Harrisonburg, VA –
The Defense Intelligence Agency’s Deputy Director for
Commonwealth Integration, British Air Vice Marshal Sean Corbett, addressed a
cadre of university students, members of the U.S. intelligence community, and
Five Eyes (FVEY) partners Feb. 29 at James Madison University’s 15th biannual
FVEY analytic training workshop, co-hosted with DIA.
The workshop brings U.S. and Commonwealth defense-focused
intelligence agencies together with academia and external training
organizations to share best analytic practices, forge relationships and hear
presentations on key national security topics.
Corbett began by explaining his position at DIA, which marks the first time
a non-U.S. citizen has held a deputy director appointment at a U.S.
intelligence agency. He highlighted his primary role as DIA Director Lt. Gen.
Vincent Stewart’s senior advisor on FVEY defense and intelligence issues.
As the first DDCI, a significant part of the job isn’t just
answering “the what” and “the why,” but figuring out “the how.” While that
involves everything from technology to policy, Corbett focused on education and
training.
“We are looking at developing the next generation of
intelligence professionals, so I’m honored to be here,” Corbett said, adding
that academia may have a role in helping to develop a common view among FVEY
partners on how intelligence professionals train.
The final question of the session came from a student who
asked what skills students should develop to become good intelligence
practitioners.
First and foremost, Corbett said, is know your subject, and
know how to go into the second and third level of analysis. Next, know your
audience; know how to present what you know in a way that succinctly answers
the question.
Finally, “Have the moral courage to say when you don’t know
or when you’re wrong,” Corbett said. “If we lose that, we’re absolutely
nothing. That’s what we do in the IC.”