Here we offer
free web-based training sessions as an introduction to Anacapa's training in intelligence analysis. Upon completing all three sessions, you may receive a certificate of completion by
sending an email confirming that you have completed the sessions and providing a mailing address for the certificate.
A brief description of each session is provided below along with the estimated amount of time needed to complete it. We recommend that you complete the sessions in the order listed, and that you allow sufficient time to complete a session once you have started. To start a session, simply click on the BEGIN button associated with the session.
This session provides an overview of the intelligence process and shows where and how intelligence analysis fits into this process. We will examine the various types of information ranging from surveillance reports to data from an internet site, from physical evidence to financial records, and from informant reports to the reports of other analysts. The purpose of the intelligence process is to develop inferences that explain the Who, What, Why, When, Where and How of the activity of interest, leading to an inference that can be acted on with confidence.
This session provides solutions to a common dilemma faced by intelligence analysts—whether to report an inference based on available information or to collect additional information. More information might produce a better inference but at greater costs and at a loss of timeliness. In short, the decision to seek additional information requires tradeoffs among value, cost and risk. We want to get the greatest value at the least cost and without risking the timeliness of the intelligence product.
In this third session we address critical thinking—the interpretation, assessment and reasoning skills required for success in intelligence analysis. We will, first, examine some of the types of challenges that face analysts by providing issues and problems that demonstrate critical thinking. Second, we will review the context in which critical thinking must take place. Then, we will present the types of human limitations that must be overcome and a model that illustrates the various factors and components of critical thinking. Finally, we present and discuss strategies that will lead to the most effective critical thinking.
