text: FM 2-22.3_________________________________________________________________________________
  LIMITATIONS
  1-32. HUMINT collection limitations include⎯
  • Interpersonal abilities. HUMINT is dependent on the subjective
  interpersonal capabilities of the individual rather than on the abilities
  to operate collection equipment. HUMINT collection capability is based
  on experience within a specific AO that can only be developed over
  time.
  • Identification of knowledgeable sources. There is often a multitude of
  potential HUMINT sources. Information in response to specific
  requirements can only be collected if sources are available and
  identified that have that information.
  • Limited numbers. There are never enough HUMINT collectors to meet
  all requirements. Limited assets must be prioritized in support of units
  and operations based on their criticality.
  • Time limitations. HUMINT collection, particularly source operations,
  takes time to develop. Collection requirements must be developed with
  sufficient lead-time for collection.
  • Language limitations. Although HUMINT collectors can normally use
  an interpreter, a lack of language proficiency by the collector can
  significantly slow collection efforts. Such language proficiency takes
  time to develop.
  • Misunderstanding of the HUMINT mission. HUMINT collectors are
  frequently used incorrectly and assigned missions that belong to CA,
  MP, interpreter or translators, CI, or other operational specialties.
  • Commanders’ risk management. Maneuver commanders, in weighing
  the risks associated with employing HUMINT collection teams (HCTs),
  should seriously consider the potential loss of a wealth of information
  such as enemy activities, locations of high-value personnel, and threats
  to the force that they will incur if they restrict HCT collection
  activities. J/G2Xs, operational management teams (OMTs), and HCT
  leaders must educate maneuver commanders on the benefits of
  providing security for HCTs and employing them in accordance with
  their capabilities.
  • Legal obligations. Applicable law and policy govern HUMINT
  collection operations. Applicable law and policy include US law; the
  law of war; relevant international law; relevant directives including
  DOD Directive 3115.09, “DOD Intelligence Interrogations, Detainee
  Debriefings, and Tactical Questioning”; DOD Directive 2310.1E, “The
  Department of Defense Detainee Program”; DOD instructions; and
  military execute orders including FRAGOs. HUMINT operations may
  be further restricted by Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) and
  other agreements, execute orders and ROE, local laws, and an
  operational umbrella concept. Such documents, however, cannot
  permit interrogation actions that are illegal under applicable law.
  • Connectivity and bandwidth requirements. With the exception of the
  size, activity, location, unit, time, equipment (SALUTE) report, most
  HUMINT reporting requires considerable bandwidth. Deployed