. The following are additional considerations for Internet
collection:

Army intelligence components must use Government computers to access the Internet for
official Government business unless otherwise authorized.

Internet protocol (IP) addresses, uniform resource locators (URLs), and email addresses that are
not self-evidently associated with a US person may be acquired, retained, and processed by
Army intelligence components without making an effort to determine whether they are
associated with a US person as long as the component does not engage in analysis focused upon
specific addresses. Once such analysis is initiated, the Army intelligence component must make
a reasonable and diligent inquiry to determine whether the data are associated with a US person.

IMITATIONS

2-19.

Intelligence organizations whose principle missions are CI, HUMINT, and SIGINT must comply

with applicable Department of Defense Directives and Army Regulations that govern contact with and
collection of information from open sources. For example, DOD Directive 5100.20 prohibits SIGINT
organizations from collecting and processing information from public broadcasts with exception of
processing encrypted or "hidden meaning" passages. AR 380-13 prohibits the assignment of Army
personnel, military or civilian, to attend public or private meetings, demonstrations, or other similar
activities held off-post to acquire CI investigative information without specific approval by the Secretary or
the Under Secretary of the Army.

PERATIONS

ECURITY

2-20.

More than any other intelligence discipline, the OSINT discipline could unintentionally provide

indicators of US military operations.  Information generally available to the public as well as certain
detectable activities such as open source research and collection can reveal the existence of, and sometimes
details about, classified or sensitive information or undertakings. Such indicators may assist those seeking
to neutralize or exploit US military operations.  Purchasing documents, searching an Internet site, or asking
questions at public events are examples of detectable open source research and collection techniques that
could provide indicators of US plans and operations.

2-21.

Using the five-step operations security (OPSEC) process, organizations must determine what level of

contact with open sources and which collection techniques might provide indicators that an enemy could
piece together in time to affect US military operations. In OSINT operations, countermeasures range from
limiting the frequency or duration of contact with a source to prohibiting all contact with a source. If
OPSEC so requires, such as to protect a Government computer from hacker retaliation, a major Army
command (MACOM) commander may approve nonattributable Internet access.

LASSIFICATION

2-22.

AR 380-5 states that intelligence producers “must be wary of applying so much security that they are

unable to provide a useful product to their consumers.” This is an appropriate warning for OSINT
operations where concern for OPSEC can undermine the ability to disseminate inherently unclassified
information. As shown in Table 2-2, the classification of source metadata, collector metadata, collected
information, and derivative intelligence differ based the means of collection and the degree of damage
disclosure of this information could reasonably be expected to cause to national security.

2-23.

Since it is already in the public domain, publicly available information and the source metadata are

unclassified. AR 380-5, Chapter 4, directs that Army personnel will not apply classification or other

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security markings “to an article or portion of an article that has appeared in a newspaper, magazine, or
other public medium.” For reasons of OPSEC, the classification of collector information is controlled
unclassified or classified information. According to AR 380-5, Chapter 2, a compilation of unclassified
publicly available information into an intelligence product (estimate, report, or summary) is normally not
classified. In unusual circumstances, the combination of individual unclassified items of information into
an intelligence product may require classification if the compilation provides an added factor that warrants
classification.

Table 2-2. Open source intelligence classification considerations

2-24.

AR 380-5, Chapter 6, provides a list of factors or classification considerations which includes but is

not limited to the following:

Intelligence that reveals the identity of a conventional source or method normally does not
require classification.

Intelligence identifying a sensitive source or method is classified, as well as the evaluation of the
particular source or method.

An intelligence requirement is classified when it reveals what is not known, what is necessary to
know, and why.

Note:

Collection managers create sanitized, unclassified collection tasks from the intelligence

requirement since uncleared US and non-US persons make up a significant portion of open
source collectors.

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Information that would divulge intelligence interests, value, or extent of knowledge on a subject.

Information related to political or economic instabilities in a foreign country threatening
American lives and installation there.

ECONFLICTION

2-25.

During planning, the G2/S2 staff and the G3/S3 staff must deconflict OSINT operations with other

activities. Specifically, contact or interaction with open sources may compromise the operations of another
intelligence discipline. Open source collection may adversely affect the ability of non-intelligence
organizations such as civil affairs (CA), military police (MP), medical, and public affairs (PA) to
accomplish their missions. Conversely, overt contact with a source by CA, MP, or other personnel may
compromise OSINT operations as well as the safety of the open source or collector. Each of these
situations could lead to the loss of access to the open source and information of intelligence value.

ECEPTION AND

IAS

2-26.

Deception and bias are of particular concern in OSINT operations. Unlike other disciplines, OSINT

operations do not normally collect information by direct observation of activities and conditions within the
area of interest (AOI). OSINT operations rely on secondary sources to collect and distribute information
that the sources may not have observed themselves. Secondary sources such as government press offices,
commercial news organizations, NGO spokespersons, and other information providers can intentionally or
unintentionally add, delete, modify, or otherwise filter the information they make available to the general
public. These sources may also convey one message in English for US or international consumption and a
different non-English message for local or regional consumption. It is important to know the background
of open sources and the purpose of the public information in order to distinguish objective, factual
information from information that lacks merit, contains bias, or is part of an effort to deceive the reader.

NTELLECTUAL

ROPERTY

2-27.

AR 27-60 prescribes policy and procedures for the acquisition, protection, transfer and use of

patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property by the Department of the Army (DA). It is
Army policy to recognize the rights of copyright owners consistent with the Army’s unique mission and
worldwide commitments. As a general rule, Army organizations will not reproduce or distributed
copyrighted works without the permission of the copyright owner unless such use is within an exception
under US Copyright Law or required to meet an immediate, mission-essential need for which noninfringing
alternatives are either unavailable or unsatisfactory.

2-28.

According to the US Copyright Office, “fair use” of a copyrighted work for purposes such as

criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright.
Implicit with fair use is the documentation and citation of the source of the copyrighted information. The
following are four factors in determining fair use:

Purpose and character of the use. In the context of fair use, intelligence operations are similar in
purpose and usage to non-profit news reporting and research organizations.

Nature of the copyrighted work (see Appendix D).

Amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole.
There is no specific number of words, lines, or notes that may safely be taken without
permission.  Usually, the amount or portion of copyrighted material is limited to quotations of
excerpts and short passages; and summary of a speech or article, with brief quotations.

Effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. The effect on
the market or value of copyrighted material relates to reproduction and dissemination of
products provided by the owner beyond that authorized the owner’s “Terms of Use” or
described in contracts and licenses with the US Government.

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PLAN OPERATIONS

3-2.

