The U.S. Needs a High-End OSINT Collection Cadre

The recent intelligence strategy from the Director of National Intelligence emphasizes open-source intelligence (OSINT) as the go-to source for insights. This prioritizes readily available data in today’s fast-paced information environment, giving a critical edge in the competition for strategic advantage.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence's (ODNI) new OSINT strategy emphasizes the need to “develop the next-generation OSINT workforce and tradecraft” that can effectively navigate the complex and ever-changing open-source domain. The key pieces of this strategic goal include:

• Establishing common OSINT tradecraft standards and training programs to ensure consistency and interoperability across the intelligence community (IC)
• Adapting OSINT tradecraft and training to harness the opportunities and mitigate the risks presented by the growth of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)
• Fostering a dynamic and adaptable OSINT workforce that can keep pace with the rapid evolution of the digital environment and open-source landscape

To achieve the ODNI's strategic goals, a high-caliber OSINT team is essential. At the core of our high-end OSINT teams are individuals with a unique blend of cultural, linguistic, and technological expertise.

Having team members with deep cultural and linguistic knowledge is critical for effectively navigating the open-source landscape. Our cultural and linguistic professionals provide invaluable insights into the nuances of local contexts, social dynamics, and communication patterns, enabling the team to identify and extract the most relevant and meaningful insights from a wide range of sources.

Pairing the cultural and linguistic experts with technologists is the second key component of a high-caliber OSINT team. These technologists bring the necessary skills and tools to provide operators with the access, technology, and capabilities they need to be successful in their OSINT endeavors. From data mining and analysis to the development of custom software and automation, technologists play a crucial role in both empowering teams to fully leverage open-source data and equipping teams at the forefront of AI. 

As the strategic competition intensifies, the need for a high-caliber OSINT team has never been more pressing. By aligning with an OSINT partner that can assemble a diverse and skilled team, you can ensure that your organization is equipped to navigate the dynamic open-source landscape and deliver the critical insights needed to maintain a competitive edge.