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Return to Article: Clandestine world of intelligence-gathering turns to an open market for data

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  "...agencies should recruit young analysts from what he called the "mash-up generation" who can integrate data from disparate text, data and video sources. The insights derived from such an exercise can make "open source the first source", Gaffney said, adding that these employees have the technical skills lacking in older generations of analysts."

  There is this perception that if you aren't adept at Guitar Hero, video games, and texting and don't walk around with a Blue Tooth protruding from your ear (constantly wired and connected to like-humanoids), you are NOT tech savvy. How bizarre.

  If your more experienced, i.e., "older" as you call them, analysts, are not as tech savvy as you would like them to be, why haven't you told them of your expectations and furthered their workplace knowledge and development? The problem is not with the more experienced worker's lack of specific expertise but management's propensity and attitude that if something doesn't work in the way they want it, toss it out and buy a later version. I'm from Maine - we don't do that up here. Properly maintained machinery can last years - I've seen 75 year old tractors still at work. That goes for properly trained people as well.

  There. Good morning to you, too.

  Winema Ward Posted September 17, 2008 7:18 AM