The covert operative guide to the tradecraft techniques and tactics of ‘Human Intelligence’ (HUMINT); its purpose, function, methods and utility for professional (on field) and practical (off field) scenarios.
Human Intelligence, better known by its abbreviation ‘HUMINT,’ refers to any information that can be gathered from human sources via direct interaction. -Excerpt
This type of intelligence revolves around information obtained directly or indirectly from actual people. A large portion of this is done through covert and overt means, including everything from casual conversation to formalized interrogation.
As a key aspect of national 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 our everyday life.
HUMINT differs from other types of intelligence gathering, such as Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), or Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), is it depends on interpersonal interactions and direct human contact.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Tradecraft Guide to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.