Government-Wide Terms and Definitions:
A - C
analysis-A process in the production of intelligence in which intelligence information is subjected to systematic examination in order to identify significant facts and derive conclusions. (also see Intelligence Cycle)
assessment-Appraisal of the worth of an intelligence activity, source, information, or product in terms of its contribution to a specific goal, or the credibility, reliability, pertinence, accuracy, and usefulness of information in terms of an intelligence need.
basic intelligence-Factual, fundamental, and relatively permanent information about all aspects of a nation-physical, social, economic, political, biographical, and cultural-which is used as a base for intelligence products in support of planning, policymaking, and military operations. (also see current intelligence, information, and intelligence)
briefing-Presentation, usually oral, of information. The preparation of an individual for a specific operation by describing the situation to be encountered, the methods to be employed, and the objective.
Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR)-The intelligence analysis and production component of the Department of State.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)-An Intelligence Community agency established under the National Security Act for the purpose of coordinating the intelligence activities of several US departments and agencies in the interest of national security. The CIA collects, produces, and disseminates foreign intelligence and counterintelligence; conducts counterintelligence activities abroad; collects, produces, and disseminates intelligence on foreign aspects of narcotics production and trafficking; conducts special activities approved by the President; and conducts research, development, and procurement of technical systems and devices.
clandestine operation-A secret intelligence collection activity or covert political, economic, propaganda, or paramilitary action conducted to ensure the secrecy of the operation.
classified information-Official information that has been determined to require-in the interests of national security-protection against unauthorized disclosure and that has been so designated.
classification-The determination that official information requires-in the interest of national security-a specific degree of protection against unauthorized disclosure, coupled with a designation signifying that such a determination has been made; the designation is normally termed a security classification and includes CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET, and TOP SECRET. (also see declassification)
collection-The exploitation of sources by collection agencies, and the delivery of the information obtained to the appropriate processing unit for use in the production of intelligence. Also, obtaining information or intelligence information in any manner, including direct observations, liaison with official agencies, or solicitation from official, unofficial, or public sources, or quantitative data from the test or operation of foreign systems. (also see intelligence cycle)
collection needs-An established intelligence need considered in the allocation of intelligence resources to fulfill the essential elements of information and other intelligence needs.
Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I)-An integrated system of doctrine, procedures, organizational structure, personnel, equipment, facilities, communications, and supporting intelligence activities that provides authorities at all levels with timely and adequate data to plan, direct, and control their activities.
communications intelligence (COMINT)-Information derived from the intercept of foreign communications by other than the intended recipients; it does not include the monitoring of foreign public media or the intercept of communications obtained during the course of counterintelligence investigations within the United States. COMINT includes the fields of traffic analysis, cryptanalysis, and direction finding, and is a part of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT).
Community Open-Source Program Office (COSPO)-The COSPO develops, coordinates, and oversees implementation of the Community Open-Source Program. The objectives of COSPO are to: oversee a process for coordinating responsive actions to satisfy user needs for open-source information in the IC; provide advocacy and defense of departmental development and operational efforts; ensure funds for critical open-source activities; and oversee a process for identifying and prioritizing open-source substantive requirements.
consumer-An authorized person who uses intelligence or intelligence information directly in the decision making process or to produce other intelligence.
coordination-The process of seeking concurrence from one or more groups, organizations, or agencies regarding a proposal or an activity for which they share some responsibility and that may result in contributions, concurrences, or dissents. In intelligence production, the process by which producers gain the views of other producers on the adequacy of a specific draft assessment, estimate, or report. It is intended to increase a product's factual accuracy, clarify its judgments, and resolve or sharpen statements of disagreement on major contentious issues.
counterterrorism-Offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to a terrorist act, or the documented threat of such an act.
covert action-An operation designed to influence governments, events, organizations, or persons in support of foreign policy in a manner that is not necessarily attributable to the sponsoring power; it may include political, economic, propaganda, or paramilitary activities.
critical intelligence-Information of such urgent importance to the security of the United States that it is directly transmitted at the highest priority to the President and other national decision making officials before passing through regular evaluative channels. In the military it is intelligence that requires the immediate attention of the commander. It includes, but is not limited to: (a) strong indications of the imminent outbreak of hostilities of any type (warning of attack); (b) aggression of any nature against a friendly country; (c) indications or use of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons (targets); and (d) significant events within potential enemy countries that may lead to modifications of nuclear strike plans.
current intelligence-Intelligence of all types and forms of immediate interest to the users of intelligence: it may be disseminated without complete evaluation, interpretation, analysis, or integration.
