Community Recommended Pathways/Research

Community Recommended Pathways/Research

Welcome to the Research Team!

Congratulations on completing OSR Course / CASO / EAG / Other Open Source Research Course! This guide is a broad step-by-step plan to help you improve your skills and access the appropriate community resources.

Learning and Development Pathways

• Diagram: Working graphical learning and community pathway.

• OSR Course Grad Counseling: A resource for leaders who need mentoring and skill development guidance.

Immediate Actions (First 3 Months)

1. Connect with Key Resources

a. Reach Out to Your PAI Program Manager

• Purpose: Ensure you have the proper authorization and guidance for open-source research activities.

• Action Steps:

  • Contact Your Unit’s PAI Program Manager and Master Trainer: Obtain their contact information through your chain of command.
  • Discuss: Understand policies, procedures, and tools available for open-source research.

b. Seek Mentorship from Other OSR Course Graduates

• Purpose: Learn from the experiences of others who have completed the course.

• Action Steps:

  • Identify Mentors: Connect with previous OSR Course grads in your unit.
  • Set Up Meetings: Schedule regular discussions to share knowledge and insights.

c. Join the Research Chat Signal Group

• Purpose: Engage with a community focused on open-source research.

• Action Steps:

  • Join the Group: Access the Research Chat Signal Group.
  • Participate: Ask questions, share resources, and collaborate on projects.

2. Begin Applying Your Skills

a. Conduct Digital Footprint Identification and Reduction

• Purpose: Enhance operational security by understanding and minimizing your unit’s digital footprint.

• Action Steps:

  • Assess Online Presence: Use authorized methods to identify public information about your unit.
  • Implement Reduction Strategies: Work with your PAI Manager to remove or secure sensitive information.

b. Start Practical Projects Within Authorization

• Purpose: Apply what you’ve learned in a real-world context while adhering to regulations.

• Action Steps:

  • Select Approved Projects: Choose tasks your chain of command has authorized.
  • Document Findings: Keep detailed records of your research and methods.

c. Establish a Research Log or Input Form

• Purpose: Organize and streamline data collection for ongoing research efforts.

• Action Steps:

  • Create a Generic Research Log: Record your research activities using a notebook, spreadsheet, or digital tool.
  • Develop a Microsoft Office 365 Form: Standardize data entry for easier processing and analysis.
  • Process Data: Export responses and analyze trends to support your unit’s mission.

3. Expand Your Knowledge Base

a. Access DoD Funded Learning Resources

• Purpose: Utilize available educational materials to further your skills.

• Resources:

  • Wiki Learning Page: DoD Learning Resources
  • Udemy Courses: Available through DoD partnerships.
  • O’Reilly Media: Accessible via DoD subscriptions.

b. Recommended Reading List

• “OSINT Techniques: Resources for Uncovering Online Information” by Michael Bazzell (11th Edition)

  • Why Read It? Practical techniques for online investigation and digital footprint reduction.

• “We Are Bellingcat” by Eliot Higgins

  • Why Read It? Insights into innovative open-source research methods.

• “LikeWar: The Weaponization of Social Media” by P.W. Singer and Emerson T. Brooking

  • Why Read It? Understanding the impact of social media on modern conflicts.

• “Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator” by Ryan Holiday

  • Why Read It? Learn about media manipulation tactics.

• “OSINT: The Authoritative Guide to Due Diligence” by Cynthia Hetherington

  • Why Read It? Comprehensive professional open source intelligence gathering guide.

Short-Term Goals (3-6 Months)

1. Enhance Your Analytical Skills

a. Begin a Digital Baseline of Your Area of Responsibility (AOR)

• Purpose: Understand information trends at local, regional, national, and international levels.

• Action Steps:

  • Collect Data: Gather information on key events, influencers, and communication channels.
  • Analyze Trends: Look for patterns or changes over time.
  • Update Regularly: Make this a continuous process.

b. Identify Key Communication Systems and Platforms

• Purpose: Know where and how your target audiences communicate.

• Action Steps:

  • List Popular Platforms: Social media, messaging apps, forums.
  • Monitor Trends: Observe discussions and trending topics relevant to your mission.

2. Continue Professional Development

a. Enroll in Authorized Online Courses

• Options:
  • OSINT Dojo Resources: OSINT Dojo
  • Udemy OSINT Courses: Access through DoD funding.
  • OSMOSIS Academy Courses: Professional pathways in OSINT.

b. Attend Workshops or Webinars

• Purpose: Stay updated and network with professionals.

• Action Steps:

  • Register and Participate: Engage actively and apply new techniques.
  • Events to Consider:
    • Osmosis Conference
    • BSides Conferences
    • Local Open Source Research Meetups

3. Read Additional Recommended Books

• “Mindf*ck: Cambridge Analytica and the Plot to Break America” by Christopher Wylie

  • Why Read It? Understand data manipulation and its impact on society.

• “Disinformation” by Ronald J. Rychlak and Ion Mihai Pacepa

  • Why Read It? Insights into historical and modern disinformation tactics.

