Hierarchy Intelligence Agency

The Hierarchy Intelligence Agency, or simply as Hierarchy Intelligence, is a civilian intelligence service of the government of the Hierarchy, officially tasked with gathering, processing, and analyzing security information from around Tíreia and the colonies, primarily through the use of caniic, tigriic, and sauruanian intelligence, and performing covert actions. The Hierarchy Intelligence primarily focused on providing intelligence for the Governor-General and the Governorate of the Hierarchy.
The Hierarchy Intelligence Agency also has a law enforcement function in which it has the authority to arrest those whom they deem as a serious threat to Hierarchy security. Though, it mainly focuses on overseas, and colonial intelligence gathering. The Hierarchy Intelligence Agency serves as the national and international manager for the coordination of caniic, tigriic, and sauruanian activities across the Hierarchy intelligence community. It is the only agency authorized by law to carry out and oversee covert action at the behest of the Governor-General. It exerts foreign political influence through its tactical divisions, such as the Special Tactical and Reconnaissance Center. It has also provided support to Tigriic and Sauruanian political groups and governments, including planning, coordinating, and technical support.
The Hierarchy Intelligence Agency has increasingly expanded its role, including covert paramilitary operations. One of its largest divisions, the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Operations Center, has officially shifted focus from counter-slavery to offensive counter-terrorism operations.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Hierarchy Intelligence Agency is to uphold the safety and security of all individuals within the Hierarchy's jurisdiction, including but not limited to citizens, client races, and non-client races. It assumes a pivotal role in gathering, analyzing, and disseminating vital intelligence related to national security, foreign policy matters, and potential threats from domestic or foreign entities. Its function extends beyond the borders of Tíreia encompassing Hierarchy's colonies as well.
Functionally, the agency operates according to the dual mandate of intelligence collection and law enforcement. Primarily, through advanced technological means, it gathers information about potential threats and crimes against the Hierarchy by tapping into Caniic, Tigriic, and Sauruanian intelligence. Further, it conducts covert actions at the direction of the Governor-General or Hierarchy Security Council when situations necessitate immediate action.
In its law enforcement capacity, Hierarchy Intelligence has the authority to arrest individuals deemed a serious threat to national security. These arrests are often resultant from thorough investigations carried out by their specialized units such as the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Operations Center. This division, once primarily concerned with counter-slavery missions, has shifted focus to offensive counter-terrorism operations, reflecting the changing threats that Hierarchy faces.
The Hierarchy Intelligence Agency also serves as a crucial liaison between different intelligence communities both within Tíreia and the colonies. It coordinates caniic, tigriic, and sauruanian activities, ensuring that actions taken are in line with the best interests of the Hierarchy. Aside from coordination, it provides technical support and planning assistance to these communities.
The Special Tactical and Reconnaissance Center under its wing carries out foreign political influence through carefully planned covert operations. These actions are usually aimed at upsetting destabilizing elements in alien governments while promoting stability in entities that align with Hierarchy interests.
Over the years, Hierarchy Intelligence has diversified its operations by taking on paramilitary roles. The agency has been seen to perform swift and high-risk operations abroad, which include covert assaults on enemy installations, extractions of high-value targets from hostile territories, and executing sabotage missions on critical foreign infrastructures. These operations are mostly carried out by a specialized unit within the agency known as the Special Operations Group (SOG).
The SOG consists of highly trained individuals skilled in various forms of warfare, espionage, and infiltration. Equipped with the latest weaponry and technology developed by Hierarchy's advanced sciences division, they represent the sharp edge of Hierarchy Intelligence's expanding role in ensuring global security. In addition to these tasks, the agency has a significant hand in influencing the political climate through various means. Their Psychological Warfare Division (PWD) is responsible for disseminating information - or misinformation - to shape public opinion, both domestically and internationally. This could involve anything from leaking damaging information about hostile entities to promoting propaganda that supports the Hierarchy's agenda. The PWD works closely with the larger intelligence community to craft narratives that support their goals.

Organizational structure

The Hierarchy Intelligence Agency is divided into several major operational divisions, each focused on a different aspect of the agency's broad mandate. At the top of this organizational pyramid is the Director, currently Gaer Daaviksǫgr, and the Assistant Director, Sasicha Oenurerrsǫgr. Underneath them are several Deputy Directors, each in charge of a principal division.
The divisions are as follows:

1. The Caniic, Tigriic, and Sauruanian Liaison Division (CTSD): This branch is responsible for fostering cooperation and information exchange among caniic, tigriic, and sauruanian intelligence communities within the Hierarchy. The CTSD works to ensure that their activities align with the Hierarchy's interests.

2. The Intelligence and Reconnaissance Operations Center (IROC): This is where potential threats are identified and analyzed. It used to be primarily concerned with counter-slavery missions but now focuses on offensive counter-terrorism operations.

