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(U) SIGINT Reporting: The Right Stuff
FROM: Carl Johnson
SID's Deputy Director for Analysis & Production (S2)
Run Date: 05/13/2006
(U//FOUO) Finding the balance between reporting facts and insights.
(U//FOUO) One of the major themes emerging from this month's analysis conference was the
need for our analysts to share their professional insights. Why? Simply put, because customers
find them invaluable... and ultimately, they contribute to making our nation a more secure place.
It is no longer enough to publish a SIGINT report that lets the SIGINT fact speak for
itself, when professional amplification or judgment can add value.
(U//FOUO) With this in mind, NSA leadership has for some time encouraged our analysts to
insert their expertise and insights into our SIGINT reporting -- in other words, to do more
assessment reporting. I should clarify that by "assessment reporting" I'm not talking about only
official Assessment Reports -- I'm referring to SIGINT reports of ANY kind that include analytic
insights.
(U//FOUO) It is difficult in daily analysis and reporting to find the right balance between
reporting facts and providing insights, given the volume, velocity and variety of SIGINT that we
deal with. Meeting customer requirements is demanding on its own. Using resources to their
maximum capability and capacity, efficiently and effectively is one of the great challenges of any
manager.
(U//FOUO) Now is a good time to consider how well we are doing in this regard... How
frequently we are producing intelligence consisting of more than just the facts? Are we defining
intelligence based on old models or are we being responsive to customers and their Intelligence
Needs?
(U//FOUO) Recently,
showed me a sample study on the SIGINT reports going out
to customers, indicating that only about 25% of the reports released in 2005 included more than
the explanation and description of SIGINT facts. (See related article .) Looking at those
numbers, I'd like to explore ways to increase the level of analytic commentary making its way
into our reports.
(U//FOUO) I want to know what your thoughts are, and have asked
to collate them. Please
email him your perspectives (
) or post them on the SID today blog:
SID today blog
(U//FOUO) This is an important topic for A&P, and I very much look forward to hearing what you
have to say.
"(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