Human intelligence (intelligence collection)

As a Human Intelligence ( HUMINT ) is defined as the acquisition of knowledge from human sources. Although the term is usually used in conjunction with intelligence, HUMINT is also an essential tool of public prosecution, journalists and the police.

Motivation of human resources

Intelligence intelligence gathering

Secret service is under HUMINT especially the procurement of knowledge by agents that lead to human sources selectively and collect their information and transmit understood. In Germany HUMINT is from the Department 1: Operational carried out reconnaissance of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND ). In the Bundeswehr HUMINT is applied in the field of intelligence gathering by the Army Reconnaissance Troop, and special forces in the form of conversation Enlightenment.

As the last example shows, there are many overlaps. A clear distinction is often not possible. Therefore, the classification of HUMINT and SIGINT is usually only one task assignment between departments of a secret or between different intelligence agencies of power. In the U.S., for example, HUMINT and SIGINT are divided between the two major foreign intelligence agencies. HUMINT is the responsibility of the CIA and the NSA SIGINT mission.

In Germany SIGINT is used by the Department of Supportive professional services (UF ) of the BND and carried out in the military field by forces electronic warfare.