Intelligence Gathering in a Counterinsurgency

Intelligence gathering is a key element in fighting the chronic and difficult battles that make up an insurgency. Insurgency is defined as a political battle waged among a cooperative or acquiescent populace in order for a group of outsiders to take over (or at least undermine) the government of a nation. This is a contest of wills uneven resources chosen initiatives covert political and paramilitary operations and sometimes very public measures. Once the insurgency actively challenges the government for control of the general population government forces are often involved in a protracted war-- before they are even cognizant of it. This war will be fought at the most inopportune times the most difficult conditions and the most inaccessible terrain often taking place in the caverns and warrens of that nation's cities. All along this difficult front intelligence will make or break the government's efforts to thwart the insurgency. Intelligence gathering must be accomplished in the most difficult conditions and from inhabitants who do not want to get involved. As the vast majority of intelligence collection will fall on the military and police forces this paper will explore a collection strategy which focuses on tapping the indigenous population and local authorities. The people will be the center of gravity for both sides of the insurgency fight.