U.S. Army Human Intelligence Collector Field Manual

Brief Summary

The U.S. Army Human Intelligence Collector Field Manual by the Department of the Army serves as an essential guide for understanding the complex methods and operations involved in human intelligence collection within the military. This manual emerges in response to the debates surrounding interrogation practices and offers a comprehensive outline of procedures, focusing largely on the lawful extraction of intelligence from various subjects. It provides detailed instructions on planning and managing human intelligence operations, soldier debriefings, and the analysis of relationships and relevant data. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to interrogation techniques, which have been updated to align with revised ethical and legal standards.

Main Themes and Topics

One of the central themes of the manual is the emphasis on ethical and legal standards in conducting human intelligence operations. The guide meticulously details the structure and planning of intelligence activities, highlighting the significance of maintaining humane and effective interrogation practices. It explores various "approach techniques" used during interrogations, such as Emotional Love, Mutt and Jeff, and False Flag, illustrating the strategic aspects of these methods. Additionally, the manual covers the debriefing process of soldiers and the evaluation of collected data, underscoring a systematic approach to information gathering.

Writing Style and Tone

The writing style of the manual is formal and instructional, aligning with its purpose as an official military document. The tone is authoritative, providing clear and precise guidelines intended for military personnel. The language used is technical, often incorporating military jargon and terminology pertinent to intelligence operations. The manual is structured to serve as a practical reference, ensuring its accessibility and usability for those involved in human intelligence collection.

Criticism

While the U.S. Army Human Intelligence Collector Field Manual is a comprehensive resource on military intelligence operations, it has faced criticism due to the nature of its content, particularly concerning interrogation methods. Critics argue that despite the updated guidelines, the inclusion and description of specific interrogation techniques may still raise ethical questions regarding their application. Furthermore, the manual has been scrutinized for its lack of accessibility to a broader audience, as its technical nature primarily caters to military personnel and those with prior knowledge of military operations.