Enhancing critical thinking training for intelligence analysts : a DoD wide solution
Abstract
Critical thinking is a vital skill for intelligence analysts and must be learned, practiced, and deeply ingrained in order to enable these analysts to effectively and accurately prepare assessments. Unfortunately, no baseline currently exists upon which a Department of Defense(DOD) intelligence analyst is trained in critical thinking. Once the analyst is initially trained, no recurring training is required, allowing these skills to atrophy over time. How can we better train our analysts to think critically and maintain these skills throughout their careers? This paper seeks to establish this baseline for intelligence analysts across the DOD. To accomplish this, best practices are derived from various formal critical thinking and structured analysis training courses across the DOD and intelligence community, as well as from informal methods, exercises, and events. The foundation of this baseline is classroom-based academic training modeled upon a formal, structured, and tiered Defense Intelligence Agency program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1107332
Entities
People
- Geoff Cohan
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College