DoD Activates Defense Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence Center
August 04, 2008

The Department of Defense activated the Defense Counterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Center today, and simultaneously disestablished the Department’s Counterintelligence Field Activity (CIFA). The new center, under the direction of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), combines CIFA resources and responsibilities with longstanding DIA CI and HUMINT capabilities.

“The realignment of CIFA’s functions and resources into DIA strengthens the close historical and operational relationship between counterintelligence and HUMINT,” said Army Maj. Gen. Theodore Nicholas, the center’s new director. “Integration under one organization will result in greater collaboration in operational and support areas where both disciplines overlap.”

The Defense CI and HUMINT Center was created in response to internal DoD assessments which identified substantial benefits of more closely aligning DoD CIFA and DIA HUMINT and CI functions. It is also consistent with DoD strategic guidance and the Defense Intelligence Strategy.

The center will focus on the related disciplines of CI and HUMINT. CIFA’s designation as a law enforcement activity did not transfer to DIA. The new center will have no law enforcement function.