Unparalleled Need: Human Intelligence Collectors in the United States Army

Success in war is dependent on the collection of accurate and actionable intelligence. Although there are myriad intelligence disciplines, Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is one of the most inexpensive and effective means of intelligence collection. HUMINT collectors are an integral part of the collection process, which spans from the tactical to the national level, which sometimes answers national level collection requirements. What the HUMINT professional lacks with technology, he or she makes up for with training and innate skills. Currently, the United States Army is not effectively recruiting or retaining quality overt HUMINT Soldiers. This paper will explore methods used by the Department of Defense (DoD) HUMINT Enterprise and service components to identify, select, and retain talent within HUMINT. Recommendations in this paper will address current procedures to assess talent in HUMINT and identify ways to improve upon current selection and retention procedures within the United States Army.