OSINT operations begin weeks, months, or years before a corps, division, or brigade receives a

warning order (WARNO) for deployment. OSINT plays a critical role in understanding diverse
operational environments and building the knowledge required for unit readiness and effective planning.
Sustained and proactive overt open source research by intelligence and non-intelligence personnel provides
relevant information that enhances understanding of the operational environment and its critical variables
that leaders and their subordinates need to effectively plan, prepare for, and execute military operations. In
a practical sense, research is the foundation of successful intelligence operations and their support to
military operations. Open source research provides much of the information on current and potential
operational environments that enables effective planning, preparation for, and execution of military
operations.

3-3.

OSINT also supports the continuous assessment of military operations. Research during orientation

and contingency planning provides insights into how foreign military forces and transnational threats have
operated in similar operational environments. During operations, collection and analysis of publicly
available information on the enemy’s objectives and adaptation in response to US operations aids in the
development of improved training, tactics, and materiel. Following operations, research of enemy
operations and foreign observations of US operations supports the assessment and the improvement of
Army force structure, materiel, training, and TTP.

EVELOP

PECIFIC

NFORMATION

EQUIREMENTS

3-4.

Upon receipt of mission, the commander and staff take the steps necessary to begin the military

decisionmaking process (MDMP) (Figure 3-2). These include gathering tools, updating estimates, and
performing an initial assessment. This assessment includes determining the time available for planning. In
mission analysis, the commander and staff analyze the relationships among the factors of mission, enemy,
terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations (METT-TC).
They seek to understand—

The operational environment, including adversaries, terrain, and civil considerations.

The desired end state of their higher and next higher headquarters.

Their mission and how it is nested with those of their higher and next higher headquarters.

The forces, capabilities, and resources available.

3-5.

Following mission analysis, commanders issue their initial intent and planning guidance. These are

based on their commander’s visualization. The initial commander’s intent focuses the rest of the planning
process. They describe how the commander envisions the operation’s end state and conditions necessary
to achieve it. Thinking in terms of desired and undesired effects is useful for commanders developing and
issuing planning guidance. It also helps staff members develop courses of action (COAs).

3-6.

During planning, intelligence personnel analyze the commander’s priority intelligence requirements

and information requirements (IRs) of the coordinating and special staff to create specific information
requirements (SIRs). SIRs describe what information the analyst requires to answer each intelligence
requirement, where the information may be found, and when to collect the information. Each SIR contains
indicators that, if observed, provide information on the characteristics of or activities within the AOI.
These indicators when linked to a specific location, event, or time form the basis of research, tasks for
collection, and requests for information (RFIs).

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ONDUCT

ESEARCH

3-7.

Intelligence analysts attempt to answer the SIRs using existing information and intelligence acquired

through open source research and searches of classified databases (Figure 3-3). Open source research is
the most effective means of retrieving authoritative and detailed information on the terrain, weather, and
civil considerations as well as external variables that affect or influence the operational environment. If the
analyst can answer the requirement, he reports the information or intelligence to the originator
immediately. When the analyst determines that the required information is not available, he uses the SIR
to help the staff develop collection tasks and RFIs. The compilation of the unanswered SIR is the basis of
the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) plan and subsequent tasks for collection and RFIs.

Figure 3-3. Open source research, requests, tasks, and reports

3-8.

Non-intelligence staff members also research publicly available information to prepare estimates,

papers, briefings, plans, orders, and training material. They access, retrieve, analyze, and distribute
publicly available information within the scope of their functional areas. Specifically, while the G2/S2
staff has overall staff responsibility for intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB), the subject matter
experts for CA, engineer, fire support (FS), information operations (IO), law enforcement, logistics,
terrain, and weather lay within the other staff elements. This ensures the commander and other staff
elements receive timely and accurate information from the responsible and knowledgeable staff personnel.
For example:

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Information Operations.

The G7/S7 staff is responsible for assessing the information

environment, describing the information environment’s effects on operations, evaluating the
threat’s information situation, and determines threat COAs in the information environment that
influence civil and military activities within the AO.

Civil-Military Operations

. The G9/S9 staff is responsible for assessing the civil considerations

within the AO based on areas, structures, capabilities, organizations, people, and events.

Public Affairs.

The public affairs officer (PAO) is responsible for assessing public support

within the AO and providing timely feedback on trends in public opinion based on media
analysis, published polling data, and professional assessments.

ASK AND

EQUEST

3-9.

The G2/S2 and G3/S3 staffs use the commander’s guidance and the PIRs to complete the ISR plan.

The staffs use the plan to assign tasks to subordinate units or submit requests to supporting intelligence
organizations that achieve the desired ISR objectives (Figure 3-4). Embodied in the ISR plan, these tasks
describes how the unit will––

Request collection, processing, and production support from Joint, Interagency, Multinational,
and Service organizations such as the DNI Open Source Center (OSC) (see Appendix E), the
NGIC, and the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity.

Request and integrate collection, processing, and production capabilities from INSCOM and the
US Military Intelligence Readiness Command.

Task organize and deploy organic, attached, and contracted collection, processing, and
production assets.

Request and manage US and non-US linguists based on priority for support, mission-specific
skills and knowledge requirements (language, dialect, and skill level), clearance level, and
category. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction 3126.01 provides specific guidance
on language and regional expertise planning.

Conduct remoted, split-based, or distributed collection, processing, and production.

3-10.

When developing ISR tasks for subordinate units, the G2/S2 and G3/S3 staffs use the task and

purpose (what and why) construct for developing task statements. Each statement accounts for the
following:

Who is to execute the task (unit or organization).

What the task is (an intended effect or an action by a friendly force).

When the task will begin (by time or event) or the task’s duration.

Where the task will occur (AO, objective, grid coordinates).

Why the force will perform the task (for what purpose or reason).

3-11.

The who, where, and when of a task to a subordinate unit are straightforward. The what and why are

more challenging to write clearly and can confuse subordinates if not written well. The what is a task
expressed in terms of an intended effect or an action by a friendly force. The staff should carefully choose
the term that best describes the commander’s intended effect for the subordinate force. They should use
doctrinally approved tasks and mission-task verbs. Doctrinally approved tasks have recognized meanings,
are measurable, and describe results or effects. Using them simplifies orders.

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3-12.

The why or purpose of a task statement is also extremely important to mission command and mission

orders. The why puts the task into context by describing the reason for performing it. The purpose is
normally stated as a descriptive phrase. Often, the purpose is more important than the task. Normally, the
staff develops task statement by adding the phrase “in order to” and then provides the task’s purpose. Task
statements normally do not specify “how.” There may be, however, occasions when commanders want to
specify an activity (for example, CI, HUMINT, OSINT, aerial reconnaissance, SIGINT, ground
surveillance) that provides an overarching doctrinal description of how to accomplish a task. The
following are examples of task statements for open source collection tasks.

