got geoint?

Often looking into the past makes us realize how things have changed and progressed. Remember life before the Internet? Seems kind of odd to think that more than 15 years ago, we were not hyper-connected to each other — and phoning and faxing were the only way to get things done. Well, the same can be said about how intelligence gathering techniques have changed over time. From the evolution of GEOINT being the common denominator for all other layers of intelligence to the rise of innovative intelligence gathering and sharing technologies, the Intelligence Community (IC) moves at a very quick pace when it comes to innovation. Though back during World War I, the IC used some very interesting intelligence-gathering techniques that could come straight out of a Hollywood movie.

Some of these techniques include the engraving messages on toe-nails and using lemon juice to write invisible letters, according to the BBC who reviewed six recently declassified documents from WWI. According to one memo, an effective way to communicate secrets was by painting invisible messages on the human body, and all one would need to do was to “develop a suitable reagent sprayed with an atomize” to make the message appear. And as we mentioned before, one memo highlighted how “engraving messages and credentials on toe-nails” was highly effective.

What an amazing peak into the history of intelligence gathering. In 80 years, will we look back and say…wow, amazing to think that the IC used to use Full Motion Video? Who knows…only time will tell. In the meantime, it’s fun to take a look back in history.

Tags: CIA, CIA and engravign on toe nails, CIA used invisible ink, CIA WW1 Secrets, Full Motion Video, GEOINT, got geoint?, IC, Intelligence Community, USGIF