Definitions[]
Measurement and signatures intelligence (MASINT) is
“ | [s]cientific and technical intelligence obtained by quantitative and qualitative analysis of data (metric, angle, spatial, wavelength, time dependence, modulation, plasma, and hydromagnetic). This data is derived from specific technical sensors for the purpose of identifying any distinctive features associated with the source, emitter, or sender. This facilitates subsequent identification and or measurement of the same.[1] | ” |
“ | intelligence obtained by quantitative and qualitative analysis of data (metric, angle, spatial, wavelength, time dependence, modulation, plasma, and hydromagnetic) derived from specific technical sensors for the purpose of identifying any distinctive features associated with the emitter or sender, and to facilitate subsequent identification and/or measurement of the same. The detected feature may be either reflected or emitted.[2] | ” |
Overview[]
MASINT is undertaken by DIA and other DoD agencies. A key problem has been retaining personnel with expertise in MASINT systems who are offered more remunerative positions in private industry.
MASINT includes the following:
- Acoustic Intelligence (ACINT or ACOUSTINT)
- Chemical and biological intelligence (CBINT)
- Directed energy weapons intelligence (DEWINT)
- Effluent/Debris intelligence
- Electro-optical intelligence (ELECTRO-OPTINT)
- Infrared intelligence (IRINT)
- Laser intelligence (LASINT)
- Materials intelligence
- Nuclear intelligence (NUCINT)
- Radar intelligence (RADINT)
- Radio frequency/Electromagnetic pulse intelligence (RF/EMPINT)
- Spectroscopic intelligence
- Unintentional radiation intelligence (RINT)
References[]
- ↑ OPSEC Glossary of Terms.
- ↑ ADRP 2-0, at 4-5.