No later than 280800Z July 2006, 513th MI Brigade establishes a theater-level broadcast
information collection site at Forward Operating Base (FOB) BAYOU VERMILION to monitor
regional and local broadcasts. Upon recognition, report indications and incidents of insurgent
activity or civil unrest in the vicinity of named area of interest (NAI) ACADIA.

No later than 192300Z October 2008, 2d Brigade Combat Team (BCT) establishes a document
exploitation site at FOB PATHFINDER to collect and process local newspapers. Upon
recognition, report indications of planned anti-Coalition rallies in the vicinity of Checkpoint
CAPTION.

301st MI Battalion monitors the non-English websites and webcasts of international and
regional news organizations covering Operation VIGILANT WARRIOR from D-30 to D+5.
Provide a daily summary and assessment of news media coverage of US and non-US
preparations for Operation VIGILANT WARRIOR. Report each occurrence of news reports on
the 39th BCT’s deployments for Operation VIGILANT WARRIOR.

3-13.

Non-intelligence personnel also collect information. Close cooperation between intelligence and

non-intelligence organizations fosters an efficient and supportive environment for appraising all personnel
about what and how to report information of potential operational or intelligence value. If not tasked
directly, non-intelligence personnel and organizations remain responsible for reporting information of
potential intelligence or operational value gathered in the course of executing their missions. Artillery,
CA, infantry, MP, psychological operations (PSYOP), PA, Special Forces, supply, transportation, and
other personnel observe their environment and gather information as an integral part of developing and
maintaining the situational understanding required to accomplish their missions. These personnel use their
organization’s standard information management procedures, formats, and systems to report their
observations to multiple users, including intelligence organizations, within the command.

3-14.

Throughout planning, preparation for, and execution of operations, the G2/S2 and G3/S3 staffs use

ISR management procedures to integrate and synchronize OSINT operations across echelons. The G2/S2
staff ensures open source collection, processing, and production resources are included in the intelligence
synchronization matrix (ISM) and the communications architecture. The G2/S2 works closely with other
staff elements to ensure the seamless exchange of OSINT and information gathered by non-intelligence
units. The G2/S2’s staff works with the OSC bureau, Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC), and
theater-level analysis and control element (ACE) to establish, manage, and deconflict open source
collection, processing, and production requirements and activities.

LANNING

ONSIDERATION

–

UBLIC

PEAKING

ORUMS

3-15.

Collecting information at public speaking forums requires close coordination to ensure the overt

collection is integrated with the information operations plan, and is lawful and synchronized with
HUMINT activities. The ISR plan should describe how the unit will––

Coordinate with the G7/S7 staff, the G9/S9, the PAO, the staff judge advocate (SJA), and the
S2X prior to surveillance of public speaking forums.

Identify additional personnel and equipment to provide force protection (FP) for collection
personnel.

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Deploy, operate, maintain, and recover or transfer audio and video surveillance equipment and
associated communications and processing systems,

Describe reporting procedures for organizations that observe public events incidental to the
execution of their assigned missions (for example, CA attendance at a city council meeting, MP
at a check point, and transportation personnel at a relief center).

3-16.

In addition, the operations order (OPORD) should describes how the unit tasked with public

speaking forum collection missions will request, allocate, and manage funds to––

Purchase digital camera equipment.

Purchase audio recording equipment.

Purchase computer hardware to play audio and video material.

Purchase computer hardware and software applications for data storage and computer security.

LANNING

ONSIDERATION

–

UBLIC

OCUMENTS

3-17.

Organizations within the AO conduct the majority of document collection missions. Once collected

and digitized, documents move through the communications and processing architecture to organizations
throughout the Intelligence Community that have resources (skills, knowledge, and equipment) to
effectively process the information and produce intelligence. The ISR plan should describe how the unit
will––

Coordinate document collection, processing, and analysis activities with those of Joint,
Interagency, and Multinational organizations.

Deploy, operate, maintain, and recover or transfer hardcopy, analog, and digital media
processing equipment and associated communications systems (for example, Deployable
HARMONY DOCEX Suite).

Subscribe to or contract for academic and commercial information services for OSINT
collection, processing, and production.

3-18.

In addition, the OPORD should describes how the unit tasked with document collection missions

will request, allocate, and manage funds to––

Contract for document collection and processing “clipping” services.

Purchase books, dictionaries, images, maps, newspapers, and periodicals.

Purchase recorded audio and video material.

Purchase computer hardware to play audio and video material.

Purchase computer hardware and software applications for data storage and computer security.

Purchase digital cameras and scanning equipment and software if not already on hand.

Purchase commercial data and databases.

Subscribe to newspapers and periodicals.

LANNING

ONSIDERATION

–

UBLIC

ROADCASTS

3-19.

The DNI OSC collects, processes, and reports international and regional broadcasts. This enables

deployed organizations to use their resources to collect and process information from local broadcasts that
are of interest to the command or only accessible from within the AO. The ISR plan should describe how
the unit will––

Coordinate broadcast collection, processing, and production activities with those of the OSC.

Deploy, operate, maintain, and recover or transfer radio and television broadcast receiving,
digital media storage, content processing, and communications systems.

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Use Internet collection and processing resources to collect the broadcast from webcasts on the
radio and television station’s Internet site.

3-20.

In addition, the OPORD should describes how the unit tasked with public broadcast collection

missions will request, allocate, and manage funds to––

Purchase antenna and computer equipment to receive, record, and process broadcast
information.

Purchase receivers and computer equipment to receive and convert regional television broadcast
formats to US video formats.

Purchase machine translation services or software, if available, for the target language and
dialects.

Subscribe to satellite radio and television broadcast service providers, both regional and
international.

LANNING

ONSIDERATION

–

NTERNET

ITES

3-21.

Echelon above corps (EAC) organizations such as the INSCOM’s Asian Studies Detachment and the

Joint Reserve Intelligence Center-Leavenworth conduct sustained Internet collection, processing, and
intelligence production. This enables the deployed organizations to focus their resources on collecting
information from public speaking forums, broadcasts, and documents that are only accessible from within
the AO. The ISR plan should describe how the unit will––

Coordinate Internet collection, processing, and analysis activities with those of Joint,
Interagency, and Multinational organizations such as the OSC and the Joint Reserve Intelligence
Centers.

Deploy, operate, maintain, and recover or transfer computers and associated communications
and data storage systems.

