Intelligence Degree and Intelligence Study Programs are Beneficial for Students with Focused Career

Author: Dan Sommer

Introduction

While the intelligence field and the art of intelligence gathering have been around longer than nation states, there has been significant growth in strategic security- related curriculum such as intelligence degree programs and intelligence study courses over the past decade. In addition to the growing number of both online and traditional degree programs in this field, government agencies even have their own programs dedicated to intelligence study. Since September 11th, research indicates that over 250 strategic security' related degree programs have been created. Scholars debate whether future intelligence analysts are best served by a traditional liberal arts program focused on area studies or a more direct program in intelligence study. I suggest, however, that intelligence study and organized intelligence degree programs fit a niche for specific individuals who already have a specific career goal in mind - intelligence analysis. This article discusses the curriculum and theory behind intelligence degree programs and provides some info on why such programs are useful. Anatomy of an Intelligence Degree Program

Intelligence degree programs and intelligence study courses fit within the growing body of strategic security curriculum in the United States and abroad. Strategic security can be defined as the multidisciplinary, global view of past, present, and future security issues that permits the timely accumulation of accurate, objective knowledge, which may be acted upon skillfully and rapidly in the deterrence of threats. Strategic security is the basis of fields such as intelligence, counterterrorism, and homeland security.

The overarching purpose of intelligence is to collect and analyze information that is relevant to ever-changing national security requirements. Intelligence degree programs and intelligence study programs help to ensure that the people and processes involved in these efforts are effective and germane. The U.S. Intelligence Community and related federal law enforcement agencies are in need of experts in analytic tradecraft - individuals who have a broad understanding of the many threats facing the U.S. from terrorists and other belligerent state and non-state actors.

Intelligence study and intelligence degree programs are typically designed to prepare students to understand the dynamic threats facing one's country in an uncertain security environment. While some intelligence degree programs are topical or thematic in nature, such as those which focus specifically on terrorism, other programs focus on the analytics behind intelligence analysis, thus helping to develop students' critical thinking skills. Such programs concentrate on one or more function within intelligence operations: collection, analysis, counterintelligence, and/or covert action. Well- rounded intelligence degree programs encompass the art and science of how intelligence professionals employ analytic and operational tradecraft to achieve their goals and objectives.

Intelligence Degree Program Value

Stephen Fowler, the Education Practices Chairmen of the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE), in an essay on national security intelligence analysis courses discusses the increased growth of intelligence degree programs and the field of intelligence study. He questions whether these programs are truly preparing students to become intelligence analysts and whether such programs are better than traditional liberal arts programs that teach students to think. He suggests that good intelligence study programs include the following components: the development of problem-solving skills and sound reasoning strategies, some focus on an analytic framework such as a regional, country, or a functional-specific theme (terrorism), basic warning theories and indicator development, analytical tradecraft methodologies, and intelligence analytic writing and briefing techniques.

Strong intelligence degree programs will include these components and thus are a good option for bachelor's or master's degree students who know that a career in the intelligence field is right for them. Bottom line: intelligence degree programs are great for those individuals who know they are interested in a career in intelligence. By developing critical thinking skills and tradecraft through specific coursework and research within the intelligence field, students will be learning these skills through a medium which is relevant to their future job and will therefore be ready to hit the ground running in the intelligence field.

1 S Fowler, "What to teach in national security intelligence analysis courses," International Association of Intelligence Education Newsletter; November, 2008.

About the Author:

Daniel Sommer is the Director of Marketing for Henley-Putnam University which offers accredited online Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Intelligence Management, Terrorism & Counterterrorism Studies, and Management of Personal Protection, and a Doctoral Degree Program in Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam, Intelligence Degrees or Intelligence Studies, visit www.Henley-Putnam.edu.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Intelligence Degree and Intelligence Study Programs are Beneficial for Students with Focused Career

What a Military Intelligence Education Can Teach You

Author: Dan Sommer
Ongoing military intelligence education is critical to ensure that military intelligence professionals stay on the leading edge of strategic security issues around the globe.

For the most part, military intelligence education focuses on the same type of training received from civilian intelligence education programs, but with more emphasis on military objectives and tactical intelligence.

The goal of military intelligence is the acquisition and analysis of information on the enemy's plans and intentions, combat capabilities and limitations, and its own intelligence collection.

Three Components of Military Intelligence There are three basic components of military intelligence, operational, tactical and strategic intelligence. Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) and Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) are used to achieve all of these components. Military intelligence needs of today are complex and require the skills of all intelligence disciplines and intelligence analysis skills (also known as "all-source intelligence").

Operational intelligence permits the commander on the battlefield to see the significance of terrain, weather, and the enemy situation. Tactical intelligence helps provide soldiers with knowledge they need on the front lines.

Strategic intelligence provides a basis for plans and strategy for domestic and foreign policy. Strategic intelligence helps to uncover information about foreign governments and non-state actors (like terrorist groups) that enhance the ability of national decisionmakers to make knowledgeable and effective policy choices.

Effective military intelligence provides indications and warning intelligence while also serving as a deterrent to prevent the outbreak of war or providing early warning to surprise attack.

Imagery intelligence (IMINT) uses airborne reconnaissance and surveillance operations to gather photo, radar, infrared, or electro'optical data.

Signals intelligence (SIGINT) gathers and analyzes enemy radio/radar transmissions and emissions in a type of electronic warfare. This form of intelligence collection tends to be highly technical in nature.

Human intelligence (HUMINT) is used to develop and conduct collection operations from human sources. Whether it is an operative within a foreign agency or an outside source, the information acquired is information that is difficult or impossible to gather from technical sources.

Whether military intelligence is used to analyze images of enemy positions, listen to their communications, or investigate suspected espionage attempts, it is used every day to defend national security and the US armed forces around the world. A cutting-edge military intelligence education provides military analysts with mission-relevant intelligence skills.

Receiving a military education is paramount so that military analyst can learn "how to think" vs. "what to think." Knowledge in terrorist techniques, weapons of mass destruction and operational security are just a few examples of what is used when gathering military intelligence. A degree in intelligence management helps form some of the basis for this knowledge used in military intelligence and in the strategic security industry.
About the Author:

Henley-Putnam University is a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. If you have questions about this article, contact the author at: jtamsett@henley-putnam.edu. For more information on Henley-Putnam University, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at
Henley-Putnam University

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What a Military Intelligence Education Can Teach You