The purpose of intelligence or reconnaissance photography is to gain information about an enemy or potential enemy. Now that the Soviet Union has been disestablished, the Russian threat to our national security has been greatly reduced. This does not suggest that intelligence photography is no longer required, but that our focus on other threats has intensified. Whether it be interdiction of drug smuggling operations from South or Central America or the potential nuclear threat of a third world nation, the need for intelligence photography will always exist.

Many people think intelligence photographs are always taken with highly sophisticated equipment from an aerial or satellite platform. While it is true that a great portion of intelligence is gathered through these means, much information can be gathered at ground or sea level. In this training manual, aerial collection of information is not addressed. However, intelligence photography from ships or shore, specifically the photography of ships, aircraft, and ports is discussed (fig. 6-24).

When you are shooting photographs for intelligence purposes, high-quality and sharp image definition is of utmost importance. Black-and-white film is primarily used for intelligence photography due to its finer grain and higher resolution than color film. Whenever possible, black-and-white and color film, as well as motion video, should be used to document subjects of interest for intelligence purposes. The best black-and-white film for this purpose is Kodak Technical Pan (Tech Pan 2415), because of its ultra-fine grain and extremely high resolving power. For color intelligence photographs, you should use Kodak Ektar films, because of their fine grain, higher sharpness, and the variety of speeds available (IS0 25, 125, 1000); they also have the ability to produce high-quality enlargements. Although the resolution of video is inferior to that of film, the ability to view video instantly is advantageous for subjects of special interest.

SHIPS

When assigned to provide photographic coverage of a ship for intelligence collection purposes, you should attempt to provide as much information about the subject as possible. The standard nine-point coverage assists in providing this information in a photograph. The standard-nine points are as follows:

1. Bow

2. Starboard bow

3. Starboard beam

4. Starboard quarter

5. Stem

6. Port quarter

7. Port beam

8. Port bow

9. Vertical

The two most important shots are the starboard beam and the port beam. These two angles are most helpful to analysts for determining the overall dimensions of the ship.

High-angle photographs, such as from a crane, tower, or superstructure, are desired whenever possible. Closeup photographs taken with telephoto lenses are also important to support the basic nine-point coverage. You should photograph the following items (in priority order):

1. Over-the-side equipment and buoys

2. Missiles and launchers

3. Radars

4. Antennas

5. Sonar domes

6. Sensor protrudents

7. Helicopters (on deck and in flight)

8. Unusual optical or electro-optical devices

9. Unusual activity

10. Guns

11. Superstructure

12. Cranes, masts, and booms

13. Ports, hatches, and openings 14. Appendages and fittings

15. Identification numbers, flags, and markings

16. Oceanographic deck equipment

It is good practice to overlap your coverage when shooting with a telephoto lens. This will aid in determining the working relationships between components as well as providing the largest image possible on the negative or videotape. Photographs that provide information pertaining to cargo, personnel count, and bridge or electronic detail may be invaluable. It is better to overshoot than not to cover an area that may provide critical information about the subject.

More times than not, the lighting conditions are very poor when shooting photographs for intelligence purposes. Remember, the exposure latitude for Tech Pan film is very short, so your camera exposure is critical. You will be shooting into shadow areas and open hatches, so bracket all your frames to ensure you record detail.

When a submarine is the target of special interest, closeup views of the following equipment is useful for intelligence gathering:

1. Armament installations

2. Electronic installations

3. Sail area

4. Telescoping equipment

5. Unusual sensor probes and devices, such as trailing wires

6. Unusual, unidentified, or modified equipment

If you are photographing equipment, cargo, or written material that is recovered from floating wreckage of a ship, you should include a ruler in the photograph to show a scale as to the size of the object. The use of a macro lens will be needed to photograph nameplate data, writing, or markings on the recovered material.