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(U) Analysis Series Wrap-up: Continuous Learning
FROM: Jack Israel,
Unknown
Run Date: 08/22/2003
and Beth Walton
(U//FOUO) For the past four days we're presented new analytic
methodologies and techniques that are available to today's SIGINT
analyst, and you're probably wondering, what can I do to stay
abreast of these exciting new developments? What opportunities
are available to maintain my analytic proficiency? What you should
be aware of is the multitude of opportunities to grow and develop
as a SIGINT analyst.
(U//FOUO) SIGINT analysis isn't getting any easier, our targets are
becoming more sophisticated, they're taking advantage of
advanced communications technologies and finding new ways to
try to thwart us as SIGINT analysts. We must use these changes to
our benefit and not allow the volume, variety and velocity of data
flowing into NSA to be a liability. It is our job to maintain
proficiencies in advanced telecommunications technologies and
cultural awareness. We must continue to hone our basic analytic
skills, such as generating and evaluating competing hypotheses,
developing an awareness of analytic traps such as groupthink and
bias, performing metadata analysis, and engaging in collaborative
knowledge discovery. Target development skills such as Social
Network Analysis and Target Templating are vital to finding new
targets and maintaining continuity with the targets we already
know about.
(U//FOUO) All analysts have opportunities to advance their skill and
knowledge levels, whether in informal, on the job settings or in
formal training programs. Within the operational setting, analysts
can acquire knowledge and skills from debating, discussing and
collaborating with experts on operational problems, taking
advantage of mentoring programs, evaluating new techniques and
associated tools, and engaging in the discussion at A&P;
Showcases , Advanced Analytic Seminars and Annual Conferences
. A&P; also provides for more focused learning environments in
which analysts are protected from the press of daily operations joint SCAMPs (Summer Cryptanalysis Math Program) , specified
POD Research Programs sponsored by S3T, the AIRP (Analysis
Innovation Research Program) , and a new Advanced Analysis Lab
program beginning in FY04 - SEAS (Summers for Excellence in
Analysis Seminars). Informal learning is also supported 24/7 by
accessing the SIGDEVToday Learning Portal and the Analytic Best
Practices on WebWorld.
(U//FOUO) Since many of today's learning needs cut across
organizational boundaries and traditional skill field communities,
identifying gaps in skills and knowledge and matching them with
the most appropriate sources of learning is the joint responsibility
of each analyst, manager, technical director, and skill field
community expert. Formal training, provided by both the expert
analyst and by external training services, continues to evolve to
address the more structured skill and knowledge learning needs of
SID analysts and provides yet another venue for analysts to
SERIES:
(U) Analysis
1. Strengthening Our
Analytic Capability
2. Active Analysis:
SIGINT That Can
Predict
3. Pattern and Social
Network Analysis
4. Analysis Series:
Follow the People
and Geospatial
Exploitation
5. Deep Target
Knowledge
6. Analysis Series
Wrap-up: Continuous
Learning
formalize their knowledge and share it with others.
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid comms)."
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DERIVED FROM: NSA/CSSM 1-52, DATED 08 JAN 2007 DECLASSIFY ON: 20320108