Provide access to the Intelink-Sensitive But Unclassified (Intelink-SBU) network (see Appendix
F) or approved commercial Internet service providers to support OSINT collection, processing,
storage, and dissemination requirements (for example, collection, processing, and exchange of
digitized text, graphics, and multimedia information via Nonsecure Internet Protocol Network
(NIPRNET). This will be done in coordination with the G6/S6 or installation Director of
Information Management (DOIM).

Coordinate a list of authorized US Internet sites for general military use, US and non-US
Internet sites authorized for open source research, and non-US Internet sites restricted to
authorized intelligence or CI personnel.

Conduct split-based or distributed Internet information collection and processing.

Subscribe to or contract for academic and commercial information services for open source
information collection, processing, and production.

3-22.

In addition, the OPORD should describes how the unit tasked with Internet research or collection

missions will request, allocate, and manage funds to––

Purchase digitized documents, geospatial information, and other information from Internet sites.

Purchase computer hardware and software applications for saving web content (and metadata),
data storage, and computer security.

Subscribe to academic and commercial online databases.

Subscribe to online newspapers, periodicals, and references.

Contract for Internet information collection and processing services.

LANNING

ONSIDERATION

–

INGUISTS

EQUIREMENTS

3-23.

The ability to comprehend information and communicate in foreign languages is critical in OSINT.

Language proficiency requirements are primarily in the areas of collection and processing, but other areas

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may also require foreign language skills and knowledge. Tasks that require or may require language
proficiency are––

Collection

. Collection of information from broadcasts, documents, Internet sites, and public

speaking forums requires language proficiency and target knowledge as well as skills and
knowledge of specific collection techniques. The specific level of required listening, reading,
and speaking proficiency depends on the medium and the content.

Transcription.

Both listening and writing proficiency in the source language are essential for an

accurate transcript. A transcript is extremely important when the English language skills of the
processing personnel are inadequate for authoritative, direct translation from audio or video into
English text.

Translation

. Bilingual competence is a prerequisite for creating any translation. The linguist

must be able to read and comprehend the source language, write comprehensibly in English, and
choose the equivalent expression in English that both fully conveys and best matches the
meaning intended in the source language.

Research and Analysis

. Reading comprehension in the source language is essential for

personnel conducting open source research or analysis in the target language. Listening and
speaking proficiency may also be necessary if the analyst interacts with non-English speaking
collection and processing personnel.

Tasking and Reporting

. If the collector’s native language is not English then US personnel

must give tasking and receive reports in the collector’s native language or the collector must
have some level of English language proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing in
order to receive tasking and report collected information in English.

3-24.

During collection, intelligence personnel detect, identify, locate, and monitor communications modes

that distribute public information. These modes include broadcasts, documents, Internet sites, and public
speaking forums. Collecting and processing information from these modes requires language proficiency
and target knowledge as well as skills and knowledge of specific collection techniques. On the Interagency
Language Roundtable scale of 0 to 5, the language proficiency required for open source collection and
processing ranges from a Level 2+ (Limited Working Proficiency, Plus) to a Level 5 (Functionally Native
Proficiency). The specific level of required listening, reading, speaking, translation, and writing
proficiency depends on the mode of communication and the content. If the linguist’s native language is not
English then Level 2+ or above English language proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing is
required if the individual receives tasking and reports collected or processed information in English. Table
3-1 summaries the language proficiency levels and Appendix G provides additional information on the
Interagency Language Roundtable’s language proficiency skill levels.

3-25.

With some exceptions, a US Government Level 3 or above (General or Advanced Professional)

linguists should review all information that US and non-US contract linguists transcribe and translate. This
ensures US Government control and oversight of contractors as well as consistency with intelligence report
formats and standards. Exceptions include operations involving long-term US multinational or coalition
partners and US contractors with the requisite skills, performance history, and command confidence. In
some cases, the Army will be challenged to find sufficient numbers of US Government linguists to review
the translations. Also, there are instances where a native contract linguist’s proficiency may far exceed the
ability of the US Government linguist. Additionally, there may be languages for which there are no Army
linguists (military or civilian). For example, Uighur, which is a language within the Turkic group of the
Altaic language family, is spoken by 8.5 million people in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China
and 500,000 people in the Central Asian Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Finally, if
stated in the contract, when the contractor is contractually responsible for quality control and contract
oversight.

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Table 3-1. Interagency language roundtable proficiency levels

PREPARE FOR OPERATIONS

3-26.

Once the G2/S2, G3/S3, and other responsible organizations have identified, validated, prioritized,

and coordinated a collection requirement, the G3/S3 issues the orders to subordinate units to execute their
assigned reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Normally this is done through an order or tasking
message that contains information the tasked unit needs to execute the mission.  It also contains the
originator’s identification so that the unit with the reconnaissance and surveillance mission can report
directly to the originating unit.  Reconnaissance and surveillance orders normally are included in paragraph
three of the OPORD, as well as in Annex B (Intelligence), and Annex L (Reconnaissance and
Surveillance). Tasking usually conforms to the principles of control in that a unit normally tasks one
echelon down and tracks units two echelons down.  The tasked unit makes the final choice of specific
platforms, equipment, and personnel based on operational considerations such as personnel skills and
knowledge, system range and survivability; and target characteristics.

3-27.

Upon receipt of an order, C2 personnel of the tasked organization use troop leading procedures

(TLPs) to evaluate the mission and make recommendations to the supported command on the employment
the unit. Once the supported commander approves the ISR plan, the unit completes planning and prepares
to execute its assigned missions. During planning and preparation, the unit’s C2 personnel attempt to––

Retain the flexibility to reallocate and reposition assets in response to changes in the mission,
concept of operations, scheme of support, and threat.

Streamline command, control, and communications (C3) between the unit and the supported
command to increase responsive of tasking and timeliness of information reporting.

Provide control teams or personnel that assist the unit in directing and assessing the operations
of organic and attached assets.

Establish logistics and security relationships to sustain and protect personnel and equipment
operating beyond the range of unit’s organic sustainment and FP capabilities.

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STABLISH THE

RCHITECTURE

3-28.

OSINT organizations can exchange publicly available information on unclassified networks between

Army and Joint, Interagency, and Multinational organizations as well as with US federal, state, and local
government agencies (see Figure 3-4). Classified networks enable connectivity to the DNI OSC, the
JIOCs, the Joint Reserve Intelligence Centers, theater-level Army intelligence organizations, and other
organizations that conduct OSINT operations or consume its products (Figures 3-5). The replication or
mirroring of websites and databases from unclassified networks to classified networks ensures publicly
available information and OSINT are available at the workstation of US, Allied, and Coalition personnel at
multiple echelons and locations.

