Elicitation

Definition

“Elicitation” in military operations refers to the strategic technique of obtaining information without directly asking for it. It often involves encouraging conversations or discussions and subtly steering them to collect discrete details. This method is commonly used in intelligence operations as it minimizes alerting the individual that specific information is being sought.

Key Takeaways

1. Elicitation in the context of military operations is a method of gathering information without the knowledge or willing cooperation of the target. It involves asking carefully crafted questions or making specific statements to subtly extract desired information.
2. This technique is frequently used in intelligence operations, where elicitation can help in collecting information about an opponent’s plans, strengths, weaknesses, or intentions. The information gathered can be critically important in strategic decision-making and planning.
3. Effective elicitation requires good communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and adaptability. It also involves a deep understanding of human psychology to subtly guide conversations and convince others to unknowingly disclose sensitive information.

Importance

Elicitation is a vital aspect of military operations as it involves the method of acquiring information without divulging the intent.

This strategic technique is used in intelligence gathering to extract valuable data from the adversary without raising suspicion.

It’s pretentiously conversational, allowing the elicitor to probe and receive potentially significant details.

The importance lies in its ability to garner information needed to strategize and plan military operations.

This information could include enemy strength, location, behaviors, logistics, or plans, which aids decision-making, increases operational efficacy, and potentially offers a tactical advantage.

Explanation

Elicitation, in the context of military operations, is a particular method used by intelligence agencies to draw out information from individuals or groups covertly. The purpose of this tactic is to obtain pertinent information without alerting the targeted person or group about the true intention behind the questions asked.

This is a crucial aspect of gathering intelligence as it focuses on gathering subtle details that could provide a comprehensive understanding of the targeted person’s nature, behavior, or plans. This technique becomes particularly useful in scenarios where direct questioning or interrogation might not be appropriate or effective.

It is often used in undercover operations, field interrogations, and in situations where much-needed information must be acquired subtly. This tactic is not limited to verbal communication but can also involve actions that compel the target to respond in a way that reveals useful information.

Elicitation is used to gather both strategic and tactical intelligence, thereby providing a broader understanding and insight about potential threats and thereby contributing significantly to military decision-making processes.

Examples of Elicitation

Elicitation in military operations generally refers to the process of extracting information, often subtly or indirectly, from another party. Here are three real-world examples:

Intelligence Gathering: A military intelligence officer might use elicitation techniques while interacting with a source in a foreign country. For example, during friendly conversations or interviews, they may subtly lead the conversation towards topics of interest or carefully word their questions to obtain specific information without raising suspicion.

Interrogation Techniques: Interrogators often use elicitation as part of their work, and this often involves indirect questioning to gain desired information. For instance, during interrogations of captured enemy soldiers or suspected terrorists, instead of directly asking about plans or operations, the interrogator might talk about related topics to elicit potential useful information.

Social Engineering Attacks: In cyber warfare, elicitation can be part of a social engineering attack where an attacker attempts to extract confidential or sensitive information from a target. For example, they might pose as a fellow soldier or officer in online communications and try to elicit details about internal protocols, planned operations, or security measures indirectly through their conversation.

FAQs on Military Operations: Elicitation

What is Elicitation in Military Operations?

Elicitation is an intelligence-gathering technique often used in military operations. It involves obtaining information without directly asking for it. The individual being queried is usually unaware that the information is being sought.

How is Elicitation used in Military Operations?

Elicitation is often used in covert operations where direct knowledge-seeking may be harmful to operational goals. The technique involves the use of casual conversation and other indirect methods to subtly extract useful information without raising suspicions.

Why is Elicitation important in Military Operations?

Elicitation plays a crucial role in effective intelligence work in military operations. It can often yield valuable and sensitive information that can impact mission success. It is especially essential in operations involving covert operations, espionage, and reconnaissance.

What are some techniques of Elicitation in Military Operations?

Common techniques of elicitation include flattery, false pretenses, exploiting over-talkativeness, feigning ignorance to encourage information-sharing, etc. Skilled elicitors must have a deep understanding of human psychology and social interactions to effectively use this technique.

What are the challenges and risks involved with Elicitation in Military Operations?

While elicitation can yield useful information, it also carries risks and challenges. Handlers must be careful to not arouse suspicion or expose their true purpose. Besides, inadequate elicitation can result in obtaining false or misleading information. Therefore, elicitation should be carried out by skilled and trained operators.

Related Military Operation Terms

• Requirement Gathering
• Stakeholder Interviews
• Documentation Review
• Observation Methods
• JAD (Joint Application Design/Development) Sessions

Sources for More Information

• CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) – An encyclopedia of CIA analysis techniques includes a section on Elicitation.
• FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) – They provide resources on counterintelligence, where the term Elicitation is commonly mentioned.
• U.S. Army – The U.S. Army provides extensive literature on military tactics, including Elicitation.
• Office of the Director of National Intelligence – Their website provides various resources on intelligence strategies including Elicitation.