Human Intelligence, better known by its abbreviation ‘HUMINT,’ refers to any information that can be gathered from human sources via direct interaction.
This type of intelligence revolves around information obtained directly or indirectly from actual people (human). A large portion of this is done through covert and overt means, including everything from casual conversation to formalized interrogation and other forms of communication.
As a key aspect of national security (or any intelligence security), it’s one of the oldest methods of gathering intelligence, tracing back to the times when information was exchanged through person-to-person contact. It’s not solely confined to the realm of international politics and security but also permeates various aspects of law enforcement and everyday normal life.
HUMINT differs from other types of intelligence gathering, such as Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), or Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), as it depends on interpersonal interactions and direct human contact – instead of tech, digital, written intel etc.
The Purpose of HUMINT
While the term is most commonly associated with intelligence agencies like the CIA, HUMINT is not exclusive to them. Military forces, diplomatic services, and law enforcement agencies also heavily rely on HUMINT for operations. In the corporate world, business intelligence analysts, market researchers, and journalists are all users of HUMINT.
HUMINT is used to gain a deep understanding of adversaries, their intentions, capabilities, and activities. It’s a critical tool used for predicting and consequently countering threats, ensuring a country’s national security. HUMINT can provide information on enemy strategies, location and movement of hostile forces, identification of key figures, and much more.
– Collect information about the intentions, capabilities, and activities of foreign powers or entities.
– Detect, prevent, and neutralize threats to national security.
– Gather insights on strategic and tactical military operations.
– Assess and counter foreign propaganda, disinformation, and political warfare.
Beyond the scope of national security and espionage, HUMINT can be useful in business for gaining a competitive advantage, understanding market trends, and making strategic decisions. In journalism, HUMINT can be the source of breaking news or in-depth investigative reports.
CIA HUMINT Uses Case Examples
Recruiting Foreign Assets
A CIA officer operating under non-official cover (NOC) is stationed in a foreign country. The officer identifies a mid-level government official with access to valuable classified information. Through careful cultivation of a relationship over time—perhaps posing as a businessman or academic — the officer convinces the official to provide sensitive documents in exchange for money or other incentives. This foreign asset becomes a key source of HUMINT, regularly passing on intelligence about the host nation’s military plans, political strategies, or economic policies.
Handling Informants in Hostile Territories
During the Cold War, CIA officers operating in Eastern Europe managed informants who were citizens of Soviet Bloc countries. These informants might have been disillusioned with their government or motivated by financial gain. The CIA officers, often working under diplomatic cover, arranged clandestine meetings to receive intelligence on Soviet military deployments, political purges, or espionage operations against the West. This HUMINT was crucial for understanding Soviet intentions and capabilities.
Interrogation of Detainees
In conflict zones like Iraq or Afghanistan, CIA operatives worked closely with U.S. military forces to interrogate captured insurgents or terrorists. Through these interrogations, which were sometimes carried out under controlled and highly regulated environments, the CIA gathered HUMINT on terrorist networks, planned attacks, and safe houses. This intelligence could lead to the disruption of terrorist plots or the capture of high-value targets.
Debriefing Defectors
When a high-ranking official from a hostile country defects to the United States, the CIA debriefs them to extract valuable intelligence. For example, in the 1980s, Soviet defector Vitaly Yurchenko provided the CIA with critical insights into KGB operations and American double agents. Such debriefings can offer a wealth of HUMINT, revealing details about the adversary’s internal workings, strategies, and vulnerabilities.
Cultivating Sources in Terrorist Organizations
In the fight against global terrorism, the CIA has developed HUMINT sources within terrorist organizations. This often involves identifying individuals who are disillusioned with the group’s leadership or methods and persuading them to provide information. These operatives might relay details on planned attacks, recruitment strategies, or the location of key leaders. HUMINT from within terrorist networks is invaluable for preempting attacks and dismantling cells.
Observation and Reporting from Undercover Officers
A CIA officer under official cover might be assigned to a diplomatic post in a foreign country. While officially serving as a diplomat, the officer’s true role is to observe and report on the activities of the host country’s government, military, or intelligence services. By attending social events, engaging in casual conversations, and leveraging personal relationships, the officer gathers HUMINT on the host nation’s policies, power dynamics, and intentions. This intelligence helps inform U.S. foreign policy and security decisions.
HUMINT Methods and Tactics
There are many tactics associated with HUMINT collection, and these often require extensive training and innate skill. These are some of the most common methods, including but not limited to:
Elicitation
Interrogation
Surveillance / Counter-Surveillance
Debriefing
Undercover Operations
Liaison Relationships
Source Operation
HUMINT in Everyday Life
While the specifics of HUMINT tactics is primarily associated with intelligence agencies and global security, the underlying principles and techniques can be valuable for ordinary individuals in their everyday lives.
Understanding People
Just as HUMINT is used to understand the intentions and capabilities of foreign adversaries, we can use these principles to better understand the people around us, be it our colleagues, friends, or family.
Negotiations
Elicitation skills used in HUMINT can be useful during negotiations, be it bargaining for a better deal on a car, negotiating a higher salary, or discussing a business contract.
Conflict Resolution
The principles of HUMINT, like empathy and understanding perspectives, can help in resolving personal or professional disputes.
Better Decision-Making
Just like intelligence agencies, we all make decisions based on the information available to us. The more accurate and relevant the information, the better the decision.
Enhanced Communication Skills
Techniques like elicitation and active listening, crucial in HUMINT, can significantly enhance interpersonal communication.
Risk Mitigation
Being observant and aware of your surroundings, much like surveillance techniques used in HUMINT, can help individuals avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Networking
The ability to identify and engage with valuable sources of information is as useful in a business context as it is in intelligence work.
Human Intelligence, while an essential tradecraft tool for intelligence agencies, carries principles and methods that can be beneficial in our daily lives providing tools to enhance communication, decision-making, and personal safety. Its core essence, understanding and extracting information from humans, is a universal necessity that transcends its origin of security.
By understanding and implementing its core principles, we can enhance our communication skills, social intelligence, and negotiation power, leading to personal and professional growth. HUMINT underscores the importance of human connection and understanding in every aspect of life.
[INTEL : Turning an Enemy Into an Asset]
[OPTICS : CIA w/ Asset in Berlin, Germany ]