D - F
damage assessment-In intelligence usage, an evaluation of the impact of a compromise in terms of loss of intelligence information, sources, or methods, which may describe and/or recommend measures to minimize damage and prevent future compromises. In military usage, an appraisal of the effects of an attack on one or more elements of a nation's strength (military, economic, and political) to determine residual capability for further military action in support of planning for recovery and reconstitution.
declassification-Removal of official information from the protective status afforded by security classification; it requires a determination that disclosure no longer would be detrimental to national security. (also see classification)
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)-An agency in the DoD responsible for satisfying the foreign military and military-related intelligence requirements of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the combatant Commands, other Defense components, and, as appropriate, non-Defense agencies. It is a provider of military intelligence for national foreign intelligence and counterintelligence products and is responsible for coordinating the intelligence activities of the military services and managing the Defense Attaché System.
Director of Central Intelligence (DCI)-Until the appointment of a Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the DCI was the primary adviser to the President and National Security Council on national foreign intelligence. The DCI, appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate, was the head of the IC and responsible for the development and execution of the National Foreign Intelligence Program. The DCI was also head of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Director of Central Intelligence Directive (DCID)-A
directive issued by the DCI that outlines general policies and procedures to be
followed by intelligence agencies and organizations that are under his direction
or overview.
Director of National Intelligence (DNI)-Primary
adviser to the President and National Security Council on national foreign
intelligence, appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. The DNI
is head of the IC and responsible for the development and execution of the
National Intelligence Program.
dissemination-The timely distribution of intelligence products (in oral, written, or graphic form) to departmental and agency intelligence consumers in a suitable form. (also see intelligence cycle) economic intelligence-Intelligence regarding foreign economic resources, activities, and policies including the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, labor, finance, taxation, commerce, trade, and other aspects of the international economic system.
economic intelligence-Intelligence regarding foreign economic resources, activities, and policies including the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, labor, finance, taxation, commerce, trade, and other aspects of the international economic system.
electronic intelligence (ELlNT)-Technical and intelligence information derived from foreign electromagnetic non-communications transmissions by other than the intended recipients.
energy intelligence-Intelligence relating to the technical, economic, and political capabilities and programs of foreign countries to engage in development, utilization, and commerce of basic and advanced energy technologies. This includes the location and extent of foreign energy resources and their allocation; foreign government energy policies, plans, and programs; new and improved foreign energy supply, demand, production, distribution, and utilization.
estimative intelligence-A category of intelligence analysis in which judgments are made despite incomplete information. There are two basic types: What is going on? (in the present where facts are missing) and, What will happen? (in the future where facts do not yet exist). Because of the attendant uncertainties, estimative intelligence usually involves presenting a range of alternative interpretations of available incomplete data, or a range of potential developments (with relative likelihoods indicated), based on alternative ways in which multiple variables may interact. Estimates also identify key intelligence gaps.
evaluation-Appraisal of the worth of an intelligence activity, information, or product in terms of its contribution to a specific goal. An appraisal of the credibility, reliability, pertinence, accuracy, or usefulness of information in terms of an intelligence need. Information is appraised at several stages within the intelligence cycle. Also, a process in the production step of the intelligence cycle. (also see assessment, intelligence cycle)
exploitation-The process of obtaining intelligence information from any source and taking advantage of it for intelligence purposes. In SIGINT, the production of information from messages that are encrypted in systems whose basic elements are known. Exploitation includes decryption, translation, and the solution of spe-cific controls such as indicators and specific keys. (also see source)
finding-A determination made by the President stating that a particular intelligence operation is important to the national security of the US in compliance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended by the 1971 Hughes-Ryan Amendment.
finished intelligence-The product resulting from the collection, processing, integration, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of available information concerning foreign countries or areas, or national security issues. The end product of the production step of the intelligence cycle; the intelligence product.
foreign intelligence information-Information of potential intelligence value concerning the capabilities, intentions, and activities of any foreign power, organization, or associated personnel.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court-The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court implements the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA), which authorizes electronic surveillance and un-consented physical searches occur inside the United States for the purpose of collecting "foreign intelligence." The Court is comprised of seven U.S. District court judges who are appointed to the FISA Court by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and who serve for seven years. The Court of Review consists of three U.S. District or Appeals court judges.
G - J
GEOINT-The exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on the Earth.
information assurance-Information operations (IO) that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation. This includes providing for restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities.
human intelligence (HUMINT)-Intelligence information acquired by human sources through both covert and overt collection techniques.
imagery intelligence (IMINT)-The products of imagery and imagery interpretation processed for intelligence use.
