TACELINT: Tactical Electronic Intelligence

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What Is TACELINT? TACELINT, or Tactical Electronic Intelligence, is the collection, analysis, and use of electronic signals at the tactical level to support immediate, localized decision-making. It is intelligence designed for the edge of operations—where time, proximity, and accuracy matter more than long-term analysis. Unlike strategic intelligence, which informs national policy or long-range planning, TACELINT answers urgent questions such as: Who is transmitting right now? Where are they? What systems are they using? What does this mean for forces on the ground—today? TACELINT is a critical subset of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), optimized for real-time awareness in contested or unstable environments. TACELINT in Operational Context TACELINT exists to support frontline operations. It is typically collected by forward-deployed teams, vehicles, aircraft, or unmanned systems and is processed rapidly—often within minutes—so it can influence movement, protection, or engagement decisions. Common TACELINT Sources VHF/UHF tactical radios Push-to-talk and encrypted handheld devices Drone control links and telemetry Short-range radar systems Ad-hoc or improvised communication networks Because these emitters are often mobile, low-power, and short-lived, TACELINT systems emphasize speed, geolocation, and pattern recognition over exhaustive analysis. How TACELINT Differs from Other Intelligence Disciplines DisciplineFocusTime HorizonStrategic ELINTNational / theater-wide systemsMonths to yearsOperational ELINTCampaign-level awarenessDays to weeksTACELINTImmediate,...