Is Intelligence Analysis a Profession or a Discipline - Essay Example

Is Intelligence Analysis a Profession or a Discipline? Date: Is Intelligence Analysis a Profession or a Discipline? Intelligence analysis can be described as the act of using information that is already known on entities and situations of operations, tactical and strategic importance for characterizing the known and appropriate possibility statements for future actions. These descriptions are taken from what is available as deliberate and deceptive information. In most cases, the analysis is expected to correlate with different similarities in the deceptions for getting an ordinary truth.

Following this understanding, there has been the question of the work done by intelligence analysts should be categorized as a discipline or a profession. Many intelligence analysts often think about themselves as able professionals just like others; however, it has not yet been clear of when particularly makes the process a profession and not a discipline. Intelligence analysis is an important profession just like medicine and law among many others. This thinking stems from the fact that the process of analysis requires the use of different skills that are often got from practical skills and experiences as well as specialized knowledge that is acquired through an extensive academic training process.

The intelligence analysis process can be compared to a medical diagnosis process, which in itself, requires a lot of attention and concentration. The need for proper results from the process requires that practitioners undertake the exercise after getting full qualifications, something that makes the process a profession and not discipline. The success of intelligence analysis relies on the competence and skills of the practitioners, something that underpins the need for full and comprehensive training in recognized institutions just like other professions.