Figure 3-5. Networks supporting open source intelligence operations

3-29.

The Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) supports the synchronization of

OSINT operations, dissemination of OSINT and supporting metadata, and collaboration between deployed
and supporting intelligence personnel (see Figures 3-4 and 3-5). The system provides the G2/S2 with a
means to access OSINT services and products through the Intelink Central homepage. It allows authorized
personnel to view, submit, and track intelligence requirements in the Department of Defense (DOD)
requirements system.

3-30.

The Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) is the principal C2 data network at the

tactical level (see Figures 3-4 and 3-5). This network provides the means to––

Maintain situational awareness.

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Task or request open source collection and processing.

Request OSINT.

Report collected information and OSINT.

Collaborate with collection and analysis personnel.

Disseminate and retrieve documents to and from the HARMONY database.

3-31.

The NIPRNET provides controlled access to the Internet. This network is the primary means to––

Retrieve information from Army Knowledge Online (AKO) sites.

Access the WBIL and other sites on the Intelink-SBU.

Access the Intelink-SBU.

Subscribe to approved nongovernmental and commercial information services or forums.

3-32.

In addition to the standard networks, OSINT operations may require the use of special purpose

communications networks like the TROJAN Data Network (TDN). TDN provides deployed units with
access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI), collateral, and unclassified networks. The TDN also
connects remotely operated receivers deployed in or near the AO to collection and processing resources
located in the US or other sites outside the AO. This network and similar networks that support remote
collection operations reduce the number of personnel and equipment deployed within the AO. These
networks also enable Army organizations to leverage the collection and processing capabilities of Joint,
Interagency, and Multinational organizations.

3-33.

OSINT personnel use the results and by-products of their analysis to populate operational and

technical databases. The technical database includes target folders containing a target description, target
characteristics, rules of engagement, and reports. In the operational databases, they maintain the status of
the collection and processing assets as well as a tracking system that correlates each target to associated
tasks and RFIs. The following information describes types of internal databases that support OSINT
operations––

Operational Information

. The operational information consists of orders, requests, and their

status as well as the status of collection and processing resources. The database also has
operational graphics and reports on the current situation and future operations within the AO.
The operational information helps personnel correlate orders and requests to their associated
collection missions and reports.

Technical Information.

The technical information consists of unprocessed text, audio, and

video files; working and finished translations: and working and finished transcripts. The
technical information includes the target folders containing target descriptions, target
characteristics, and reports. Working aids, collection schedules, activity logs, and other
information that supports collection operations are also part of the database.

3-34.

OSINT operations require databases and Internet capabilities to facilitate processing, storage,

retrieval, and exchange of information and intelligence. These databases are resident on local area
networks (LANs) for internal operations and through Internet sites for information exchange with other
intelligence activities and other users of OSINT. The following information describes three systems that
support OSINT operations.

HARMONY

. HARMONY is the DOD’s and the Intelligence Community's media exploitation

database. HARMONY is the single, comprehensive bibliographic reference for all available
primary source foreign technical and military documents and their translations. The
HARMONY database is web-enabled and can be readily accessed, easily used, and responsive
to the needs of analysts and other users within the US Government community. The
HARMONY database application is supplemented by the Deployable HARMONY DOCEX
System application, a field deployable front-end application that facilitates field collection and
management of foreign documents.

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Processing in a Collaborative Environment (PRINCE)

. The OSC’s PRINCE system

provides web interfaces that enable product creation, editing, and dissemination. Users can
direct items for translation, editing, and dissemination from any point in the globe through their
Internet access. PRINCE accommodates value-added products, such as open source analysis, in
addition to translations. To ensure the broadest possible dissemination, open source products
created in PRINCE or Opensource.gov are distributed to classified networks, including JWICS
and SIPRNET, as well as customer platforms.

World Basic Information Library

. WBIL is a US Intelligence Community program that the

US Army Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC’s) Foreign Military Studies Office
(FMSO) manages on behalf of the Community Open Source Program Office. Army Reserve
and the Reserve personnel of other Services collect unclassified information from Internet sites
then archive the collected information into the WBIL. The archived information on functional
threat issues and countries answers basic and background information needs of the US
Intelligence Community and operational units. Authorized personnel use the Pathfinder analytic
tool suite to access the WBIL on the Intelink-SBU, the SIPRNET, or the JWICS.

TASK ORGANIZE ASSETS

3-35.

As tactical units transition from combat to stability operations, they may task organize their organic

and attached assets into temporary OSINT organizations to support new missions in a changed operational
environment. Figure 3-6 is an example of a possible task organization for an open source analysis team at
corps or division. The team leader and requirements managers ensure current intelligence, open source
research, and target development analysts are responsive to the command’s intelligence requirements.
They also assist the G2 and G3 develop open source collection tasks and RFIs.

Figure 3-6. Possible open source analysis task organization

3-36.

The current intelligence analysts monitor open source reporting and update their portions of the

common operational picture (COP). The research analysts attempt to answer the command’s intelligence
requirements through search and retrieval of publicly available information and OSINT. These analysts
also contribute contextual information to support current intelligence, background information to support
planning, and detailed information to support target development. Target development analysts identify
the components, elements, and characteristics of specific targets. Their analysis enables effects personnel
to deliver and measure effectiveness of lethal and non-lethal effects. In addition, target development

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analysts identify civil considerations (for example, hospitals, religious centers, historical sites) within the
operational environment that require protection.

3-37.

Figure 3-7 is an example of one possible task organization of MI company assets into a cell or

section to collect and process publicly available information within a BCT’s AO. In this example, the
OSINT cell or section is responsible for monitoring documents (leaflets, newspapers, and graffiti), public
speaking events (protests, rallies, and sermons), and local radio (amplitude modulated). The brigade relies
on the OSC and higher echelon Army organizations to monitor International and regional broadcasts as
well as to collect information from Internet sites.

Figure 3-7. Possible open source collection and processing organization

3-38.

The control team consists of US MI personnel who manage the three subordinate teams and report

the collected information to the brigade’s intelligence cell. The collection and processing personnel are a
mixture of US and non-US contractor personnel. In each team, a US contractor linguist oversees
operations and quality controls transcripts and translations. The number of collection and processing
personnel varies based on the number of media being monitored; the number of targeted sources
(programs, newspapers, and Internet sites); and required coverage (aperiodic, periodic, or fulltime).

EPLOY

SSETS

3-39.

