The joint HUMINT Analysis and Targeting Course: analytical support to military source operations as a combat multiplier. (2024)

The Joint HUMINT Analysis and Targeting Course (JHATC) is a coursedesigned to train all-source intelligence analysts and HUMINT collectorsin how to operate as a cohesive team and integrate military sourceoperations into the targeting mission. The two-week course teaches bothanalysts and collectors to work together to more efficiently gather andanalyze intelligence. JHATC focuses on three core competencies: LeadDevelopment (also known in the Intelligence Community as SourceTargeting), Source Validation, and Personality Based Targeting.

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HUMINT is a primary source of intelligence in Irregular Warfarewhere Human Terrain is the Center of Gravity. Too often, however, HUMINTcollection occurs without a clear and consistent understanding of thegreater operational environment. Collectors are frequently far too busy,and almost never formally trained to conduct analysis on net-works toidentify information or power brokers. Without in-depth network analysiscollectors are often times lured into collecting information fromcooperative individuals with very little quality information, ratherthan focusing their efforts on individuals with consistent informationof intelligence value. The ultimate result of this inefficient system iscollectors spend far too much of their valuable time partially answeringrequirements, collecting non-relevant or inaccurate information, or notrecognizing and reporting very valuable information. Providing directanalytical support at the point of collection is a force multiplier forHUMINT, and this is true even more so when the analyst and the collectorare trained to operate as a team.

JHATC is poised to fill a training void within the intelligencecommunity as analytical support to collection is being recognized as acombat multiplier. Major General Flynn's January 2010 White Paper,"Fixing Intel: A Blueprint for Making Intelligence Relevant inAfghanistan," emphasizes the importance of analytical support atthe lowest level and understanding of the Human Terrain in a givengeographic area. JHATC intertwines these concepts into every aspect ofthe course; training students to map the "grey" force usinglink diagrams and exploiting those charts with network analysis. Theseare fundamental tasks and critical precursors for Lead Development andSource Validation as well as vital for penetrating hostile networks andtargeting critical nodes.

The course is taught using a Tactical Operations Center-basedsetting and a series of practical exercises which ultimately culminatein a three day Final Training Exercise. During the course, collectorsgain an understanding of the basic analytical processes and are shownthe capabilities of multiple intelligence disciplines including SignalsIntelligence, Measurement and Signatures Intelligence, and GeospatialIntelligence. Analysts develop a greater understanding of the HUMINTcollection process and are trained to consistently communicate withcollection teams, thereby strengthening the accuracy and timeliness ofHUMINT collection. Analysts are also taught to utilize Social NetworkAnalysis to develop leads as potential sources and target high valueindividuals.

Throughout the course, JHATC students are organized into smallgroups; pairing collectors and analysts with varying levels ofexperience. The small group instruction ultimately creates a dynamiclearning environment where students are likely to learn as much fromtheir peers as they do from an instructor. The scenario used throughoutthe course is designed to foster group cohesion and teamwork both withinand among the small groups. Students will find their success in thecourse is as much dependent on cross-group communication as it is withsenior and subordinate organizational elements. JHATC students are alsoconcurrently enrolled in HT-JCOE's Joint Source Validation Course(JSVC) and receive a JSVC certificate in addition to a JHATCcertificate.

JHATC is ideal as pre-deployment training for Military Intelligence(MI) Soldiers (analysts and collectors) assigned to the 2X, HUMINTAnalysis Team, HUMINT Analysis Cell, HUMINT Operations Cell, or CI andHUMINT Analysis Requirements Cell. JHATC is also poised to fill atraining void as MI re-balances and implements the Company IntelligenceSupport Team. JHATC has seen consistent interest from within the SpecialOperation Forces (SOF) community, as the training they receive withinthe course incorporates proven SOF intelligence techniques. Students whohave completed the course have provided positive reviews, includingrecommending this training become an integral aspect of theirunit's pre-deployment training.

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Staff Sergeant Epp is the Joint HUMINT Analysis and TargetingCourse NCOIC as well as one of the lead course developers. SSG Epp's previous assignments include the Advanced Source OperationsCourse, and deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the1st Armored Division and 4th Infantry Division ACE. She has alsoinstructed at the Army Intelligence Analyst Basic Course.

Mr. Thornton is the Joint HUMINT Analysis and Targeting CourseDirector. He has targeting experience in Naval Expeditionary and StrikeWarfare from active duty service in the Navy, and intelligence supportto Air Combat Operations in the Air Force Reserve. He is a veteran ofOperations Desert Storm, Sharp Guard, Deny Flight, Southern Watch, andNorthern Watch. Mr. Thornton was recognized as the Department of the AirForce Intermediate Intelligence Professional of Year (2001) withpreceding recognition at Air Combat Command and the Eighth Air Force.Mr. Thornton is also an instructor with the Joint Analyst andInterrogation Collaboration Course.