We recently had two outstanding Allied Security Operations Group presentations (Athens & Temple) about Human Intelligence Operations or HUMINT.
Intel operatives are male. They are female. Spies or “information miners” come in all shapes. They come in all sizes. They are all races and ages. They can be sweet talking, bold, shy or the quiet type. They are from the Left and the Right.
Political, cultural, and social interactions are used by adversaries who employ “social engineering” techniques to manipulate and regulate human behavior. They infiltrate civic groups and political organizations using deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that can be used in several harmful ways. Sabotage your get-out-the-vote plan? Delay your political mailers and sign deliveries? Scramble your block walking? Distract your organization with a personal attack?
Don’t be a source for lobbyists, political consultants, and other types of saboteurs! Watch what you say, where you say it, and to whom you say it. Why do you think I always refuse to attend any meeting in an Austin restaurant? [Hint: They hire waiters and waitresses, don’t ya know?]
If you are a group leader with sensitive information – for heaven’s sake – don’t upchuck everything you think you know on social media! For example, when you post, “I met with a group to discuss XYZ.” Really? Well, congratulations, you just let every political operative out there know that you are a walking billboard!
Finally, for those who drink adult beverages – don’t be an idiot. Drinking alcohol at political events is just plain stupid. Loose lips sink ships.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
Urging you to be wise,
PS Always Joshua 1:9