Talking Point: Re. Consequence of Outing an Intel Officer

At this time the US desperately needs to increase its HUMINT capabilities. This means recruitment of human assets. Recruitment can only occur when the targeted asset is reasonable assured that his identity will remain secret. It is important that the control officer doing the recruitment and management of the asset maintains a high degree of anonymity, so that inference by association does not place the asset in jeopardy.

When Intel Officers are capriciously identified publicly, then the recruitment of human assets needed for HUMINT becomes that much harder. No one will be willing to accept to work with our Intel if they think that they can be compromised at anytime and without of assurance that the control officer will not be identified.

Thus, by the outing of a HUMINT officer for political purposes has diminished the security of the nation by diminishing the capabilities to recruit human assets needed for intelligence.