HUMINT is the collection by a trained HUMINT collector of foreign information from people and multimedia to identify elements, intentions, composition, strength, dispositions, tactics, equipment, personnel, and capabilities. It uses human sources as a tool and a variety of collection methods, both passive and active, to gather information to satisfy the commander's intelligence requirements and cross-cue other intelligence disciplines.

HUMINT operations collection can be executed overtly or by clandestine operations. 

Overt collection is normally done in the open and through legal means without concealment. Clandestine collection is normally done by personnel who are trained in the foreign languages and cultures of the country they are assigned so that collection efforts are secret and that they mix in with the local populace.

Examples:

• Espionage
• Interrogation of personnel
• Patrolling
• Reconnaissance