Intelligence assessment-A category of intelligence production that encompasses most analytical studies dealing with subjects of policy significance; it is thorough in its treatment of subject matter-as distinct from building-block papers, research projects, and reference aids-but, unlike estimative intelligence, need not attempt to project the future.
Intelligence Community-The aggregate of the executive branch organizations and agencies involved in intelligence activities: the Central Intelligence Agency; the National Security Agency; the Defense Intelligence Agency; the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; the National Reconnaissance Office; the Bureau of Intelligence and Research of the Department of State; intelligence elements of the military services; the U.S. Coast Guard; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of the Treasury; the Department of Homeland security; the Department of Energy; and staff elements of the Office of the Director of Central Intelligence.
intelligence cycle-The process by which information is acquired and converted into intelligence and made available to customers.
intelligence estimate-The product of estimative intelligence. (also see estimate) In military usage, an estimate of the situation is an appraisal of available intelligence relating to a specific situation or condition with a view to determining the course of action open to the enemy or potential enemy and the probable order of their adoption.
Intelligence Information Report (IIR)-Information collected by Department of Defense collectors, including military attaches, is transmitted as IIRs. These reports are used by analysts, usually together with other sources, to produce finished intelligence.
intelligence needs-Any subject-general or specific-in which there is a need for the collection of intelligence or the production of intelligence.
intelligence officer-A professional employee of an intelligence organization engaged in intelligence activities.
Intelligence Oversight Board-The President's Intelligence Oversight Board (lOB) was established by President Gerald Ford in 1976 as a White House entity with oversight responsibility for the legality and propriety of intelligence activities. The Board, which reports to the President, is charged primarily with preparing reports "of intelligence activities that the lOB believes may be unlawful or contrary to executive order or presidential directive." The Board may refer such reports to the Attorney General. This standard assists the President in ensuring that highly sensitive intelligence activities comply with law and presidential directive. In 1993, the lOB was made a standing committee of the PFIAB.
intelligence producer-A phrase usually used to refer to an organization or agency that participates in the production step of the intelligence cycle.
Intelligence Science Board-The Intelligence Science Board (ISB) advises the Director of Central Intelligence and senior Intelligence Community leaders on science, technology, research, engineering, business, organization, social sciences, the humanities, and other matters of interest. The ISB strengthens the capabilities of the Intelligence Community by providing expert advice, unconventional thinking, and early notice of advances in science and serves as a link between the Intelligence Community and the Scientific Community.
issue coordinator-An employee of an intelligence organization that is responsible for conducting a pragmatic review of national counterintelligence, articulating goals, and identifying strategies to satisfy counterintelligence customer requirements.
K - N
measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT)-Technically derived intelligence data other than imagery and SIGINT. The data result in intelligence that locates, identifies, or describes distinctive characteristics of targets. It employs a broad group of disciplines including nuclear, optical, radiofrequency, acoustics, seismic, and materials sciences.
National Foreign Intelligence Board (NFIB)-The senior Intelligence Community advisory body to the DCI on the substantive aspects of national intelligence. This Board advises the DCI on production, review, and coordination of national foreign intelligence; interagency exchanges of foreign intelligence information; arrangements with foreign governments on intelligence matters; the protection of intelligence sources and methods; activities of common concern; and such other matters as are referred to it by the DCI. It is composed of the DCI (Chairman) and other appropriate officers of the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of State, Department of Defense, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency. Representatives of other agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Energy, the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation participate as necessary.
National Foreign Intelligence Program (NFIP)-Executive Order 12333 defines the NFIP as the programs of the CIA, the Consolidated Cryptologic Program, General Defense Intelligence Program, specialized DoD reconnaissance activities, and the activities of staff elements of the DCI, as well as the other programs of agencies within the Intelligence Community designated jointly by the DCI and the head of the department or by the President as national foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. The NFIP provides funds for the bulk of national-level intelligence, counterintelligence, and reconnaissance activities of the CIA, the Defense Department, and all civilian federal agencies and departments, as well as those of the Intelligence Community management structure.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)-A Department of Defense combat support agency, NGA serves as the focal point for imagery collection, processing, and dissemination. The Director, NGA, is the functional manager for the imagery and geospatial community and serves as an adviser to the DCI on imagery policy and resource matters.
