Defining the Roles, Responsibilities, and Functions for Data Science Within the Defense Intelligence Agency

This report addresses and recommends potential methods for the Defense Intelligence Agency DIA to identify, hire, and organize data scientists. The authors examine data science activities in the private sector and university-level data science training and also explore hiring and retention options for creating a data science capability within DIA. They also examine the results of interviews with DIA employees. The authors recommend that DIA create its own data science capability with a mix of government experts and contractors capable of managing activities unique to military intelligence operations and that DIA establish a center of excellence to oversee and promote data science activities, development, and training.