HUMINT

'HUMINT', a syllabic abbreviation of the words 'HUMan INTelligence', refers to intelligence gathering by means of interpersonal contact. NATO defines HUMINT as "a category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by human sources."^[1] Typical HUMINT activities consist of interrogations and conversations with persons having access to pertinent information.
The manner in which HUMINT operations are conducted is dictated by both official protocol and the nature of the source of the information. Within the context of the U.S. military, most HUMINT activity does not involve clandestine activities. Sources may be neutral, friendly, or hostile, and may or may not be witting of their involvement in the collection of information. Examples of HUMINT sources include, but are not limited to, the following:

★ Friendly forces (Military police, patrols, etc);

★ Prisoners of war (POW's) or detainees;

★ Refugees;

★ Civilians;

★ Non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

★ Media personnel/organizations;

★ Covert/clandestine agents; and

★ "Walk-ins." A walk-in refers to someone who approaches a friendly agency and volunteers to provide information on his/her own freewill.

Contents

See also

References

See also

★ Secret agent

★ Double agent

★ List of intelligence gathering disciplines

References

1. AAP-6 (2004) - NATO Glossary of terms and definitions