The Defence Intelligence Assessments Staff (DIAS) carries out all-source intelligence analysis. DIAS comprises a mixture of graduate civilians and military officers. The majority of civilians recruited as intelligence analysts have degrees in economics, geography or international politics. However, they are chosen more for their analytical skills than their specialist knowledge, and they will be expected in the course of their career to master a variety of intelligence subjects as well as undertaking tours of duty in a policy or support role.
Currently, most all-source analysis is undertaken in London. However there are some opportunities for overseas postings, either with allied intelligence organisations or military deployments in theatre.
Although most civilian staff work regular office hours, they may be expected to work extended hours or shifts in times of crisis. Some staff are seconded to other Government departments and agencies, most notably the Cabinet Office Assessments Staff.
The Ministry of Defence uses intelligence to inform both policy-making and operational decisions. The department has access to a wide range of information including:
- Open sources, such as news agencies, the internet and foreign media
- Official sources, such as diplomatic reporting or arms control data
- Classified sources, provided by the UK intelligence agencies and allies
It takes time and expertise to read and assess this information, which in many cases may be incomplete, contradictory or hard to interpret.
It is the role of the all-source intelligence analyst to sift information, respond to requests, and present intelligence to decision-makers in an easily digestible form.
About a third of civilian intelligence analysts are employed in regional branches, where they will monitor security developments, assess the capabilities of foreign armed forces and identify potential threats to UK defence interests at home and abroad.
Another group of analysts study the national infrastructure of selected countries. This could involve detailed analysis of a state's utilities or command and control network. Regional and infrastructure work is primarily focused on potential adversaries and areas where British forces are or could be deployed on operations.
Further types of specialist work include studying the psychology of foreign leaders, arms control, defence industries, the arms trade, technology proliferation, terrorism, narcotics and organised crime.
Civilian specialists (from a scientific or engineering background) are also engaged in detailed analysis of weapons programmes and technologies, including ground, air and naval systems; nuclear biological and chemical weapons; guided missile and space programmes; and related enabling technologies.
Key skills include the ability to identify what is important from large amounts of information, to assess the value of conflicting or incomplete sources of information, to write quickly and clearly, and to produce timely assessments that meet the needs of the wider defence community.