MIT
Tactical HUMINT operations combine both HUMINT and CI techniques and
together with linguist assistance , are more capable of developing and maintaining contacts than
only HUMINT or CI ops.For example , the Tactical HUMINT team comes across few
individuals of interest near the forward area , the HUMINT operators conduct tactical
questioning to extract information of intelligence value and then pass them over to their CI
colleagues for further interrogation if they discern any information of interest to the CI operators.
This can be switched to and fro and the application of the combined faculties of both results in
more refined, relevant and timely/accurate information. If the individuals are of the witting type
or have voluntarily offered to deliver information or are community members sympathetic to the
forces, then they can be inducted into the source repository by establishing rapport/giving
incentives etc and then later their assistance taken for more information. Tactical HUMINT
teams can act as mobile interrogation teams at forward areas, quickly disposing off sources after
tactical questioning and interrogations, thereafter detailing escort for those who may render more
information or who, it appears are suppressing tactical information, sending them to detention
centers and collocated interrogation areas near forward areas or in the rear. The standard
procedure of detaining and escorting to rear interrogation areas is hereby bypassed as in this
procedure , the time taken to assess , detain , segregate , and transport to rear areas can negate the
availability of timely intelligence—intelligence is highly perishable ,. Especially combat
intelligence, where time is of essence.
Hence as the repository of sources grows, the quality and content of available information is
enhanced and for the commander tactical intelligence, most of the time, is at his fingertips.
Compare this to the situation where earlier, HUMINT or CI operations had to be complemented
by intelligence from theater or national agencies, and it so happens they cannot provide real time,
ground intelligence always for combatant commanders.