• “Link Building Strategies for SEO”

  • Why Read It? Learn about online influence and how information spreads.

Mid-Term Goals (6-12 Months)

1. Apply Advanced Techniques

a. Learn Advanced Search and Analysis Methods

• Purpose: Improve your ability to find and interpret complex information.

• Action Steps:

  • Practice Advanced Search Operators
  • Utilize Specialized Databases and Archives
  • Develop Custom Search Tools: If authorized and appropriate.
  • Use AI Prompting for Advanced Queries: Enhance your search capabilities.

b. Geospatial Analysis

• Purpose: Incorporate geographic data into your assessments.

• Action Steps:

  • Use Tools like Google Earth Pro and QGIS
  • Map Key Locations and Trends in Your AOR
  • Conduct Terrain Analysis: Support mission planning and area studies.

2. Contribute to Your Unit’s Mission

a. Develop Operational Research Products

• Purpose: Support mission analysis, area studies, and assessments.

• Action Steps:

  • Create Reports and Briefings: Provide actionable insights to your team.
  • Validate Assessment Criteria: Ensure your findings align with mission objectives.
  • Engage in Trend Analysis: Identify emerging patterns affecting operations.

3. Mentor Others

• Purpose: Share knowledge and strengthen your team’s capabilities.

• Action Steps:

  • Assist New OSR Course Grads
  • Lead Training Sessions
  • Develop Guides and Resources: Create materials to help others learn.

4. Coach and Learn

• Purpose: Foster a collaborative learning environment.

• Action Steps:

  • Reach Out to New Graduates: Offer support and share experiences.
  • Participate in Peer Learning Groups: Exchange knowledge with colleagues.

Long-Term Goals (12+ Months)

1. Specialize in Key Areas

a. Social Network Analysis

• Purpose: Understand relationships and influence networks.

• Action Steps:

  • Use Software Tools: Gephi, NodeXL.
  • Analyze Networks Relevant to Your Mission
  • Identify Key Influencers: Support engagement strategies.

b. Data Analysis and Visualization

• Purpose: Present data in a clear and impactful way.

• Action Steps:

  • Learn Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI.
  • Create Visual Reports: Enhance briefings with graphics and charts.

2. Continue Professional Growth

a. Attend Advanced Training and Conferences

• Events:

  • Osmosis Conference
  • BSides
  • DEF CON

• Action Steps:

  • Plan Ahead: Seek approval and funding if necessary.
  • Network: Connect with other professionals and experts.

b. Pursue Further Education

• Options:

  • Relevant Certifications: Certified OSINT Professional (COSINT), if available.
  • Higher Education Opportunities: Degrees in information studies or related fields.

• Action Steps:

  • Research Programs: Find ones that align with your career goals.
  • Apply and Enroll: Continue balancing work and education.

3. Innovate and Contribute

a. Research and Development

• Purpose: Improve existing methodologies and tools.

• Action Steps:

  • Identify Gaps: Find areas needing improvement in operational research.
  • Develop Solutions: Create new techniques or tools within authorized guidelines.
  • Share Knowledge: Present findings to your unit or at professional gatherings.

b. Establish a Mentorship Program

• Purpose: Strengthen the unit’s capabilities through knowledge sharing.

• Action Steps:

  • Pair Experienced Members with New Graduates
  • Create Resources: Guides, FAQs, and workshops.
  • Promote Continuous Learning: Encourage others to pursue development opportunities.

Additional Resources and Tools

Research Resources

• Research Inspired by the Intel Cycle: Utilize the four main steps of research inspired by the Intel Cycle.
  • Plan and Prepare: See the Research Preparation Guide.
  • Gather: Access Research Datasets and Research Tools.
  • Process and Analyze: Use tools like RStudio and Gephi for data analysis.
  • Report: Learn about effective reporting and dissemination of findings.

Useful Links

• OSINT Dojo Resources: OSINT Dojo

• Research Guides:

  • OSINT in 5 Hours: YouTube Video

• Tools:

  • Elicit: elicit.org - Automate research workflows.
  • PAI-Dashboard: PAI-Dashboard - Current events and analysis.
  • WorldCat: worldcat.org - Global library catalog.
  • Google Dataset Search: datasetsearch.research.google.com
  • Mendeley: mendeley.com - Reference management.

Additional Tips for Success

• Ethical Conduct:

  • Always Operate Legally: Follow all laws and unit policies.
  • Do Not Start Research from Intel Requirements: Focus on operational needs, not intelligence tasks.
  • Understand and Manage Attribution Levels Before You Begin: Ensure appropriate measures are in place.
  • Respect Privacy: Handle sensitive information responsibly.

• Stay Curious and Adaptable:

  • Embrace New Challenges: Continuously seek to improve your skills.
  • Reflect Regularly: Assess your progress and set new goals.

• Balance and Well-being:

  • Manage Time: Maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Stay Connected: Collaborate with your team and share insights.