ABSTRACT

This chapter introduces the concept and identifies methods or techniques accepted by the Intelligence Community and recognized as standards/benchmarks in the practice of intelligence analysis. It describes selected analytical practices which are broadly used in the intelligence community and have specific application to Homeland Defense Intelligence Analysis. Best practices in the field of intelligence are inherently difficult to objectively observe, recognize, and appropriately and empirically measure simply because of the secretive nature of the intelligence profession. The chapter outlines, explains, and where practical, demonstrates the IC's best practices as defined by Intelligence Community Directive 203. A direct result of the miscalculations in the National Intelligence Estimate on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction stimulated Congress to establish an office of the Director of National Intelligence. By organizing and tying analytic judgments to the supporting data and intelligence, analysts create a type of pedigree for their assessments and associated findings.