MOD 7: Intelligence Value

     

    Placing a value on intelligence can be a complicated task that has many layers to it. Factors that impact this include the source, source reliability, relevance, time the information was gathered, accuracy, biases, and usability. 

      To begin analyzing the gathered intelligence, you have to first determine what was the source? Is it a photograph, a collection of data, information passed on from an individual? An image with a collection of data is arguably more reliable than word of mouth coming forming someone passing on information. This leads us to source reliability. This factor will guide us to should we trust the information collected. Once again, a photograph with data would be considered more reliable than a person. A person may not have all the facts that contribute to quality intelligence and could also be influenced to pass on information that is not reliable. 

    The next factor to consider is the relevance. Relevance guides us to whether the information gathered is applicable to what we are trying to find. Is the image we have with the data collected applicable to what we are trying to find? Is the information passed on from the person relate to the target we are trying to study? If not, the information is not relevant to the matter then it is not worth continuing utilizing resources to study it. The next factor that relates to relevance is timeliness. This factor determines wether or not we collected the information at the right time, meaning, we didn't receive it too late. If we received information from a person, we have to determine whether or not that information isn't passed on to late. This could be we already gathered intelligence on the matter that they shared with us.

    The next two factors to consider is accuracy and bias. We have to ask as we review the information, how accurate is it? If we have a photograph, we have to be sure that we know what it is that was pictured, if data was collected, we have to be sure that it's collection and measurements were done correctly. When questioning the accuracy of information from a person or HUNIMT, we go back to asking about the reliability of the individual sharing their information with us. This then raises biases, a picture or IMINT does not carry a bias with it unless the person interpreting the information carries one personally on the matter and sways their judgement when analyzing it. A bias is more likely to be found from HUNIMT sources, where we then have to ask if they favor us, the source of their information, or an opposing force against us. Essentially asking, why would they want to share their information with us? 

    This then leads us to the final factor to consider and that is the usability of the intelligence where we have to ask how do we best apply the intelligence we gathered? How do we distribute and control it? There are many more to be asked with this step, but the application and controlling of the intelligence is vital to the success of the goal of intelligence gathering. 

    To conclude, gathering information is complicated, but breaking it down and analyzing it is no easier of a task. Determining the reliability of information gathered can change the course from successfully completing your objectives. Correctly sifting through all factors is key when determining how to best apply the intelligence as well as determining if you have enough to provide yourself with a clear picture of what you are looking for.