Product Review

Since September 11, 2001, colleges and universities nationwide have expanded their curricula to include intelligence and national security studies, many offering degrees in the subjects. Curiously, no book exists for classroom use in teaching the important skills needed by these professionals to ensure their products/papers/reports are properly written or briefed. Communicating with Intelligence fills that gap and is aimed primarily at faculty and students pursuing studies in intelligence, national security, homeland security, or homeland defense; but it also has considerable value for working intelligence professionals who simply wish to hone their "rusty" writing or briefing skills.

Designed to provide essential information regarding the preparation of written products or intelligence briefings, the book is divided into two parts. Part One, "Writing with Intelligence," contains material on reading intelligence publications and on the basics of writing in the intelligence profession. Part Two, "Briefing with Intelligence," deals with the fundamental principles of an intelligence briefing and includes information on gaining―or regaining―self-confidence behind the podium. Every chapter ends with exercises, many of which can be completed in the classroom to facilitate group activity or by an individual pursuing the study independently. Five appendixes provide additional information for quick reference and an annotated bibliography points toward further sources that can be used.