OSINT for Military
On this page I cannot explain explicitly, I will summarize some important points there is not only OSINT but also other intelligence branches such as HUMINT, MASINT, recon and other tips.
Please stop the war pray for everyone and entire world
Knowing a history of conflict
As we know, news about war is hot again, many people are discussing this from social media and news portals, before you jump into OSINT for the military realm, I suggest you try reading a summary of the conflict you want to analyze, for example "Why was there an attack in country A", "Why was there an act of terror in country A" and others. You can read information through journals or publications if this is paid you can bypass with sci hub or other tools that I have listed on Github or you contact the author to request the journal, then you can also read the background of the problem by reading on wikipedia or reading in the historical archives to find basic or additional information, with this you are already equipped with some sufficient information for further analysis, if there is something missing you can also search for additional information with the appropriate keywords, make sure the content or information you receive contains 5W + 1H
Knowing military loadout or accesories
Know the loadout or military accessories such as patches attached to vests or BDU (Batle Dres Uniform) patches are usually on the arms or chest of the vest or uniform of each country's military, helmets, units used such as HK or M4. This will be useful for your information search instructions for example where is the soldier from? Then try to find the geolocation, usually the action or war footage contains soldiers wearing their uniforms or full tactical gear, weapons units, tanks and aircraft, the patches they wear. If you want to learn a lot about this science, try coming to the shooting range (with an instructor) to learn armament, join a shooting or airsoft community, for further knowledge, there are other ways such as research and reading articles on the Internet, but if you are curious you can try it directly to see and try it. Or you can dive into my repo for the Military OSINT category which contains information about UXO, EO, OSMP as well as armament and defense equipment for every country and company and brand of armament
Knowing military weapon or armaments
This point is the same as before, but I will explain for armament (for weapon detection), such as defense equipment for each country, product companies owned by each country, information about defense equipment, specifications, images. As we know, each country can buy war equipment such as a rafale jet purchased by country A or an AUG unit purchased by country A and used by what agency and what operation is used, knowing war vehicles or explosive devices such as EO to measure the impact of the explosion, for example, the vehicle used is how many calibers and how many meters its effective range is, in the military concept or you who want to try to learn it and the sound of the assault rifle, the cocking of the unit, the bullets used such as NATO bullets or non-NATO bullets, with information about armament you can identify what unit they use, for example an AUG or HK assault rifle and what is the effective range (accuracy) of the caliber on ammo and then the signs of the unit's explosion. If you are curious, try searching in open sources XD
MASINT
Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) As I have explained in the previous session and in my repo there is MASINT, I will explain again about MASINT, MASINT is a technique that collects information through sensors, signs and takes measurements in order to validate, identify, track, and understand certain objects or activities. MASINT in the military concept is also used for example to measure the effects of weapons such as projectiles, EO and signal intelligence where when making a location point requires triangulation and location calculations such as azimuth and others. MASINT is very important in the concept of intelligence in order to verify and track sources, there are also other examples such as in sniping there is wind direction, distance, obstacle and the right time position, there are also for rescue missions. The main purpose of MASINT is to provide deeper and more comprehensive intelligence information than can be obtained through other forms of intelligence such as SIGINT (Signals Intelligence), IMINT (Imagery Intelligence), or HUMINT (Human Intelligence)
ELINT
Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) ELINT focuses on collecting electronic and non-electronic information, example as signals, radiation emissions or radar. Let's take an example of a pager or other frequency signal system such as AIS which will be explained in the next point. The function of ELINT is to study the electronics used by the enemy such as signal analysis, frequency and others. In the military ELINT is important for example electronic warfare systems, radar analysis, and development of countermeasures ELINT involves collecting electronic signals, then analyzing them to obtain information about the enemy's electronic systems. The Objectives is purpose of ELINT is to gather intelligence about the enemy's capabilities and activities, which can be used for the development of countermeasures, planning military operations, and threat assessments. For this you need a deep research and do a grey literature some case is hard to find
Signaling Int (SIGINT)
As I have explained before about this signal, such as AIS, ADSB, UHF, VHF and others, I will briefly explain again about SIGINT, or Signals Intelligence, is the activity of gathering intelligence information through interception and analysis of signals. This signal can be communication (such as phone calls or emails) or electronic emissions (such as radar). In the concept of state and military security, this concept is important because we have to secure signal traffic so that it is not easily intercepted, for example by reducing the frequency, performing end-to-end encryption, authentication on each signal which in essence secures communication. SIGINT can also be done to deceive the enemy, find enemy areas (DF) DF its called direction finding with the transmitted frequency, SIGINT is often used in the concept of military and state security. If you want to find an example, you can see it in this wiki and githook "All About Signal Intelligence"
Wiretapping
In the context of war or investigating an existing case, there is no escape from wiretapping, for example wiretapping through signals, telephone, SMS, voice and other things. Wiretapping has the aim of obtaining more detailed and real-time information, in the context of state and military security, you will often find news about wiretapping, for example wiretapping of frequency signals in country A and electronics wiretapping in country A. This is useful for conducting espionage on the enemy to find their OPSEC gaps in carrying out attacks or defenses. Therefore, wiretapping can come from anywhere, for example from signals or electronic devices, they secretly collect information for certain purposes
Playing airsoft or war simulation
Why play airsoft? In my opinion if you want to get a feel of war or military simulation and hone your imagination when analyzing existing cases and understanding about armament. Airsoft units are designed similar to real units but there are differences in terms of ammunition, namely BB and thrust power (fps) and there are accessories that can be installed such as anpeq, laser, flashlight, scope, thermal scope and things that smell military, I think this is a good option for analysts or civilians who want to hone your imagination in the military. By playing airsoft you can understand combat even though it is a simulation, there are several types of airsoft units, namely
Airsoftt type
AEG
Automatic Electric Gun. (AEG) An airsoft gun powered by a battery and electric motor. It’s the most common type used in games.
How It Works
Uses a battery (Li-Po or NiMH).
The motor drives gears inside a gearbox.
The gears pull back a spring-loaded piston.
When released, the piston pushes air to fire the BB.
Ammunition
6mm plastic BBs
Common weights: 0.20g – 0.28g
GBB and GBBR
Gas Blowback and Gas Blowback Rifle. Airsoft guns that use gas to shoot BBs and create a realistic blowback effect, similar to real firearms. There is an recoil effect and blowback
How It Works
Gas (green gas or CO2) is stored in the magazine.
When the trigger is pulled, gas is released to fire the BB and move the slide or bolt.
The slide/bolt cycles back and forth, simulating recoil.
Ammunition
6mm plastic BBs
Common weights: 0.20g – 0.30g
Gas: Green gas, CO2
Springs
No specific abbreviation. Called “Spring Gun” or “Springer”. A simple airsoft gun that must be manually cocked before each shot. Often used for sniper rifles or entry-level guns. There are also those that use bolt action, this is like a sniper, in airsoft it is called spring and bolt action.
How It Works
The user manually pulls back the spring (cocking).
The spring loads a piston.
Pulling the trigger releases the piston, pushing air to fire the BB.
Ammunition
6mm plastic BBs
Common weights: 0.20g – 0.40g (for snipers)
HPA
High Pressure Air. A high-performance airsoft system that uses compressed air from an external tank and an electronic control unit. Popular for competitive play.
How It Works
Compressed air is stored in a tank (3000–4500 psi).
Air flows through a hose to the airsoft gun.
An electronic unit (FCU) controls air release for each shot.
Offers consistent FPS and fast trigger response.
