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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:

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.

  • "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.

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.

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