3. The Counter-Terrorism Division (CTD): This division works specifically to dismantle Härja-Eirǫrðr and other terrorist organizations that pose a threat to the Hierarchy. They utilize an assortment of techniques from traditional surveillance to advanced cyber-espionage to coordinated assassinations of key terrorist leaders.

4. The Special Operations Group (SOG): Made up of highly trained specialists, the SOG is responsible for conducting high-risk covert operations abroad. They perform missions ranging from sabotage to extractions of key figures.

5. The Psychological Warfare Division (PWD): Their job is to manipulate public opinion, both domestically and globally, in favor of Hierarchy's agenda. The PWD often disseminates information or misinformation to shape narratives beneficial to the agency's goals.

6. The Colonial Intelligence Division (CID): This branch has a strict focus on gathering intelligence and ensuring security in the Hierarchy's colonial territories.

7. The Technical Support Division (TSD): Primarily focused on providing the necessary technological aid for operations, this division is responsible for ensuring the agency's advancements align with the technological capabilities of its allies and adversaries. The TSD also manages the agency's internal communications infrastructure and develops and maintains tools for intelligence gathering.

8. The Cyber Intelligence Division (CID): Responsible for cyber-espionage and cybersecurity, this division monitors Härja-Eirǫrðr and other enemy online activities, as well as protects the Hierarchy's digital infrastructure from cyber-attacks.

9. The Administration Division : Often overlooked but crucial to the agency's functioning, this division takes care of the day-to-day administration, financial management, legal counsel, hiring process, and public relations for the agency.

Training

Training to become an agent of the HIA generally begins after retirement from active duty in the Hierarchy Armed Forces following the 35th birthday of the applicant. It starts with a rigorous selection phase, during which candidates are assessed both physically and intellectually. Potential agents are subjected to harsh physical tests that mimic strenuous and high-stress situations they might encounter in the field. These include endurance runs, obstacle courses, marksmanship tests, and hand-to-hand combat trials.
Once the physical assessment is complete, candidates undergo cognitive testing to evaluate their aptitude for critical thinking, problem-solving, and assessment of complex situations. Those who pass these assessments are then required to demonstrate proficiency in at least two foreign languages relevant to their potential assignments.
The next phase is a grueling 20-month training program known as the Agent Training Course (ATC). The ATC is divided into several modules to cover all aspects of intelligence operations. The first few weeks are spent mastering basic intelligence skills such as surveillance, evasion techniques, and interrogation resistance. Candidates then advance to more specialized training based on their chosen division.

Budget

The HIA has an annul budget of 130 million Hierarchy dollars, a sum that has seen a significant increase over the last decade due to escalating threats from various hostile factions. The budget is allocated to different divisions based on their operational requirements and strategic importance.
Despite its vast budget, the HIA's spending is subject to intense scrutiny by the Department of Financing and Budgeting, a governorate-level department tasked with ensuring transparency in the use of public funds. This inspection takes into account not just the cost-effectiveness of each division’s operations but also their compliance with regulatory rules and adherence to the strict ethical guidelines set by the agency itself.
The largest portion of the HIA’s budget is allocated for operational expenses, mainly funding field activities around Tíreia and its colonies. These include maintaining safe houses, financing covert operations, running surveillance missions, and supporting agents in action. The Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Operations Center (IROC) are among those departments receiving significant funding given their front-line roles in maintaining Hierarchy’s security.
A considerable portion of the budget is also allotted to research and development, largely under the jurisdiction of the Technical Support Division (TSD). This funding supports advancements in technological capabilities essential for modern intelligence work, including cyber-espionage tools, surveillance equipment, advanced weaponry for the Special Operations Group (SOG), and specialized communication devices.
Expenditure on staff training and development is another major budget component. With threats constantly evolving, continuous training and education programs are vital in keeping HIA agents at par with the changing landscape of global security. The rigorous Agent Training Course (ATC) alone requires substantial investment to maintain its high standard.
The remainder of the budget is distributed amongst other divisions such as the Psychological Warfare Division (PWD), and the Caniic, Tigriic, and Sauruanian Liaison Division (CTSD). These funds facilitate their respective operations ranging from crafting persuasive narratives to managing intercommunal relations to gathering ground-level intelligence.