Ammunition
6mm plastic BBs
Common weights: 0.20g – 0.32g
Gas: High-pressure air (HPA tank)
Inside airsoft there are also parts inside such as mosfet, gear, bearing, lubricant, connector and there is also a sensor for trigger setting. If you want to know and play my advice is to join the community in your country and obey the rules that exist, understand the ethics and how to play properly. If it is prohibited in your country, you can use WGB (Water Gel Blaster) oe WGG (Water Gel Gun) which is similar to airsoft but sometimes it is different from the feel when playing such as carrying units, war simulations, and fps and the pain that exists. However, WGB is still relatively safe, usually airsoft is used for war simulations for both civilians and military personnel. There are also special ones for personnel such as UTM (Ultimate Training Munitions) but this unit is not available for civilians, only for military personnel or law enforcement, my advice is to try playing airsoft to feel the feel of fighting (Skirmish) Airsoft is weapon replica. Knowing how to work with the mechanism is like a real gun. Airsoft also has regulations such as BB used, fps, rps (rare) and rules of play in war rooms and safety zones. Therefore my advice is to join a community in your country
OPSEC
OPSEC (Operational Security) I have explained in the previous session. OPSEC is an important role in intelligence and do not let OPSEC leak or be known by the enemy, for example planning an attack on country A with electronic devices or wiretapping through satellite or air imagery, if OPSEC is known by the enemy then the attack will most likely fail therefore every OPSEC is always tightly guarded and only held by trusted people and have other plans for example plan A if it fails will be replaced with plan B, they have provided all the risks, information gathering, identity leaks (fingerprint), costs and time, for that maintain your OPSEC and always update your OPSEC, and do not forget to understand the enemy's attack pattern in OPSEC for example. Low freq signal like pager
PSYOPS
Psyops, or psychological operations, are planned efforts to convey a specific message to a group with the aim of influencing their emotions, motivations, thoughts, and behaviors to conform to a desired goal. In a military context, psyops are used to support military or defense operations by winning the hearts and minds of the target population. Psyops has 2 purposes according to what I know, for example for civilians so that they are not afraid or worried about the current situation by spreading certain messages or narratives, there are also for enemy attacks to become BIAS for example the use of leaflets containing propaganda messages, spreading stories that degrade enemy morale, or using social media to spread profitable information. The methods used are propaganda, disinformation, or even more subtle tactics to influence public opinion. The purpose of PSYOPS is to influence the emotions, perceptions, and actions of the audience to be in line with the interests of the party launching the operation.
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance, in this concept applies from 2 sides for example from the IT technology side and the military physically. There are various methods for example monitoring internet networks, signal traffic, radio and other things or security systems in technology, the second is through physical such as HUMINT and PSYOPS earlier or can do monitoring via satellite or air, water, land and other things. In the context of the military and national defense, conducting reccon is important because it is important to know enemy information in depth for example from topography, terrain, air or wind, settlements and approaches to the citizens
Satellite intelligence
Monitoring data from satellite imagery also utilizes sensor data such as temperature or heat sensors, light sensors, electromagnetic sensors, air quality sensors and other sensors that can be used for data searches such as NASA FIRMS which can be used to detect temperature changes and other platforms. You can see it in my repo Jieyab89 there are many that can be used for sensors and satellite data, but for real-time satellite data, most of the tools are paid because flying satellites, satellite research is not an easy cost, it is very complex, so it is natural that they ask for money to try their tools, with this data we can find out which areas have been destroyed, temperature changes and natural disasters. See the example below
It can be seen from the smoke that appears in the Gaza area, and we can see other satellite data such as Google or Maxar. See the image below
Grey literature
Grey literature is a type of information produced outside traditional publishing and distribution channels, such as scientific journals or books. Examples include research reports, conference papers, theses, dissertations, government documents, and other similar materials. Grey literature is often not indexed in general bibliographic databases and may be difficult to find or access through normal publication channels
HUMINT
