Intelligence from whatever source when originally collected is what is known as raw intelligence. There’s also a rating scheme applied to the source in many different categories. Once assembled, analyst go through all the data coming up with their own interpretations of it. Which is handed further up the chain of command for further study and analyzing. It is then passed on to whomever is in charge from company commanders up to the JCS, the secretaries, etc. then on to the political leaders depending on what it is about. The need to know always taking precedence along with security clearances.

Most stay in classified channels going to the various agencies and their heads to draw their own conclusions and make a response if warranted. Depending on what it is about, the public will never know. Although there are instances such as the Cuban Missile crisis of 1962 in which the photo’s were publicized and the general public briefed. Some gets leaked for political reasons, not security reasons from the president to congressional officials and staffers which can cause harm to those involved and in the field. Even to the country.


Filtered yes. The general public gets to know very little as to what is going on. What they’re told is usually when something is over and then not very detailed. It’s been this way ever since I first went into the army back in 1966. The old motto, loose lips, sink ships still applies. I think one would be astounded to the amount of material that is still classified from WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

What the government tells you or the general public is very filtered and what you are told is what the government wants you to know for a variety of reasons.

It's high past time that we start electing Americans to congress and the presidency who put America first instead of their political party. For way too long we have been electing Republicans and Democrats who happen to be Americans instead of Americans who happen to be Republicans and Democrats.