HUMINT tradecraft

HUMINT (Human Intelligence) tradecraft involves gathering information from human sources through skills like building trust, observing behaviors, and asking targeted questions. Practitioners, often called agents or spies, develop relationships to elicit valuable insights without revealing their true intentions. Techniques include surveillance, cover stories, and rapport building, all designed to collect reliable intelligence discreetly. The goal is to understand adversaries, uncover plans, or assess threat levels while maintaining operational security. Effective tradecraft relies on psychological insight, communication skills, and adaptability to navigate complex social interactions in pursuit of strategic information.