Deployment of OSINT assets is consistent with unit standing operating procedures (SOPs), orders,

and other considerations such as the tactical situation and the availability of transportation. The assets
require a secure position with physical proximity to supporting sustainment, FP, and communications
resources. They require, as a minimum, connectivity with C2 elements of their unit and supported
command. Assets with contractor personnel may have additional FP, logistical, and security considerations
that affect deployment of these personnel within the AO.

3-40.

The unclassified nature of publicly available information enables open source collection and

processing to operate outside classified workspaces. The unclassified open source workspace facilitates
the organization of open source collection, processing, and production elements composed of uncleared
personnel including non-intelligence military personnel, non-military personnel, and non-US persons.
OSINT operations conducted outside sensitive compartment information facilities (SCIFs) support the
formation and operations of Coalition Intelligence Centers and state-level Joint Operations Centers. The

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nature of publicly available information also enables the consolidation and centralized management of
open source collection and processing personnel which support of CA, IO, MI, PA, PSYOP, and other
users of public information.

ASSESS OPERATIONS

3-41.

The G2/S2 and the G3/S3 assess OSINT operations to ensure they are satisfying the supported

command’s intelligence requirements. The following information describes the basic procedures to assess
operations and ensure they are effectively supporting decisions and actions.

Monitor Operations.

Monitor the supported unit’s operations to ensure responsiveness to the

current situation and to anticipate future collection, processing, and reporting requirements. As
required, the G2/S2 and G3/S3 prompt the collection, processing, and production personnel to
keep their collection, processing, and reporting synchronized with the planning, preparation, and
execution of the supported command’s operations.

Correlate Reports.

Correlate the reports to the original intelligence requirement, collection

task, or RFI. Correlation of the reports helps the G2/S2 and the G3/S3 to determine whether the
reports satisfied the collection tasks and the RFIs.

Screen Reports.

Screen each report for timeliness, completeness, and relevance to the

intelligence requirement, collection task, or RFI. If the report fulfills the information need, the
G2/S2 and G3/S3 close the requirement and assign units or personnel to a new requirement or
mission. A requirement remains active and unsatisfied if the intelligence report or collected
information did not answer the intelligence requirement or provide the information specified in
the task or request.

Cue Production and Collection.

Identify and notify other ISR resources to new information,

analytic conclusion, and collection opportunities generated from the open source research,
production, and collection. Effective cueing improves the overall ISR effort by keeping
organizations abreast of the emerging information and opportunities as well as enabling the use
of a multi-discipline approach to confirm or deny information by another information source,
collection organization, or production activity.

Provide Feedback.

The G2/S2 and G3/S3 must update the supported command as well as

production, collection, and processing personnel on the status of the intelligence requirements,
collection task, or RFI. After screening the reports, they provide feedback to the production,
collection, and processing personnel on what to sustain or adjust in their collection, processing,
and reporting. For each adjustment, they work with the unit or personnel to identify the cause of
the shortcomings and implement solutions that improve operational effectiveness. Solutions may
require additional equipment or personnel, new or modified equipment, or changes to current
ISR techniques.

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Chapter 4

Produce Intelligence

4-1.

Given the volume of existing publicly available information, intelligence analysts can often proceed

directly from the planning phase to the production phase of the intelligence process. Intelligence analysts
apply intelligence production techniques and procedures to retrieve or receive information, understand its
meaning, and report relevant information in response to OSINT requirements. Through assessments,
studies, and estimates, intelligence analysts present commanders and subordinates with descriptions and
analysis of the operational environment. Effective research planning and production management ensures
that commanders and their subordinates receive the timely, relevant, and accurate intelligence that they
need to accomplish their assigned missions.

4-2.

While relevant alone, OSINT is part of a larger multidiscipline intelligence effort. Personnel from

other intelligence disciplines and multidiscipline intelligence activities use publicly available information
and OSINT to update and expand upon their own research conducted during the planning and the
preparation for operations. They use OSINT in the evaluation of the reliability and credibility of
information from confidential sources. Multidiscipline intelligence personnel also integrate OSINT with
reports from other intelligence disciplines to ensure their all-source, CI, or technical intelligence
(TECHINT) reports are accurate, complete, and objective.

INTELLIGENCE CATEGORIES

4-3.

Intelligence analysts follow the phases (integration, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation) of the

intelligence production process to create OSINT. Although described sequentially, the following
production phases may also take place concurrently. Using the process, analysts produce OSINT that falls
into one or more of the five categories of intelligence. The categories relate to the purpose of the
intelligence or the need of the user not specific to a specific intelligence. The categories can overlap, and
the same intelligence report can support multiple categories. The following information describes each
category:

Indications and Warnings.

I&W intelligence identifies hostile actions and provides sufficient

warning to preempt, counter, or otherwise moderate their outcome. The I&W process depends
upon continuous monitoring of world events and specific activities to determine the probability
of hostile actions. I&W includes forewarning of enemy actions or intentions; the imminence of
attack on the US, its overseas forces, or allied nations; hostile reactions to US activities; terrorist
and insurgent attacks; and other similar events. The I&W process also analyzes nonmilitary
activity that could alter or otherwise affect the situation within the AOI, such as drastic changes
in political, economic, environmental or social situations. At operational and tactical levels,
I&W intelligence is indistinguishable from current intelligence.

Current Intelligence.

Current intelligence involves the integration, evaluation, analysis, and

interpretation of information on the current enemy situation and conditions within the
operational environment. It is similar to I&W in that both depend upon continuous monitoring
of events and specific activities within the AOI. Current intelligence helps intelligence
organizations confirm enemy COAs, identify civil considerations; explain the activity, events, or
conditions in relationship to friendly operations; and identify information gaps. Current
intelligence and general military intelligence (GMI) efforts are interdependent. Current
intelligence in the form of current intelligence reports and IPB products updates GMI while
GMI in the form of studies and assessments provides the basis for current intelligence.

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General Military Intelligence.

GMI includes relevant information about the operational

environment as well as information on the organization, operations, facilities, and capabilities of
selected military and paramilitary forces including terrorist and insurgent groups. This broad
category of intelligence is normally associated with long-term research that supports planning
and preparation for military operations, including training and combat development. Kept
up to date, GMI products and databases provide the basis for intelligence estimates, IPB of the
battlefield products, and current intelligence. Examples of GMI products include capabilities,
subject, and CI assessments:

Capability assessments identify forces and dispositions, evaluate enemy vulnerabilities, and
assess the enemy’s ability to employ lethal and non-lethal means to counter friendly forces.

Subject assessments include military geography and demography studies. Military
geography studies analyze the impact that geographic features may have on planned
operations, force deployment, and mobility. Demographic studies contribute to an
understanding of the dispersion and cultural composition of the population (for example,
language, religion, socioeconomic status, and nationality or ethnic groups) in the AOI.

