West STL News

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Subcommittee on Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Chair Ann Wagner led a bipartisan group of OSINT Subcommittee members to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The purpose was to learn about how the agency uses open-source intelligence to support military operations and maintain national security. During the visit, members observed a demonstration of DIA's OSINT capabilities.

Chair Wagner remarked, "It was impressive to hear how DIA is leveraging Open-Source Information to achieve its mission and most importantly, make sure the warfighter on the ground has the most up-to-date, accurate information needed to advance U.S. national security priorities and protect those fighting for our freedoms." She emphasized the importance of OSINT as a primary intelligence discipline for national security. Wagner mentioned that their subcommittee continues to explore ways for the Intelligence Community (IC) to use Commercially Available Information effectively in creating open-source intelligence products.

Ranking Member Houlahan noted, "The visit to DIA allowed Subcommittee Members to improve our firsthand understanding about how a key intelligence community element is reinvigorating and prioritizing OSINT for both the defense and national enterprise." He expressed gratitude towards Director Kruse for sharing his vision on maximizing OSINT's value and acknowledged the promising capabilities demonstrated by Kruse's team.