In the context of military or war, it is inseparable from HUMINT, because HUMINT plays an important role in collecting in-depth and real-time information and data accuracy, for example getting information from insiders or ensuring the truth of the location or identity of the target and then executing it into the target. HUMINT is very risky because we have to be in the target environment, do undercover, plunge into special operations and the risk of being caught is very high, therefore HUMINT is the art of approaching and seeking information in the target environment and requires skilled people, I will explain this in the next session
Surveillance
Conducting surveillance such as monitoring changes in satellites, sensors, signals, and enemy movements, for example, in the context of military surveillance, collection, and analysis of information regarding the strength, movements, activities, and intentions of enemies or potential targets, both in times of peace and conflict. This monitoring can be conducted from the air, such as via UAVs, from the ground using ground sensors, reconnaissance vehicles, and maritime (AUV) systems, as well as within the cyber domain. In today's increasingly advanced technological landscape, there are numerous surveillance methods utilizing satellites and AI
Mental and psychology
It should be noted that conducting war or political investigations is very draining on your mental and energy, why? Because you will find disturbing content such as crying, screaming, gunshots and explosions and contexts that are not suitable for viewing, and there are also those in collecting information you will find buzzer accounts (spam comments or fake posts) and propaganda circulating and misleading narratives, especially on social media, then collecting this information is also difficult because you have to look for further or similar content for in-depth analysis, there are also obstacles to collecting information because the content has been taken down by the person, reported en masse or deleted by the platform for violating policies. Therefore, a healthy and fresh mentality is a good choice for analysis so as not to BIAS or misunderstand the context
Challenge
The Challenge
Propaganda and hoax content and miss information
Knowing the background of the conflict problem
Understand the geography, social characteristics and conflict-affected areas
Widening conflict information
Understand astronomy and measurement science (MASINT)
Takes a long time
Mental
Tips and Trick
Understand your mental and physical health
Determine your convenient time, I personally like at night like noctrunal animals like bats, owls
Understand the area, climate, building structure, social, problems in the conflict area first
Archive and record your discovered sources
Use the 3d buliding app (it's already available in this repo)
Take measurements and verify the time when it was taken
Use satellite remote sensing like Nasa firms, EO browser, etc
Take reliable sources such as credebitlas sites, posts, and other things that have evidence, theoretical foundations and scientific results
Critical thinking. Especially about big, inflammatory claims. When big news breaks, we see a lot of recycled footage posted on social media. Recycled footage is footage from another conflict or time period that is publicized as if it were from a current event. Often details in the footage such as signage or other details in the surroundings can provide clues as to the actual time or place the video was taken
Beware of manipulation and AI generation, When all the footage or photos related to an event go viral, you often see accounts popping up that spread manipulated or completely fake images. Free and easily accessible AI-powered image creation tools have now made this type of content faster to create and more common
Beware of state actors, who Sometimes Share Fabricated or Unreliable Footage In times of conflict, it is not unusual for state actors to imply bad faith on the part of their adversaries. In some cases, doctored videos appear online
Protect your mental health watching footage from war zones can cause trauma. Be careful when watching unknown footage. There is almost always a lot of highly disturbing content circulating during times of conflict
Racing to be first at all costs it's easy to get caught up in the maelstrom of breaking news, especially around terror attacks and military conflicts. The incentives of social media platforms, where most public open-source research is conducted, encourage this behavior. There is a great temptation to be the first to make a 'breakthrough' in a developing story, or to quickly create an analysis of an event. However, validating content should always take precedence over speed
Understand Terms in War
This includes laws of war like "Geneva Conventions", war vocabulary, weapons information such as SALW, EO, UXO or anything else that you will often find in information searches. There is a lot of information data that you can search for such as OSMP, information about SALW (already in this repo) or search for information for the military, as well as analysis methods in the concept of war and geolocation tips and the use of satellites, as long as I try to analyze wars such as Gaza and Israel there are many challenges such as SALW, geolocation, propaganda news, (MASINT) and requires satellite data for data accuracy and also uses SOCMINT for further information collection and existing datasets such as from the UN (United Nations) or other datasets that I have provided in this repo, analyzing wars takes a long time and seeing disturbing content such as screams, gunshots and others
GEOSPATIAL INT (GIS)
SOON
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