THE TERM 'HUMINT' - DEAD AND BURIED

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80M01133A000500070006-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 29, 2005
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: September 10, 1975
• Content Type: NOTES

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Approved For Release 2006/01/17: CIA-RDP80M01133A000500070006-1
10 September 1975.
INFORMAL NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS, IC STAFF
SUBJECT: The Term "HUMINT" - Dead and Buried
1. There is widespread dissatisfaction with the
term "HUMINT." Principals and subordinates alike share
dislike of this term that is unattractive to the ear,
incomplete in meaning, and offensive to the noel-intelligence
information-gathering agencies of the government.
2. Suggestions for a different characterization of
this portion of U.S. Government activity are solicited.
Specifically an alternative which could replace the term
HUMINT in such titles as National HUMINT Plan or HUMINT
Branch of the I'C Staff-are Earnestly requested. We are
searching for a term which pertains to that intelligence/
information collected by human sources whether these sources
belong to intelligence agencies or other government agencies
active in international affairs and information gathering.
3. Most people seem to prefer the term "Human Source
Intelligence" to "HUMINT." To aid and stimulate your sug-
gestians, some words that might be involved are:
' ~ "
~
Human Source Tnfgrmatox~ anc~ Intelligence"
.
"Human-Reported Information (I3RI)"~
"People-Derived Information and Intelligence."
4. Perhaps the best solution is to drop use of the
acronym IiUMINT and use the whole term "Human Sources
Information." Your suggestions would be appreciated.
25X1
-Chi f HUM Branch
Approved For Releas
 25X1 gpproved For Release 2006/01/17 :CIA-RDP80M01133A000500070006-1
Approved For Release 2006/01/17 :CIA-RDP80M01133A000500070006-1