Multidiscipline counterintelligence (MDCI) threat assessment evaluates all foreign
intelligence and security services disciplines, terrorism, foreign-directed sabotage, and
related security threats.

Target Intelligence.

Target intelligence entails the analysis of the operational environment to

identify and nominate specific enemy assets or vulnerabilities for attack, reattack, or exploitation
(for intelligence). It consists of two mutually supporting production tasks: target development
and battle damage assessment (BDA).

Target development is the systematic evaluation and analysis of target systems, system
components, and component elements to determine high value targets (HVTs) for potential
lethal or non-lethal attack. A special operations target intelligence package is an example of
one type of target intelligence product. A complete special operations target intelligence
package contains multi-source information describing the target; the climate, geography, or
hydrography; the demographic, cultural, political, and social features of the operations area;
and the enemy, to include force disposition of military, paramilitary, or other indigenous
forces and security or police forces of danger to US elements. The target intelligence
package must also contain current imagery of the target and AO, as well as accurate
geospatial products and information.

Once attacked, BDA, a component of combat assessment, provides a timely and accurate
estimate of the affects of the application of military force (lethal or non-lethal) on targets
and target systems based on predetermined objectives.

Scientific and Technical Intelligence.

Scientific and technical intelligence (S&TI) looks at

foreign scientific and technical developments that have or indicate a warfare potential. This
includes medical capabilities; weapon system characteristics, capabilities, vulnerabilities,
limitations, and effectiveness; research and development activities related to those systems; and
related manufacturing information. In counterterrorist and counterinsurgency operations
(COINs), S&TI also supports detection and countering of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)
and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). During peace and war, S&TI precludes scientific and
technological surprises and advantages by an enemy that could be detrimental to friendly
personnel and operations.

CONDUCT RESEARCH

4-4.

During operations planning and preparation, open source research answers intelligence requirements,

identifies information gaps, and facilitates optimum employment of military resources. The results of

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research populate and update national, regional, and local intelligence databases. These databases coupled
with the skills and knowledge acquired in their development, enable intelligence analysts to respond
quickly and accurately to demands for intelligence during the MDMP and subsequent preparation for and
execution of military operations. With the knowledge the operational environment, commanders and their
subordinates are better able to ask the “right questions” that drive the actions and results of the intelligence
warfighting function (WFF) throughout planning, preparation, execution, and assessment of military
operations.

RACTICAL

ESEARCH

4-5.

Intelligence analysts use open source research to answer the SIRs. Most intelligence analysts

conduct practical research as opposed to field research. In field research, personnel from academic,
governmental, intergovernmental, and NGOs collect new or current data from primary sources as well as
retrieve data and information from secondary sources (see para 4-23). In practical research, analysts
retrieve existing data and information from secondary sources to answer intelligence requirements.

4-6.

Practical research begins with the analyst’s determining the research question regarding a given topic

followed by developing a research plan and retrieving information. In intelligence operations, the research
question is based on anticipated or stated intelligence requirements (for example, commander’s guidance,
PIRs, RFIs). The analyst breaks the research question into statements (SIRs) that define the variables and
the environment in which the variables interact. The analyst uses the statements to develop the research
plan and retrieve information. The analyst integrates, evaluates, and analyzes the retrieved information
then interprets the results of analysis to answer the question (see Figures 4-1 and 4-2). The analyst reports
the conclusion or answer to the research question and other relevant information as intelligence in the form
of briefings, estimates, studies, and other formats.

ETERMINE

ESEARCH

UESTION

4-7.

During orientation and contingency planning, analysts develop research questions to identify critical

variables and their relationship within potential and planned operational environments. During operational
planning, the analyst refines or updates the research questions based on the commander’s guidance, PIRs,
and questions raised during mission analysis, COA analysis, and COA evaluation.

LAN

ESEARCH

4-8.

Once analysts determine their principal research questions, they develop a research plan to answer

the question. Planning begins with the analyst determining the research strategy then identifying variables
and potential sources. The variables are the factors that the analyst uses in the chosen research strategy to
answer the research question. Coupled with the research question, the variables define the information
about the operational environment or subject that the analyst needs to retrieve from secondary sources or,
in the case of field research, primary sources. According to

Political Analysis: Technique and Practice

there are several types of research strategies including historical research, comparative research, and
hypothesis testing.

A historical research strategy uses inductive reasoning to reach a general theory about the
meaning of patterns in an event or series of events within one area or subject.

A comparative research strategy uses inductive reasoning to develop a theory about patterns by
looking for similarities or differences in multiple areas or subjects.

Hypothesis testing uses deductive reasoning to prove or disprove established theories or theories
generated during historical and comparative research.

4-9.

In practical research, the potential secondary sources are normally newspapers, periodicals,

published research, online and offline databases, and libraries. These give the analyst access to sources
and publicly available information described in Chapter 2. In addition to these secondary sources, the

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analyst may identify primary sources for open source collection operations based on known information
gaps in the research plan or gaps identified during integration and analysis. As part of the plan, the analyst
identifies information sources, how to access those sources, a format for compiling the data, the research
methodology (techniques), and report format. All of these factors comprise the research plan and should
be organized into a chart, spreadsheet, or other project management tool in order to track progress.

Figure 4-1. Practical and field research

ETRIEVE

NFORMATION

4-10.

In practical research, the analyst conducts an initial search of likely sources using the terms and the

area or the subject in the research question. The initial search may lead to existing information that
answers the research question (see Appendix H for a basic list of resources). If not, the initial search is the
first of potentially many subsequent searches for data and information that the analyst retrieves and records
in accordance with the research plan (see Appendix I for basic Internet search techniques). The analyst

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and RFIs (see Figure 4-2). As a minimum, the analyst ensures these gaps are included and their impact
noted in the intelligence reports.

PERATIONAL

NVIRONMENT

SSESSMENT

4-12.

An operational environment assessment is an example of a methodology that uses open source

research to focus research and support understanding (see Appendix J). Open source research, coupled
with an understanding of the contemporary operational environment (COE), is the basis for an operational
environment assessment. An operational environment assessment is a technique designed to apply the
COE variables to a specific region, nation states, or non-state actors. It encompasses all the conditions,
circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of military forces and the decisions of the unit
commander.

4-13.

The operational environment assessment consists of a detailed examination and analysis of the

eleven critical variables of the COE, and their interaction and reciprocal relationships. Based on this
analysis, the operational environment assessment identifies trends and issues with which units may have to
grapple during their planning, preparation for, and execution of operations. As an unclassified document
(in whole or part), the operational environment assessment also serves as a useful tool for individual and
collective training during preparation for operations in a specific area.

