Energy Change Detection to Assist in Tactical Intelligence Production
Abstract
Currently, signals intelligence (SIGINT) analysts are constantly overwhelmed by the amount of data they ingest. A relatively new technology, known as Energy Change Detection (ECD), was fashioned in order to alleviate a portion of the "background noise," or signals of non-interest to the SIGINT analyst. ECD has been tested and its operational capability verified and validated by senior analysts. With the current organizational structure within which ECD resides, its utility to the tactical user is limited. This limitation affects both the timeliness of intelligence production and volume of users it can accommodate. An analytical model was devised to determine the sources of latency in response to a request for information (RFI). Various obstacles are highlighted and a revised operating procedure was modeled. This thesis analyzes four aspects of an organization (task, technology, structure, and actors) and proposes a change in ECD implementation to affect the production of tactical intelligence. The intent of the revision, along with providing ECD to a tactical intelligence cell, is to allow the tactical commander to make more effective decisions with respect to the employment and deployment of forces, types of forces (kinetic versus nonkinetic) to employ, and maximizing the efficiency of organic intelligence collection assets. The organizational revision, coupled with required analyst training, allows information to be pushed to a tactical intelligence cell and commander within a window of six hours from collection of the signal. This window allows for the production of actionable intelligence, increases the efficiency of SIGINT analysts, and potentially drives tactical operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA501174
Entities
People
- Derek A. Filipe
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School