Operationalizing OSINT Across the Army and Defense Community

Original broadcast 5/20/25

Presented by Carahsoft

Greg Zellmer, Director of the Army OSINT Office, brings a mission-driven perspective to how open source intelligence is being institutionalized within the Department of Defense. He describes a cultural and strategic shift in how OSINT is treated—not as an auxiliary function but as a critical capability that enables situational awareness and rapid decision-making for commanders across operational environments.

Zellmer underscores the sheer volume of publicly available information now accessible to analysts, from global news and social media to commercial datasets and geospatial imagery. In many scenarios, he explains, OSINT is the most immediately available form of intelligence — often offering insights in advance of other intelligence disciplines. For battlefield commanders and mission planners, that speed can be the difference between seizing an opportunity or reacting too late.

To maximize OSINT’s value, the Army has committed to professionalizing the discipline. This includes standing up the dedicated Army OSINT Office, where Zellmer leads efforts around tradecraft standardization, analyst training, and integration with broader intelligence processes. These efforts aim to ensure that OSINT is not only widely used but used well — with rigor, repeatability, and accountability.

He emphasizes that OSINT is no longer a “bonus” intelligence stream. It is increasingly the starting point for many assessments, especially in time-sensitive scenarios. That reality demands automation and artificial intelligence tools that can help analysts triage information, identify patterns, and surface critical signals from overwhelming noise.

But Zellmer also offers a note of caution. As much as speed matters, it cannot come at the cost of accuracy or relevance. He points to the longstanding tension between moving fast and getting it right — a challenge every intelligence professional must navigate. That’s why the Army invests heavily in developing analysts’ judgment and tradecraft, training them to understand both the power and the limits of OSINT.

He also reflects on the changing perception of OSINT across the defense and intelligence community. Twenty years ago, open source was often dismissed as inferior to classified sources. Today, it is treated as a legitimate and vital form of intelligence, often used to answer priority intelligence requirements in real time. This evolution has required a cultural shift, both within traditional intelligence organizations and among commanders on the ground.

Importantly, Zellmer highlights how the Army’s OSINT efforts are designed to be replicable and scalable across other agencies and services. The frameworks his team is developing around standards, training, and tool selection can serve as a model for other organizations looking to mature their OSINT capabilities.

He concludes that OSINT’s future lies not just in new tools, but in people and processes. No technology can replace the critical thinking of a well-trained analyst. The key is to equip those analysts with the right data, the right tools, and a clear understanding of their commander’s priorities — so they can deliver timely, trustworthy intelligence when it matters most.

Key Takeaways:

• OSINT is now a foundational intelligence source for the Army, particularly in time-sensitive scenarios.

• Professionalization—via training, tradecraft, and organizational infrastructure—is key to scaling OSINT’s impact.

• Automation and AI support OSINT workflows but cannot replace sound analytic judgment.

This program was part of the program Innovation in Government: OSINT Edition filmed on location at the OSINT Tech Expo on May 2, 2025.