OUNTRY

TUDY

4-14.

The area or country study is an example of a historical research strategy that intelligence analysts use

to understand the cultural characteristics and their influences on military operations. Some the
considerations in the study also appear as part of the eleven critical variables of the COE. The following is
a model or considerations for a study similar to those of the FMSO publications, the US Marine Corps
(USMC) Intelligence Activity’s Country Handbooks, the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA’s) World
Fact Book, and the Federal Research Division’s Country Studies.

Statement of the national problem.

Relevant national interests.

Stated or perceived military mission.

Nature of the physical environment.

Nature of society.

Nature of external forces.

Nature of the crisis.

Impact of time.

Host nation support agreements.

Significant logistics support considerations.

General types of US support actions contemplated.

Legal status of US personnel in the operational area.

4-15.

The nature of society considerations include—

History.

Population and demographics.

General cultural characteristics.

Religions and Sects.

Economy.

Politics

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Infrastructure.

Military and security forces.

Potential destabilizing factors.

Factions vying for power, influence, or control.

Nongovernmental factions (leadership, ideology, organization, external support, strategy, and
tactics).

Government response (national strategy; development activities; social mobilization;
intelligence; effectiveness of civil-military structure, services, and criminal justice; use of force).

4-16.

The nature of crisis considerations include—

Critical events.

Economic problems.

Natural disasters.

Governmental actions or reactions (trust versus mistrust).

Recent military defeat or victory.

Religious influences.

Tribal or ethnic conflicts, hatreds, feuds.

Agitators and mobilizers.

Research Resources

4-17.

Analysts have access to a number of resources during their research of operational environments.

Within DOD, these resources include but are not limited to the DIA and Service organizations such as the
NGIC, the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, the National Maritime Intelligence Center, and the NASIC,
which conduct open source research as part of their all-source intelligence production missions. Open
source research is also an essential mission of organizations such as the DOD Centers for Regional
Security Studies and the Army’s FMSO.

4-18.

The DOD Centers for Regional Security Studies enhance security, foster partnerships, improve

national security decisionmaking, and strengthen civil-military relationships through education, exchanges,
research, and information sharing. A core regional center mission is to support DOD’s policies and
priorities by assisting military and civilian leaders in the region in developing strong defense
establishments and strengthening civil-military relations in a democratic society. The regional centers
are—

George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, US European Command.

Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, US Pacific Command.

Africa Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University.

Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, National Defense University.

Near East-South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University.

4-19.

Education, research, and outreach are the National Defense University's main missions. The

University's three regional centers mentioned above foster international understanding and promote the
development of cooperative relations in such areas as national security strategy, civil-military relations, and
defense economics. Through its research centers, the National Defense University produces policy
analyses, research and other support to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Office of the Secretary of Defense,
Combatant Commanders from major military commands, and other US Government agencies. The
research centers are––

Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Center for Technology and National Security Policy.

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Institute for Homeland Security Studies.

Institute for National Strategic Studies.

4-20.

TRADOC’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence has two elements that conduct open source

research:

Foreign Military Studies Office.

The FMSO is a research and analysis center which manages

and operates the Fort Leavenworth Joint Reserve Intelligence Center and conducts analytical
programs focused on emerging and asymmetric threats, regional military and security
developments, and other issues that define evolving operational environments around the world.
Joint Reserve Component personnel and units––operating at the Fort Leavenworth Joint Reserve
Intelligence Center and in distance drilling analytical teams around the US and abroad––make
substantial contributions to all FMSO production efforts. More information about the
FMSO, as well as access to its products and research links, are available at

http://fmso.leavenworth.army.mil/index.htm

Contemporary Operational Environment and Threat Integration Directorate.

The

Contemporary  Operational  Environment  and  Threat  Integration  Directorate  develops,
publishes,  validates,  and  applies  COE  conditions  that  support  all  Army  training  and
leader  development  programs;  develops  and  maintains  a  COE  and  threat  information
repository regarding equipment, organization, tactics, doctrine, and material for training; and
prescribes a methodology for developing current and predictive operational environment
assessments to support all Army training. This directorate’s products are available at

https://dcsint-threats.leavenworth.army.mil/default.aspx

4-21.

The Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress is another resource available to analysts.

It provides directed research and analysis on domestic and international subjects to agencies of the US
Government, the District of Columbia, and authorized Federal contractors. As expert users of the vast
English and foreign-language collections of the Library of Congress, the Division’s area and subject
specialists employ the resources of the world’s largest library and other information sources worldwide to
produce impartial and comprehensive studies on a cost-recovery basis. The Division’s website at

http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd

includes the following open source research studies and profiles:

Country Studies.

The Country Studies series presents a description and analysis of the

historical setting and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and
institutions of countries throughout the world. The Country Studies website contains the online
versions of books previously published (1988-98) in hardcopy under the Country Studies/Area
Handbook Program sponsored by the DA. Because the original intent of the series' sponsor was
to focus primarily on lesser-known areas of the world or regions in which US forces might be
deployed, the series is not all-inclusive.

Country Profiles.

The Country Profiles series of foreign nations is part of the Country Studies

Program. The profiles offer brief, summarized information on a country’s historical
background, geography, society, economy, transportation and telecommunications, government
and politics, and national security. In addition to being featured in the front matter of published
Country Studies, they are now being prepared as stand-alone reference aides for all countries in
the series, as well as for a number of additional countries of interest. The profiles offer
reasonably current country information independent of the existence of a recently published
Country Study and will be updated annually or more frequently as events warrant.

EVALUATE INFORMATION

4-22.

Deception and bias are of particular concern in OSINT operations. Secondary sources such as

government press offices, commercial news organizations, political campaign staffs, research center

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publications, and others who publish or broadcast information can intentionally or unintentionally add,
delete, modify, or otherwise filter the information they make available to the public. It is important to
evaluate the reliability of open sources in order to distinguish objective, factual information from that
lacking merit, containing bias, or is part of an effort to deceive the listener or viewer.

4-23.

Analysts evaluate each new item of information with respect to the reliability of the source and the

credibility of the information (Table 4-1). An alphanumeric rating is assigned to each piece of information
to indicate the degree of confidence the evaluator places on the information. This rating is based on the
subjective judgment of the evaluator and the accuracy of previous information produced by the same
source. The capabilities and performance of the collection resource may also be a factor in the evaluation.
Intelligence personnel must assess the reliability of the source and the credibility of the information
independently of each other to avoid the possibility of one factor evaluation biasing the other.

Table 4-1. Types of sources

Military reference books and manuals (2009-2023, Volume 2) - page 21