To Transform into a More Capable Intelligence Community: A Paradigm Shift in the Analyst Selection Strategy
Abstract
Transnational security threats such as terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction bring out the challenging nature of intelligence analysis. We need people who can thrive in an analytical environment characterized by uncertainty, incompleteness and surprise. These are capabilities more innate than learned. Yet the entry process into the all-source analysis profession does not screen for people with these abilities. We need to improve our analytical work force. To do this, we need a systematic abilities-based pre-employment screening program for intelligence analysts. This paper provides a functional justification for a screening program. Such a proposal represents a paradigm shift from the conventional way of recruitment largely based on a resume and an interview. The form, content, costs or time to develop an actual program is beyond the scope of this paper. However, an implementation plan and strategy for measuring its effectiveness are proposed. The potential benefits of such a screening effort include a higher concentration of analytical focus on difficult intelligence problems, a greater chance for success in "connecting the dots," a model to be used by military and law enforcement analytical efforts, and, most importantly, a smaller, more powerful analytical work force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 21, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA441508
Entities
People
- Adrian Z. Wolfberg
Organizations
- National War College