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So, if intelligence is the product that results from processing raw information, just where does all that raw information come from in the first place?

In intelligence work, types of raw information are often divided into various categories based upon the means by which they are collected. Classically, the "big three" types have been (click on the images for more):

"Human intelligence" or "HUMINT" is the oldest type. This is information gathered from human sources. Obviously this can include "spies", but HUMINT does not mean "espionage". In fact, in the military context HUMINT more often comes from our own troops. Patrols, forward observers, and in particular trained observers provide a steady stream of reporting, and since all of that comes from humans, its "HUMINT." Just talking with the locals often produces valuable information, and all of that is "HUMINT."
 

"Imagery intelligence" or "IMINT" is information from images. Classically, this involved air photography of enemy rear areas, but even photos taken by hand can constitute "IMINT." Today it includes all manner of imaging devices, including radar, infra-red and other exotic "picture types." Major powers have not just special aircraft but also orbital satellites to take such pictures, but nowadays, anyone willing to pay can buy some commercial satellite imagery.

Comment:

• This link will take you to a civilian company that produces IMINT material.
• This link will show you some examples of Imagery which IMINT is derived from.  Remember, that a picture alone is NOT Intelligence.  The Interpretation and Analysis from the Imagery provides the Intelligence, and the Image is solely used as a presentation graphic.

Comment:

• The following link better outlines this topic.

As we said, HUMINT, IMINT and SIGINT are the classic "big three",but they are certainly not the only "ints." A couple of other notable ones include:

• "ACINT" or acoustics intelligence, which is from underwater listening devices; and
• "DOCINT" or documentary intelligence (ex recovered enemy documents).

An increasingly important source is what is often now called "OSINT" or "open source intelligence." One of the major forms of this is the internet. If you're reading this page, you probably know all about how much information can be gleaned from research on the web. Other major sources of OSINT include the news media and various journals.
 

Comment:

• This link will take you to an example of OSINT (General Intelligence- GENINT) which is used by Ironsides.
• This link will take you to another example of OSINT (Electronic Warfare - EW or ELINT) which is used by Ironsides.
• These are but a few sources available on the world wide web.  The most useful for conducting geo-political analysis are the hundreds of University and College on-line libraries!!!

There is a tendency to think of OSINT as a new thing, but that would be wrong. While the internet is certainly new, OSINT is not. For instance, in the War of 1812 the major source of information used by the British/Canadians against the Americans was the American newspapers!
 
 

Courtesy of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Branch ( www.intbranch.org)

Reference Library

LINK	DESCRIPTION	STATUS
	What is Military Intelligence	Completed
	Intelligence Sources	Completed
	Intelligence Cycle	Completed
	Select Armies of the World Index	Content, but still under construction
	Ironsides Specific AFV Description Area	Content, but still under construction
	Armoured Fighting Vehicle - Virtual Recce Guide	Content, but still under construction
	Imagery Intelligence Centre	Completed
	Intelligence Links	Content, but still under construction

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