CDASA Intelligence Collection and Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which collection discipline specifically involves exploiting electromagnetic emissions from foreign targets?
- HUMINT
- SIGINT (Correct answer)
- GEOINT
- MASINT
Correct answer: SIGINT
SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) exploits electromagnetic emissions including communications and electronic signals from foreign targets.
Question 2: In the intelligence cycle, what occurs during the 'Processing and Exploitation' phase?
- Commanders identify intelligence requirements
- Raw collected data is converted into usable form (Correct answer)
- Finished intelligence is disseminated to consumers
- Collection assets are tasked against priority requirements
Correct answer: Raw collected data is converted into usable form
Processing and Exploitation converts raw collected data—such as decrypting signals or translating documents—into a form analysts can use.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a Collection Management Authority (CMA) in all-source analysis?
- To classify finished intelligence products
- To validate source reliability ratings
- To task and prioritize collection assets against requirements (Correct answer)
- To conduct counterintelligence investigations
Correct answer: To task and prioritize collection assets against requirements
A Collection Management Authority tasks and prioritizes intelligence collection assets to address identified requirements efficiently.
Question 4: Which analytical technique involves working backward from a conclusion to identify evidence that would support or refute it?
- Key Assumptions Check
- Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (Correct answer)
- Devil's Advocacy
- Red Team Analysis
Correct answer: Analysis of Competing Hypotheses
Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) evaluates multiple hypotheses by identifying evidence that supports or refutes each, reducing confirmation bias.
Question 5: What does the term 'indications and warning' (I&W) intelligence primarily focus on?
- Assessing adversary weapons capabilities
- Detecting adversary intent to conduct hostile actions (Correct answer)
- Evaluating economic vulnerabilities of foreign nations
- Monitoring treaty compliance
Correct answer: Detecting adversary intent to conduct hostile actions
I&W intelligence focuses on detecting and reporting adversary activities that indicate imminent hostile intent or military action.
Question 6: Which document formally establishes the commander's priority intelligence requirements (PIR) and guides collection efforts?
- Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Annex
- Collection Plan
- Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
- Commander's Critical Information Requirements (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Commander's Critical Information Requirements
Commander's Critical Information Requirements (CCIR), including PIR, formally establish what intelligence the commander needs to make key decisions.
Question 7: What is 'mirror imaging' in the context of intelligence analysis?
- Using two analysts independently assess the same target
- Assuming adversaries think and act like one's own organization (Correct answer)
- Comparing current intelligence to historical baselines
- Replicating source reporting across multiple databases
Correct answer: Assuming adversaries think and act like one's own organization
Mirror imaging is the analytical error of assuming foreign adversaries share one's own cultural values, priorities, and decision-making processes.
CDASA Intelligence Collection and Analysis 2
Which collection discipline specifically involves exploiting electromagnetic emissions from foreign targets?