Abstract
This article examines intelligence analyst education and training standardization efforts at higher education institutions and in the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). By identifying core competencies outlined in IC guidance documents, the study evaluated the alignment and compatibility between the competencies taught in academic programs and the needs of intelligence agencies. Standardization across academic programs has occurred; however, these programs prioritize specialized skills over foundational core competencies. Significant gaps remain in how the IC agencies define, prioritize, and categorize core competencies, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving a unified intelligence education and training framework.
Authors
Lana Obradovic
Lana Obradovic, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the International Studies Program at the University of Nebraska. She serves as the director of the Intelligence Community Centre of Academic Excellence and an Academic Director of the USSTRACOM Strategic Leadership. Lana is also a founding member of the USSTRATCOM Deterrence and Assurance Academic Alliance, a member of the DOD's National Security Innovation Network Experts Program, a researcher at the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Centre, and a research fellow at the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska. Lana holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the City University of New York.
Michelle Black
Michelle Black, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science of the University of Nebraska, co-director for the Nebraska Deterrence Lab, senior researcher for the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Centre, a research fellow for the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, and co-editor-in-chief for the Space and Defense Journal. In addition to her academic career, Dr. Black has over 17 years of professional experience with the Department of Defense She teaches and publishes on intelligence and national security, international security, deterrence, counterterrorism, and political violence. Michelle holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Nebraska.
