text: _________________________________________________________________________________FM 2-22.3
  when to press the source harder. In addition, the HUMINT collector
  constantly must be alert to his environment to ensure his personal
  security and that of his source.
  • Patience and Tact. The HUMINT collector must have patience and
  tact in creating and maintaining rapport between himself and the
  source, thereby enhancing the success of the questioning. Displaying
  impatience may—
  (cid:131) Encourage a difficult source to think that if he remains unresponsive
  for a little longer, the HUMINT collector will stop questioning.
  (cid:131) Cause the source to lose respect for the HUMINT collector, thereby
  reducing the HUMINT collector’s effectiveness.
  • Credibility. The HUMINT collector must provide a clear, accurate,
  and professional product and an accurate assessment of his
  capabilities. He must be able to clearly articulate complex situations
  and concepts. The HUMINT collector must also maintain credibility
  with his source. He must present himself in a believable and consistent
  manner, and follow through on any promises made as well as never to
  promise what cannot be delivered.
  • Objectivity and Self-control. The HUMINT collector must also be
  totally objective in evaluating the information obtained. The HUMINT
  collector must maintain an objective and dispassionate attitude
  regardless of the emotional reactions he may actually experience or
  simulate during a questioning session. Without objectivity, he may
  unconsciously distort the information acquired. He may also be unable
  to vary his questioning and approach techniques effectively. He must
  have exceptional self-control to avoid displays of genuine anger,
  irritation, sympathy, or weariness that may cause him to lose the
  initiative during questioning but be able to fake any of these emotions
  as necessary. He must not become emotionally involved with the
  source.
  • Adaptability. A HUMINT collector must adapt to the many and
  varied personalities which he will encounter. He must also adapt to all
  types of locations, operational tempos, and operational environments.
  He should try to imagine himself in the source's position. By being
  adaptable, he can smoothly shift his questioning and approach
  techniques according to the operational environment and the
  personality of the source.
  • Perseverance. A tenacity of purpose can be the difference between a
  HUMINT collector who is merely good and one who is superior. A
  HUMINT collector who becomes easily discouraged by opposition, non-
  cooperation, or other difficulties will not aggressively pursue the
  objective to a successful conclusion or exploit leads to other valuable
  information.
  • Appearance and Demeanor. The HUMINT collector's personal
  appearance may greatly influence the conduct of any HUMINT
  collection operation and attitude of the source toward the HUMINT
  collector. Usually an organized and professional appearance will
  favorably influence the source. If the HUMINT collector's manner