Intelligence training is vital to the success of every US intelligence agency and employee. There are many benefits to good, relevant, intelligence training - like better judgment, more accurate and complete communications and an enhanced ability to think critically and independently. In essence, intelligence analysts require continual development of their abilities, and knowledge in new areas in addition to old ones. The best intelligence training provides opportunities to learn new skills, practice what's learned and refresh older skills as the need arises.

 

To understand the value of intelligence training, it helps to understand how the whole intelligence cycle works. Starting at the top - the National Security Agency (NSA) - the procedure begins with an assessment, a planning process, and a decision. Then, NNSA begins the intelligence collection stage, including gathering data and intelligence on potential threats or situations, both known and unknown, that could affect US interests in the area. Collection is followed by analysis, including the detection, follow-up and reporting of collected intelligence.

 

For any business, organizations need to develop an integrated intelligence collection and analytical techniques process from the top down. No business, no matter what its size, can do this on its own. This is why agencies like the NSA or CIA employ workers who are experts in this field. The military intelligence division has its own set of analysts and collection personnel who are proficient in technical skills, linguistics, computer skills and counter-sniper training, among other things. In essence, a US army intelligence analyst or collector is considered an expert on their craft.

 

As part of the intelligence collection and analysis process, intelligence professionals - meaning intelligence analysts, intelligence collection technicians and intelligence technicians - must also be proficient in technical tradecraft. This is particularly true for those organizations and government agencies that rely heavily on satellite and space technology to relay information and gather intelligence. The need for technical tradecraft in intelligence analysis and collection has become even more pressing in several of modern day spy and secret service operations.

 

There are a variety of tradecraft skills required by a military intelligence analyst or collector. In actuality, sometimes an individual with such a background could be considered as a specialist in the field. Some examples of such experts include technical writers, radio operators and photographic equipment collectors. Some military intelligence officers might even specialize in a particular area of the intelligence area.

 

Analysts, also called"cryptologists" are often required to conduct operational surveillance. They use analytical techniques such as computers, satellites, listening devices and other electronic means to collect and organize data. Many criminal intelligence analysts spend long hours deciphering encoded material either from wireless communications or radio transmissions. These specialists use technical tradecraft such as decoding machines, software programs, computer programs and mobile phones to decode whatever they're studying. Some analysts even use analog or digital equipment to decode government or military encoded material.

 

Along with analyzing technical skills and subject matter mastery intelligence training program candidates must demonstrate proficiency in ITP (Data Transfer Technology) subjects. The first two categories are Communication and Information Systems. It is important to have a comprehensive comprehension of why and how these subjects are important to a brigade's success, as well as understanding the communication technologies that are utilized by the agency. Communication technology allows a brigade to quickly and accurately disseminate information and to collaborate and communicate with partners and supporting forces. This kind of intelligence training program prepares ITP graduates to have the ability to utilize the tools and systems that are currently being used and how these systems operate.

 

Intelligence training plan s2s leaders are expected to create a baseline training program and to regularly review the plan. Training program s2s will include one or more intelligence training exercises which are specifically created for the brigade s2 and/or supporting forces. All the exercises will be geared towards strengthening particular abilities that are needed for a particular task or goal that's been identified in the training program. By way of example, an intelligence training practice may begin by teaching intelligence analysts how to gather intelligence, but end by showing them how to use that intelligence to effectively communicate with tactical units and to build relationships with regional and local users. The exercises that occur during normal work time provides opportunities for intelligence analysts to hone their skills and use their learning to support operational missions.