Counterintelligence Technologies: An Exploratory Case Study of Preliminary Credibility Assessment Screening System in the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces

João Reis,Joana Costa,Marlene Amorim,Nuno Melão,Yuval Cohen

doi:10.3390/info12030122

Abstract

The preliminary credibility assessment screening system (PCASS) is a US-based program, which is currently being implemented by intelligence units of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to make the initial screening of individuals suspected of infiltrating the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). Sensors have been instrumental in the PCASS, leading to organizational change. The aim of this research is to describe how the ANDSF adapted to the implementation of PCASS, as well as implemented changes since the beginning of the program. To do so, we have conducted a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive case study that allows one to understand, through the use of a series of data collection sources, a real-life phenomenon of which little is known. The results suggest that the sensors used in PCASS empower security forces with reliable technologies to identify and neutralize internal threats. It then becomes evident that the technological leadership that PCASS provides allows the developing of a relatively stable and consistent organizational change, fulfilling the objectives of the NATO and the ANDSF.

Highlights

In the past two decades, scholars [1,2], professionals [3], and governments [4] have started to develop technological systems that work through sensors and that are playing a significant role in the course of wars
An example is reported by Walters and Traugutt [3], who stated that the preliminary credibility assessment screening system (PCASS) program had a positive impact on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in Afghanistan
Together with the polygraph program, it ensures that the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) are adequately capable of developing self-reliance and long-term institutional viability

Summary

Introduction

In the past two decades, scholars [1,2], professionals [3], and governments [4] have started to develop technological systems that work through sensors and that are playing a significant role in the course of wars. An example is reported by Walters and Traugutt [3], who stated that the preliminary credibility assessment screening system (PCASS) program had a positive impact on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in Afghanistan. As of the end of 2012, due to the high rate of incidents arising from internal threats (green-on-blue), the PCASS was able to prevent insurgent cells from infiltrating. The relevance of PCASS is not limited to removing insurgents from close contact with coalition forces. Together with the polygraph program, it ensures that the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) are adequately capable of developing self-reliance and long-term institutional viability. The PCASS test is typically used to describe diagnostic procedures using instruments to assess credibility [6]

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Conclusion