This is arguably the best book available on the essentials of intelligence production. It provides a basic, but accurate, description of intelligence production from collection through dissemination. Herman, not surprisingly, is especially competent in his explanation of intelligence collection and processing. Almost alone among writers on intelligence issues he notes the distinctions between single source, open source, and all source intelligence. He also provides an excellent description of the real intelligence cycle and the true relationship between customer requirements and collection planning and execution. This alone is worth the price of the book. Further the basics of intelligence that he presents in this book remain constant regardless of changing targets, priorities, and technical advances. For these reasons this book would make an excellent text book and ought to be the first book read by anyone seriously interested in the business of intelligence. For intelligence professionals, yes this is a very basic book, but in point of fact it clarifies and elaborates on many issues that are far too often taken for granted or discounted even though they are vital to intelligence processes.
Good as it is the book has one serious flaw. It is extremely weak on its discussion of intelligence analysis, a considerably more complex process than Herman seems to believe. In such an otherwise outstanding book this is odd, but understandable. One would suspect that Herman's career with GCHQ (UK SIGINT Service) was on the technical not analytic side of the work. Still this book provides an outstanding introduction to the arcane business of intelligence production and a good deal to think about for those already immersed in art and craft of intelligence. It is well worth its rather steep price.
Add Prime
to get Fast, Free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
