Editing KUBARK Counterintelligence Interrogation Review: Observations of an Interrogator (section)

==The Interrogator’s Checklist==
The [[KUBARK Counterintelligence Interrogation|KUBARK manual]] sets forth an Interrogator’s Checklist of 50 questions (although several have been deleted for security reasons) that would be exceptionally useful in guiding the interrogator through all phases of the interrogation process. With an uncommon degree of both depth and breadth, the questions are arranged sequentially, enabling the interrogator not only to carefully consider a broad range of complex factors involved in an extended interrogation, but also to evaluate the results of the interrogation objectively. This latter aspect would foster the type of reflection necessary to continually improve knowledge, skills and abilities.

The checklist includes several questions that are particularly noteworthy. It asks the interrogator, for instance, to consider whether the interrogation is even necessary or if the information requirements could be satisfied through other, overt sources (the “Going Next Door” approach cited previously). The checklist reminds the interrogator of the importance of rapport, asking if it has been established properly during the opening phase of the interrogation. If the interrogator anticipates that the source will be resistant, it directs the interrogator’s focus to the source of that resistance (e.g., fear, political convictions, stubbornness, etc.).107

Intelligence analysts have described the changing tactics and strategies employed by terrorists and insurgents as indicative of a learning organization.

106 This is an especially important observation to recall as individuals from the SERE community contribute to the study of educing information from resistant sources. As with the research studies that support them, SERE training and practical exercises focus on issues pertaining to compliance rather than information reporting reliability.

107 KUBARK, 105–109.

The U.S. interrogation effort must similarly learn and adapt to the emerging challenges it faces in gathering information from detainees. This checklist can serve as a useful template for building a contemporary version tailored to meet the unique requirements of educing information in response to current and future challenges to the national security interests of the United States.