Relationship with national and foreign intelligence agencies

The Hierarchy Intelligence Agency maintains a complex and often delicate relationship with both national and foreign intelligence agencies.
At a national level, the HIA works in close quarters with other Hierarchy intelligence organizations, such as the Military Intelligence Division (MID) and the Domestic Security Agency (DSA). Inter-departmental cooperation is vital to ensure the efficient sharing of relevant intelligence and to avoid duplication of efforts. The CTSD, for instance, is specifically designed to foster a harmonious working relationship among caniic, tigriic, and sauruanian intelligence communities within the Hierarchy. However, despite these infrastructure measures to ensure unity, there are instances of intra-agency rivalry and friction. These disputes commonly arise over jurisdictional issues and resource allocation - factors that can potentially hamper an operation’s success.
On the international front, the Hierarchy maintains partnerships with selected intelligence agencies around the continents of Hazura and Acluth. Generally driven by shared objectives or common threats, these relationships allow for mutual information exchange and resource pooling when necessary. The HIA's International Relations Division (IRD) is mainly responsible for these alliances. However, these partnerships are often delicate and require discreet diplomacy and constant negotiation to maintain. Trust is limited, and information shared is carefully vetted for potential security breaches.
Though, on the front concerning client races, the HIA has more of a fractured relationship, particularly among the Sauruanian. The inter-species tension has led to a sense of mutual distrust, with many Sauruanian viewing the Hierarchy as oppressors rather than allies. Despite this, the HIA's CTSD has made considerable efforts to foster positive relations and cooperation, but the progress is slow and fraught with setbacks.
Internally, there is also a degree of friction among the various divisions concerning operational priorities and resources. The competitive nature of these conflicts often leads to silo-like operations where information sharing becomes limited. The AD division constantly strives to manage these conflicts and prevent them from disrupting the overall effectiveness of the agency. Regular interdivisional meetings, resource allocation committees, and an internal dispute resolution mechanism are among the strategies used to manage these tensions. The HIA's executive director also plays a crucial role in this process, making final decisions in cases of particularly severe contention.

Open-source intelligence

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) is an essential tool in the HIA's arsenal, providing a valuable layer of knowledge to its operations. This involves collecting information from publicly available sources such as media outlets, online databases, internet forums, social networking sites, and government reports. The Cyber Intelligence Division (CID) plays an integral role in mining this data and analyzing it for potential threats, patterns, and leads.
The OSINT team within the CID is made up of skilled analysts proficient in various languages and familiar with diverse cultures. They sift through mountains of data using advanced algorithms developed by the Technical Support Division (TSD), focusing on potential indicators of terrorist activity, extremist ideologies or foreign states' covert operations.
While OSINT does not always provide direct evidence of illegal activity, it is instrumental in building a wider contextual understanding of the geopolitical landscape. It can also help predict upcoming threats, allowing the Hierarchy to take preemptive measures. However, the use of open-source intelligence also raises ethical questions regarding privacy and civil liberties. The HIA walks a tightrope, balancing the need for security with the rights of individuals and entities. The Legal Division (LD) closely monitors OSINT operations, ensuring that they adhere to laws governing privacy and data use. Any infringement is taken seriously, with violations leading to severe penalties both for the agency and the personnel involved. Despite the challenges, OSINT remains a vital cog in the HIA's intelligence machinery, serving as the first line of defense against potential threats. Its increasing significance in recent years is underscored by a dramatic rise in budget allocation to the division, allowing the recruitment of additional analysts and development of more sophisticated data-gathering tools.

Outsourcing and privatization

Outsourcing and privatization has become a key strategy of the HIA over recent years as they grapple with an ever-expanding scope of work and limited internal resources. The practice involves contracting private companies to handle certain non-core operations, usually under stringent rules of engagement and accountability.
The most common areas of outsourcing include logistical support, technological development, and some aspects of training. For instance, many of the HIA’s surveillance equipment and cyber-tools are developed by private tech companies under the supervision of the Technical Support Division (TSD). Furthermore, several advanced driving and language courses in the Agent Training Course (ATC) are conducted by private specialists, allowing the HIA trainers to focus on core competency areas such as intelligence gathering, counter-intelligence, and operational techniques.
However, this practice does not come without controversies. Critics argue that outsourcing can compromise national security as it potentially places sensitive information in the hands of profit-driven entities. In response to such concerns, the HIA's Outsourcing Supervision (OSV) has robust mechanisms to regulate and monitor the activities of these private companies. Contractual clauses mandating strict security protocols, confidentiality, and non-disclosure are enforced. The division also conducts regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance.
One particular area that has seen substantial privatization is the production and maintenance of spy satellites. Faced with budgetary constraints and the rapid advancement of technology, the HIA opted to contract several aerospace companies to build and operate a network of spy satellites. This allows the HIA to focus its resources on data interpretation instead of dealing with the complexities of space technology.
The decision to outsource spy satellite operations was met with initial resistance from within the agency, especially from the Spaceborne Intelligence Division (SID), which traditionally handled this function. However, after a series of successful missions by the private companies, most skeptics have since been convinced of its effectiveness.

Agency overview

Formed Jun 29, 1958

Type Intelligence Agency

Headquarters Yorimarx Nuvan’tejóttar Intelligence Longhouse, Hagis, Corga

Employees 7,865 (estimate)

Annual budget 130 million Hierarchy dollars

Agency executives

Gaer Daaviksǫgr, Director

Sasicha Oenurerrsǫgr, assistant Director