National Intelligence Council (NIC)-The NIC is a staff of senior intelligence officers mingled with experts from outside the Intelligence Community under the leadership of the Chairman/NIC and the Assistant Deputy Director of Central Intelligence for Analysis and Production. The 12 NIOs produce National Intelligence Estimates and other interagency estimative publications, promote improvements in Community production and collection, and advise the DCI on the intelligence needs of policymakers.
National Intelligence Daily (NID)-A classified digest of current intelligence published six times a week for use by senior government officials outside of the Washington DC area.
National Intelligence Estimate (NIE)-These reports are the DCI's most authoritative written judgments concerning national security issues. They deal with capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action of foreign nations and key developments relevant to the vital interests of the United States. NIEs are produced at the national level by the NIC and are issued by the DCI with the approval of the NFIB. NIEs are designed to identify trends of significance to national security and, when relevant, differences of views among the principal intelligence officers of the US Government. Presidential Summaries of NIEs are prepared for the President, Vice President, and other key executive officers.
National Intelligence Officers (NIOs)-Senior substantive specialists of the Intelligence Community with assigned areas of functional or geographic responsibility. NIOs manage estimative and interagency intelligence production on behalf of the DCI; they normally are the principal point of contact with intelligence consumers below the Cabinet level and are primary sources of national-level substantive guidance to IC planners, collectors, and resource managers.
National Military Joint Intelligence Center (NMJIC)-An indications and warning center that operates 24 hours a day and is responsible for providing time-sensitive intelligence to the National Military Command Center, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commands, and the Military Services.
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)-The NRO is a Department of Defense agency that researches, develops, acquires, and operates the nation's spaceborne intelligence assets. The Director of the NRO is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space.
national security-The territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international freedom of action of the United States. Intelligence activities relating to national security encompass all the military, economic, political, scientific, technological, and other aspects of foreign developments that pose actual or potential threats to US national interests.
National Security Agency (NSA)-NSA is responsible for the centralized coordination, direction, and performance of highly specialized technical functions in support of US Government activities to protect US communications and produce foreign intelligence information. The resources of NSA are organized for the accomplishment of two national missions: the information systems security or INFOSEC mission provides leadership, products, and services to protect classified and unclassified national security systems against exploitation through interception, unauthorized access, or related technical intelligence threats; and the foreign signals intelligence or SIGINT mission allows for an effective, unified organization and control of all the foreign signals collection and processing activities of the United States.
need-A general or specific request for intelligence information made by a member of the Intelligence Community.
needs category-A category of substantive foreign intelligence information that is of interest to the US Government. The DCI approves priorities for requirements categories that are reference points for intelligence cycle actions.
O - Z
open source-Information that is publicly available (for example, any member of the public could lawfully obtain information by request or observation), as well as other unclassified information that has limited public distribution or access. Open- source information also includes any information that may be used in an unclassified context without compromising national security or intelligence sources or methods. If the information is not publicly available, certain legal requirements relating to collection, retention, and dissemination may apply.
President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board-The President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board is maintained within the Executive Office of the President. Its sixteen members serve at the pleasure of the President and are appointed from among trustworthy and distinguished citizens outside of government on the basis of achievement, experience, and integrity. They serve without compensation. The Board continually reviews the performance of all government agencies engaged in the collection, evaluation, or production of intelligence or in the execution of intelligence policy. It also assesses the adequacy of management, personnel, and organization in intelligence agencies and advises the President concerning the objectives, conduct, and coordination of the activities of these agencies. The Advisory Board is specifically charged to make appropriate recommendations for actions to improve and enhance the performance of the intelligence efforts of the United States.
production-The preparation of reports based on analysis of information to meet the needs of intelligence users (consumers) within and outside the Intelligence Community.
raw intelligence-A colloquial term meaning collected intelligence information that has not yet been converted into finished intelligence.
scientific and technical (S&T) intelligence-Intelligence concerning foreign developments in basic and applied scientific and technical research and development including engineering and production techniques, new technology, and weapon systems and their capabilities and characteristics; it also includes intelligence that requires scientific or technical expertise on the part of the analyst in areas such as medicine, physical, health studies, and behavioral analyses.
signals intelligence (SIGINT)-Intelligence information derived from signals intercept comprising-either individually or in combination-all communications intelligence, electronic intelligence, and foreign instrumentation signals intelligence, however transmitted.
technology transfer intelligence-The collection, processing, analysis, production, and dissemination activities of the Intelligence Community designed to support US Government departments and agencies with policy and enforcement responsibilities related to the area of technology transfer.
top secret-Security
classification applied to information that, if disclosed in an unauthorized
manner, could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to
national security.