Why Human Intelligence Still Beats High-Tech Surveillance

 

     I can picture former CIA operative Valerie Plame walking down a street in a hostile country, on the lookout for black-market supply chains selling materials for nuclear weapons. CIA officers like her serve America and put themselves in danger. Many locals she met viewed America as the land of opportunity. Despite the challenges America faces today, I still believe in American exceptionalism. Plame's experiences showed that people living under dictatorships and autocracies yearned to come to America. See The CIA Spy Living Next Door: Valerie Plame’s Secret Life.

     The CIA is a cut above the rest, thanks to its unique mission and top-notch workforce. Sure, the media's been buzzing with doom-and-gloom headlines about the death of human intelligence. That's pure nonsense. The true spirit, determination, and dedication of the Directorate of Operations—the real spies in the field—are still very much alive and kicking.

     Even with all the talk about technology and AI taking over, the CIA's human intelligence (HUMINT) is still going strong and getting even stronger. The agency knows that you need real people to gather the kind of intelligence that tech just can’t get. When it comes to cracking the code on what our adversaries are really up to, human intelligence (HUMINT) has the edge over all the fancy high-tech electronic intelligence (ELINT).

     Think about it: HUMINT is like having a conversation with someone who knows the inside scoop, giving you the lowdown on their intentions and plans. ELINT might catch a lot of chatter and signals, but it can't always tell you why someone is doing what they're doing. A well-placed human source can reveal the strategic moves and personal motives that no amount of intercepted data can ever hope to show.

     And then there’s getting into those closed-off circles. ELINT can only go so far; it hits a wall with secure, insular networks where the real decisions are made. But HUMINT? It's like having a seat at the table. Agents can blend in, build trust, and get the kind of intel that ELINT just can’t touch. This is crucial for getting the real story straight from the horse’s mouth, something no electronic surveillance system can pull off.

     What's more, the CIA is ramping up its game by bringing in people from all walks of life with diverse skills. They emphasize teamwork, integrity, and excellence, making sure they're always ready to tackle new global threats head-on by blending human and tech resources seamlessly.

     The CIA’s mission statement cuts to the chase: “We accomplish what others cannot and go where others cannot.” It’s not about "if" the Agency can infiltrate a tough spot; it’s about "how" they’ll pull it off.

     That’s the American spirit—let’s get it done. Even with the rise of tech like biometrics and smart cities, the CIA can still meet agents anywhere, anytime, with the right planning and smart moves. Think about Corey Pearson from my spy thriller "Mission of Vengeance"—he slips in and out, using his CIA cover and fake documents to stay under the radar. That’s today’s CIA. Spying might be the world’s second-oldest profession, and the CIA sets the gold standard.

     The CIA isn’t the heavy-handed Russian SVR or the overconfident Chinese MSS. It’s not the small but skilled British MI6 or the renowned Israeli Mossad either. Sure, these agencies are competent and deserve respect, especially in counterintelligence. But none can match the CIA’s blend of personnel, technology, and resources across both analysis and operations.

     Do the bad guys beat us sometimes? Sure, they do. That’s the nature of the intelligence game. This is the big leagues, the stakes are sky-high, and sometimes we lose a round. Our failures hit the front pages because the media loves a good scandal. But failure isn’t in the CIA’s DNA. Like true Americans, we pick ourselves up and dive back into the fray.

     After two decades of a relentless and successful counterterrorism campaign post-9/11, maybe some of our agent handling and recruiting skills have gotten a bit rusty. The Agency admits it and is already taking steps to sharpen those skills. That’s what a top-notch organization does.

     But the ultimate truth? It’s the people of the CIA who make it the best intelligence outfit on the planet. Just look at the bravery of operatives like Valerie Plame, who risked everything for her country, or the fictional Corey Pearson, who embodies the courage and cunning of CIA officers. Men and women from all walks of life—teachers from the suburbs, tech wizards from Silicon Valley, military vets, and fresh college grads.

     They're heroes tackling tough jobs with zero fanfare and no expectation of a pat on the back. Working in the shadows, their wins stay hidden while their slip-ups make headlines. Guts, bravery, curiosity, and humility define them.    

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and authors the ‘Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster’ series. Check out his latest spy thriller, ‘Mission of Vengeance’.