The U.S. Intelligence Process

Catalog description

Covers the fundamental concepts and practices of the intelligence cycle, the structured process that guides the production of finished intelligence products. Students gain an applied understanding of how intelligence requirements are generated, collected, analyzed and disseminated to inform decision making at the highest levels of national security and policy formulation. A key component of the course focuses on the management of intelligence collections--a critical skill within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). Students explore how collection management officers develop and maintain subject matter expertise on country- and region-specific issues, as well as transnational threats such as counterterrorism, counter-proliferation and cyber operations. This expertise enables professionals to assess intelligence needs, identify collection opportunities and allocate resources that align with the priority requirements of U.S. foreign intelligence consumers. Through assigned readings, simulations and case studies, students analyze and apply the five key phases of the intelligence cycle: (1) planning and direction, (2) collection, (3) processing and exploitation, (4) analysis and production and (5) dissemination.