(VII)  I  XT) 
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VIDEO  INTELLIGENCE 
Video  Intelligence  (VIDINT)  is  Intelligence  information  derived  from 
television  broadcasts  as  well  as  on  the  scene  hand  held  video  collection. 
Although  the  concept  of  VIDINT  is  not  new,  aperiodic  analysis  of  foreign 
broadcasts  in  the  past  contained  little  intelligence  information. 
Traditionally,  Soviet  television  broadcasts  of  credible  and  relevant 
information  were  limited  to  Moscow  parades  celebrating  May  Day  and  the 
Anniversary  of  the  October  Revolution.  But  during  the  last  five  years, 
significant  change  has  occurred,  and  today  there  are  more  broadcasts 
containing  exploitable  material  which  can  be  used  in  conjunction  with  other 
intelligence  sources.  The  Communist  Party  values  television  as  an  effective 
mechanism  through  which  to  spread  its  philosophy.  This  is  demonstrated  by 
regular  coverage  of  Gorbachev  and  other  top  Soviet  leaders.  Under  Gorbachev, 
there  is  a  commitment  to  improve  television  coverage  and  expand  broadcast  time 
and  range  in  order  to  influence  citizens  by  portraying  a  more  realistic 
picture  of  the  country.  To  achieve  realism,  problems  and  concerns,  in 
addition  to  successes,  are  publicly  addressed  thus  making  the  broadcasts 
useful  as  an  analytical  tool.  With  the  emphasis  on  openness,  at  least  by  the 
Soviets,  the  trend  is  expected  to  continue,  thereby  providing  material  for 
in-depth  analysis  which  is  accepted  as  valid  intelligence. 
Video  Intelligence  can  provide  information  that  may  not  be  available 
through  other  intelligence  sources,  as  well  as  confirm  analysis  of  material 
from  those  sources.  Broadcasts  can  provide  information  on  the  development  of 
new  weapons  systems,  the  deployment  and  modifications  of  existing  systems, 
military  operations,  and  daily  life  in  the  armed  forces  of  foreign  countries. 
High  level  personalities  can  be  identified,  and  the  West  can  better  understand 
a  country's  foreign  and  internal  policies  by  viewing  the  broadcasts  and 
analyzing  statements  made  by  the  leadership.  Television  broadcasts  are 
unclassified,  which  allows  for  wide  dissemination  to  the  operations  community. 
Video  footage  provides  current  dialogue  and  a  wide  variety  of  dialects  to  aid 
in  language  training.  As  a  learning  tool  for  troops  in  the  field,  moving 
pictures  provide  more  effective  weapons  systems  recognition  training. 
The  British  have  a  full  scale  VIDINT  program,  and  FBIS  and  the  B3C  fulfill 
MODUK* S  identified  collection  requirements.  FBIS  and  the  British  Military 
Intelligence  School  at  Ashford  provide  translation  services,  and  the  three  man 
VIDINT  team  within  MODUK  reviews  the  footage  for  intelligence  information. 
Then,  MODUK  analysts  are  notified  that  footage  is  available  for  further  review 
and  analysis.  MODUK  produces  a  Video  Accessions  list  of  new  footage  that  can 
be  ordered  for  use  by  other  agencies. 
Although  understanding  and  use  of  VIDINT  throughout  the  U.S.  community  is 
increasing,  material  originating  from  television  and  other  video  sources  has 
not  been  analyzed  systematically .  The  agency  and  service  elements  are  just 
now  beginning  to  interact  wi*:h  increased  awareness.  As  the  appreciation  for 
VIDINT  increases  and  perceptions  within  the  Intelligence  Community  become  more 
positive,  VIDINT  will  become  an  increasingly  accepted  and  anticipated  source 
or  reliaole  information.
(Cover  Sheet) 
Directorate  of  Research 
and  Soviet  Studies 
Military  Research  Division 
VIDEO  INTELLIGENCE 
(VIDINT) 
PREPARED  BY: 
Mrs.  Linda  Brewer 
Capt  Noyes  Weltmer 
October  1988 
This  handout  accompanies  the  Air  Force  Intelligence  Conference 
presentation  by  Air  Force  Intelligence  Agency,  Directorate  of  Research  and 
Soviet  Studies,  Military  Research  Division  (AFIA/INII) .   The  material  is 
provided  to  acquaint  you  with  Video  Intelligence  (VIDINT)  and  increase  your 
awareness  of  this  source  of  information.  Your  questions  and  comments  are  not 
only  welcomed,  but  also  encouraged. 
For  additional  information  contact  Mrs.  Linda  Brewer  or  Capt  Noyes 
Weltmer,  comm  (301)  859-6021  or  AV  235-0111  FANX  EXT  6021.