This blog was adopted from a speech given by David Cook at the second annual Library of Congress OSINT Panel Discussion
We are living in a dangerous world, one more perilous than any time in a generation. Last year’s annual Armed Conflict Survey revealed an unsettling reality: there are more armed conflicts today than at any point in the last three decades. However, only 6% of these conflicts are what we would consider ‘conventional’. The rest are fought in the shadows, within the gray zone between peace and total war. In this murky battlefield, traditional rules do not apply. We must seek every advantage against our adversaries.
As our deployed military force diminishes, so do our intelligence collection capabilities. This makes it imperative that we utilize the information available to us. Publicly and commercially accessible data is an invaluable resource that can be transformed into actionable intelligence. Fortunately, the volume of publicly available information is increasing every day.
Conflicts around the globe are becoming more visible, and while advanced systems serve as excellent deterrents, they are ineffective without robust supply chains and the political resolve to deploy them. The gray zone is expanding, affecting both civilian populations and military forces. Our adversaries exploit open borders and trade systems, turning our greatest strengths into vulnerabilities.
Special Operations Forces (SOF) have spent the last twenty years focused on counter-terrorism missions. However, this does not mean we were not competing on other fronts. We have retained our unconventional approach. As US Army Special Operations Commander, LTG Jonathan Braga, aptly stated, “SOF can find and fix, but in today’s great power competition, the finish may be the Treasury Department with sanctions, or Commerce Department’s export controls.” Special operators are uniquely suited for the Second Cold War we find ourselves in, where open-source intelligence (OSINT) will play a crucial role. We do not, and will not, fight fair. Leveraging every advantage possible is essential to overmatch of our adversaries.
OSINT, as an intelligence discipline, is gaining prominence and taking share over signals intelligence (SIGINT) and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). The proliferation of commercially available data from private sector Internet Service Providers and commercial satellite imagery necessitates a greater allocation of resources toward OSINT capabilities, training, and personnel. Concurrently, operational elements must leverage this finished intelligence to weaken our adversaries.
Geopolitics is no longer the exclusive domain of policy wonks and diplomats. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and rising global terror attacks have jeopardized multinational companies and supply chains. Every organization, from businesses to military units, must monitor publicly available information to mitigate risks and safeguard their people.
In this ever-evolving and increasingly dangerous world, we must adapt swiftly and intelligently. The era of clear-cut battles and straightforward strategies is over. We are now navigating a complex, irregular environment where information is our most potent weapon. The rise of OSINT underscores the need for vigilance, innovation, and collaboration across military, governmental, and private sectors.
We must leverage every resource to stay ahead of our adversaries. This includes investing in the training and capabilities of our intelligence personnel, enhancing our technological tools, and fostering partnerships that span borders and industries. The stakes are higher than ever, and complacency is not an option.
Our strength lies not only in our advanced systems and technologies but also in our resolve and unity. We must proactively identify and mitigate threats to protect our people, values, and way of life. OSINT is just one tool in our arsenal, but it is a vital one.
As we navigate this Second Cold War, let us be relentless in our pursuit of intelligence and unwavering in our commitment to security. Together, we can turn the tide and secure a safer future for generations to come.
