Critical Thinking is a one-day course that focuses on a key aspect of analytic tradecraft – the ability to systematically think through conflicting and competing data effectively. This course is designed to reflect the standards of analytic integrity and tradecraft as prescribed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in Intelligence Community Directive 203. Instructors use case-based discussion to introduce students to the intellectual traits useful in critical thinking. Topics examined include barriers to critical thinking, structured analytic techniques, and the application of ethics to analysis.

Fundamentals of Analytic Methodologies offers new or less experienced analysts who have had little hands-on experience in analysis, writing, and briefing to improve their current analytical writing skills. The course advances the means for students to develop their ability to be more effective thinkers, writers, and communicators. Since much of the insight that contributes to finished products must be gathered before the successful analyst begins to analyze and write, the course analyzes the role of intelligence in the policy process and the need for critical reading and thinking, and emphasizes the proper organization of analytic products prior to presentation, including topics of format, length, word selection. Fundamentals of Analytic Methodologies is offered as a two-day course with an in-class exercise or a three-day course with a more extensive capstone exercise. These events focus on areas of interest for the client.

IC 101 is a four-day course that focuses on the structure, mission, and main issues facing the U.S. intelligence community and intelligence professionals, regardless of agency or function. The topics covered in the course include the history of the IC, examination of the intelligence cycle, budgeting for intelligence, policy maker goals, issues in collection and analysis, the role of Congress, and legal and ethical frameworks. Exercises enable students to apply their knowledge on a real-time basis. Case studies are conducted to enhance the learning experience and improve the students’ knowledge about the IC.

Introduction to U.S. Intelligence, offered as a two-day course, presents an understanding of the IC’s roles, needs, and culture. The many topics covered in the course include legal parameters for the Community, the use of covert action as a tool, and the symbiotic relationship between the Community and Congress. Included is a considered discussion on the issues the Community is facing today as it deals with a new structure and new threats. In the course, special emphasis is placed on the progress of the changes that have been implemented since 2001, the ongoing changes since, and the issues these changes raise.

The Intelligence Community: Advanced Seminar is a two-day event that provides an in-depth examination of many of the issues the IC faces with an emphasis on viewing these as Community-wide issues. The course includes exercises to provide the opportunity to begin putting the course information to use in a practical, management-driven application. In addition to the content and interactive exercises, the seminar also includes a remarkable list of guest speakers who have held senior positions across a range of intelligence activities. The course’s combination of instructional modules, guest speakers who provide insight to the community and address topics of particular interest, and practical class exercises creates an extensive learning event. There is an option for a security level TS/SCI course.

Intelligence Resource Management examines the financial management of intelligence resources in the federal government. It provides students an in-depth understanding of the intelligence budget components and participants, creation of the budget in the Executive Branch, consideration of the budget in Congress, and the actual expenditure of funds. Some of the detailed topics in the course include the National Intelligence Program, the Military Intelligence Program, and the resource management systems used to formulate their budgets. IRM can be offered as a one, two, or three-day course using interactive in-class activities to reinforce the content.

The three-day OSINT course is designed to introduce learners to the discipline’s fundamental concepts—including its strengths and weaknesses, the legal and ethical issues associated with it, and the resources necessary for a successful OSINT program. In addition, the course familiarizes students with basic OSINT tradecraft as well as advanced tradecraft unique to their mission area.

Our Spectral Imaging for Intelligence Analysis three-day course was developed in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science. It combines essential knowledge about the intelligence analysis process with key insights regarding digital imaging and remote sensing. This course improves the ability of Geospatial and All-Source Intelligence Analysts to effectively incorporate spectral imaging into their finished analysis and provides a greater understanding of the science behind spectral imaging, its value across intelligence mission sets, and how to apply analytic tradecraft techniques to the use of spectral imaging. The Spectral Imaging course increases the proficiency of Intelligence Analysts to adhere to the Intelligence Community Analytic Standards.

ISA’s Regional Seminars range from one to three-days in length. During each seminar, ISA offers discussions, personal accounts, and question-and-answer sessions with experts and experienced professionals (former government officials, academics, journalists, representatives of business) who examine and highlight the importance to the United States of current topics in their unique areas of expertise.

Congress and National Security is a one-day course that examines the role of Congress across a range of national security issues such as defense, intelligence, and foreign policy. It assesses the importance of diverse activities, including hearings, investigations, and the critically important role of Congress in budget formulation. This course is designed to give individuals more accustomed to working with Executive branch agencies a greater understanding of the interplay between those agencies and the Legislative branch.

Understanding the complex working environment of the DoD can be challenging. To clarify, ISA’s DoD 101 offers a two or three-day course providing critical insights into the history, structure, and operations of the Department. DoD 101 explains how the Department is organized, the roles of its principal officials, an overview of DoD’s war powers, and an outline of significant historic milestones impacting the structure and authority of DoD. Students examine the interaction of DoD with other executive branch agencies and the role of DoD in the interagency process. A review of DoD’s budget procedure, its subsequent relationship with Congress to seek requisite authorization and funding, and a consideration of current issues facing the Department complete this extensive overview of one of the U.S.’s most critical departments.

Doing Business with the Government (DBWG) is offered as a one-day or three-day course centering on the relationship between the government and its vendors. It provides a basic understanding of how the government works to align its requirements for personnel, equipment, facilities, resources, and services with the financial resources provided to fund these requirements. The course familiarizes contractors to government contracting basics and the processes used to seek out contracting opportunities. Students are introduced to the way the government identifies a business need, primary documentation used in the contracting process, and the roles and responsibilities of key players working within this process. Doing Business with the Government creates a foundational understanding about government contracting and the way the government acquires its needs.

The National Security Policy Seminar is a three-day course offering an extensive exploration of the key processes, players, and factors influencing the U.S. National Security Policy. America’s primary concern in developing national security policies is the protection of the United States and its citizens. Our current National Security Policy strives to defend American strength while also promoting favorable power distribution through a stable and open international system. Through case study analyses and group discussions about influential events in history, laws, fiscal activities, and organizational relationships, the National Security Policy Seminar assists students in building a contextual framework to allow comprehension of this very important part of our nation’s security. Students evaluate and consider stakeholders’ equities and perspectives across the interagency as they pertain to the national security process.