This article references parts of the story in my fiction books, The Meadow Protocol and book 2, After The Brush.
In a world of uncertainty, whether facing natural disasters, societal disruptions, or targeted threats like those depicted in The Continuity Chronicles, gathering and analyzing intelligence (intel) can mean the difference between survival and vulnerability. Drawing from real-world military doctrines referenced in the series—such as U.S. Army manuals on Human Intelligence (HUMINT), reconnaissance, and analysis—these techniques empower individuals and groups to collect actionable information ethically and effectively. This section outlines key methods, focusing on non-coercive, rapport-based approaches, structured reporting, and analytical frameworks. Always prioritize legal compliance (e.g., Geneva Conventions, U.S. laws) and ethical standards; these are for defensive preparedness, not offensive actions.
Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Collection: Building Rapport for Insights
HUMINT involves gathering information from human sources through interrogation, debriefing, tactical questioning, and source handling. As highlighted in FM 2-22.3 Human Intelligence Collector Operations (2006), the emphasis is on psychological and rapport-based methods, prohibiting coercion or torture. Key principles include humane treatment, legal adherence, and strategic questioning to elicit voluntary cooperation.
Core Techniques
- Planning and Preparation: Define objectives, research the source’s background (cultural, psychological factors), and prepare questions. Use interpreters if needed, ensuring they understand ethical guidelines.
- Approach Methods: Start with direct questions for cooperative sources; use incentives (e.g., safety, information exchange) or emotional appeals for rapport. Non-coercive strategies focus on building trust—e.g., shared interests or empathy.
- Questioning Strategies: Employ phases like screening (assess knowledge), initial (broad topics), detailed (probe specifics), and termination (summarize, plan follow-up). Use open-ended questions to encourage narratives, followed by probes for details.
- Source Validation and Debriefing: Screen for reliability (motives, access to info); debrief to extract specifics without pressure. Validate through cross-checking with other sources.
- Reporting and Documentation: Document via Intelligence Information Reports (IIR), including source details, info collected, and analysis notes.
Practical Tip for Preppers: In a compound like the Ranch, use HUMINT for debriefing arrivals (e.g., stragglers like Sarah and Finn) to gather external intel on road conditions or threats. Train group members in basic tactical questioning for patrols.
For updated guidance, see ATP 2-22.33 HUMINT Collector Operations (2019), which refines these for contested environments like irregular warfare.
Reconnaissance and Reporting: Eyes on the Horizon
Reconnaissance operations focus on gathering enemy, terrain, and civilian data through patrols, observation posts (OP/LP), and scouts. FM 3-98 Reconnaissance and Security Operations (2015) distinguishes recon (info collection) from security (protecting forces), emphasizing stealth and reporting.
Key Reporting Formats
- SALUTE Report: Mnemonic for enemy sightings—Size (numbers), Activity (actions), Location (coordinates), Unit/Uniform (identification), Time (observed), Equipment (weapons/vehicles). Used in zone/area/route recon for quick enemy disposition reports.
- SPOTREP (Spot Report): Immediate report for contacts, including SALUTE elements plus additional details like friendly actions. Essential in patrols or contact drills.
- Observation Post (OP/LP) Procedures: Establish hidden positions for surveillance; report via buried lines or low-power radios to avoid detection. Examples: Scout platoons use SALUTE for patrols, noting enemy activity patterns.
Practical Tip for Preppers: Set up OPs on ridges (like Wyatt’s north ridge assignment) to monitor approaches. Use SALUTE for logging threats, e.g., “Size: 3 tangos; Activity: Probing perimeter; Location: South ridge.”
ATP 3-21.8 Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad (2024) details squad-level use, integrating SALUTE into troop-leading procedures and contact drills.
Intelligence Analysis: Turning Data into Decisions
Once collected, intel must be analyzed for patterns, validity, and implications. ATP 2-33.4 Intelligence Analysis (2020, superseding TC 2-33.4) outlines structured techniques to mitigate biases and integrate sources.
Structured Analytic Techniques
- Sorting and Matrices: Group data (e.g., by PMESII factors: Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure) to spot trends. Use matrices for cross-comparisons, like threat networks.
- Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH): List hypotheses, evaluate evidence for/against each to avoid confirmation bias. Ideal for assessing threats like Cerberus pivots.
- Link and Pattern Analysis: Map relationships (e.g., social networks) and timelines to predict actions. Tools: Event trees for sequences, pattern of life for routines.
- Source Evaluation and Validation: Rate reliability (e.g., consistency, biases); use quality checks to detect deception. Cross-validate with multiple sources.
- Integration into All-Source Analysis: Fuse HUMINT with other intel (e.g., radio intercepts) for comprehensive assessments. Apply in operations like IPB (Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield).
Practical Tip for Preppers: In a comms shack setup, use spreadsheets for matrices to analyze radio chatter or scout reports. Employ ACH for evaluating rumors of incoming threats.
Resources for Further Study
- As a Patreon member download manuals from
- Download manuals from Army Publishing Directorate or archives like GlobalSecurity.org.
- Explore preparedness sites like fortunefavorstheprepared.com for free downloads tied to these principles.
- Training: Practice in group drills, starting with basic SALUTE reports and building to full analysis scenarios.
By mastering these techniques, you’ll enhance your group’s situational awareness, just as the Ranch survivors do in the face of “The Brush.” Remember, intel is about foresight—gather wisely, analyze critically, and act decisively.