- Critical Thinking
- Pros-Cons-and Fixes
- Structuring
- Section 1 Review Quiz
- Paired Ranking
- Weighted Ranking
- Causal Flow Diagramming
- Section 2 Review Quiz
- Other Structuring Techniques for Explanatory Analysis
- Final Certification Exam
The views expressed in this course are the instructor's alone and do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, the Intelligence Community, or the Department of Defense.
This course builds on the Level 1 Intelligence Analyst Certification course for descriptive analysis. One cannot explain why events occurred, if one does not first know what events occurred. Explanative intelligence interprets current events. It seeks to explain an adversary’s behavior, answer the question “why,” and establish causal relationships. Thus, students in this course should hold a Level 1 certification and be experienced descriptive intelligence analysts. Likewise, as the graduates of the Level 2 course gain experience and expertise they become ready for the Level 3 course and are ready to produce predictive intelligence analysis.
I have a 32 year combat proven track record of tactical, operational, and strategic expertise in intelligence analysis and operations; communications and information technology; and special operations. I'm a graduate of and former instructor at the USAF Weapons School. I earned a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence (MSSI) from the National Intelligence University and am a published author on intelligence analysis.