In October 2023, the Defence Attaché in Bahrain made a request for a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to enhance British Military integration with the Bahrain Defence Military Intelligence (DMI). A Permanent Staff Instructor (PSI) from 3 Military Intelligence Battalion (3MI Bn) was selected and deployed to fulfil this request. Given the expertise within 3MI Bn, the TNA was a perfect fit for their support. The DMI specifically sought to improve their understanding of Operational Intelligence (OPINT), Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), and Imagery Intelligence (IMINT).
After months of refinement and direct liaison, in October 2024, a team comprising 8 personnel experienced in OPINT, OSINT, IMINT, and two PSIs was deployed to Bahrain to deliver a five-day STET for a group of DMI staff officers. Following this training, plans were made for a reciprocal visit of the DMI staff officers to 3MI Bn. A five-day briefing week was conducted in February 2025, focusing on OSINT tools, British company liaison, and strengthening the bond that had developed over the past year.
These interactions continued to highlight areas where the British Intelligence Corps could enhance their practices and learn from the DMI. This led to discussions about the Bahrain Defence Force hosting an exercise in Bahrain that would involve all intelligence disciplines, with a focus on intelligence-led operations. In May 2025, 3MI Bn deployed an Intelligence cell consisting of six personnel, with a rotating oversight of two permanent staff members, for a three-week period on Exercise FALCON EYE 3.
The exercise J2 cell comprised Bahrain DMI, 3MI Bn, Royal Navy N2, US J2 and US Information Operations. A joint question was delivered to Field Marshall Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force and a host of other dignitaries. The relationship between the DMI and 3MI Bn continues to strengthen and is proving similarly beneficial for wider defence engagement.
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