US Army Boosts Open Source Intel

The U.S. Army is intensifying its focus on "open source intelligence" (OSINT) as outlined in its 2023 strategy. This shift prioritizes integrating OSINT with advanced areas like artificial intelligence and analytics. The strategy involves expanding OSINT training, aiming to make these courses more accessible throughout the intelligence community. Although the Army's detailed OSINT strategy is not publicly available yet, officials are working on releasing a version for public consumption. The strategy is designed to build a robust OSINT collection force and develop innovative training platforms.

Lt. Gen. Laura Potter, the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, emphasizes the significant role of OSINT in recent conflicts, demonstrating its value since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The US Army has also been integrating open source collection teams into major formations, with a focus on modern training methodologies.

In 2024 the US Army plans to offer virtual OSINT training to other military services and intelligence community members. The initiative underscores the importance of aligning training programs across different sectors. Despite the traditional preference for classified sources in intelligence, the Army is ensuring that its leadership understands the value of OSINT and the necessity of managing it effectively. This approach aims to balance the use of publicly available and commercial information with classified intelligence, reflecting a modern understanding of the intelligence gathering landscape.