The name of the game

Gathering Intel is tricky. The asumption is that an asset is always working for the "other" side. It' doesn't sound likea good relationship, but that is not what spying is all about. It's about information. You gather information, share it withothers in the Intel commnunity, and make the best guess you can. Do the classic spying agencies work alone. No way. API is of invaluable assistance. But we must "pull the trigger."
How long does it take to gather intel? Things that look like they are happening now, started to happen, from the intelligence standpoint, a long time ago. Sometimes we gather intel from many sources for 10-20 years, then make a move. A person of interest could be being watched for 20 years before a move it made. We gather intel, manipulate, lie, change allegiances to one asset or another based on new intel. Use people. That's the way it is.
"Well aren't you at another job after 20 years?." First of all, intel stays in the system. Second of all, you don't really ever retire. It may seem that way, but tradecraft is tradecraft for life and anyone, good or bad, can come for you at any time. That's why we constantly change our routines.
Are you being watched? Most people, unless they are in the system forone reason or another, no. But once in the system. Yes. And more are being monitored than you may think. Do you get odd phone calls, feel like your being watched. get something you did not expect?
Just google yourself. Even if what shows up seems of no consequence, that's what you see, not the intel community. They do not just have google.
Is it just one person being monitored? No. It's the whole family and any relations.

The name of the game. Keep your eyes open.