What is the Difference Between Covert and Clandestine?

The terms "covert" and "clandestine" are often used to describe secret or hidden operations, but they have distinct differences:

• Clandestine: This term refers to an operation that is hidden or concealed, with the aim of not being noticed at all. Clandestine operations do not require a presidential finding but may still require notification of Congress. Examples of clandestine activities include intelligence recruitment of, or collection by, a foreign intelligence asset; clandestine military operations in cyberspace; and military or traditional law enforcement activities.
• Covert: This term means "deniable," meaning that if the operation is noticed, it is not attributed to a specific group. Covert activities involve the strategic concealment of United States sponsorship of economic, military, or diplomatic behavior of an overseas target. Unlike clandestine action, covert activities require a presidential finding. As a practical definition, covert action is something of which the target is aware but either does not know or cannot prove who is influencing political, economic, or military conditions.

In summary, the main difference between covert and clandestine operations lies in the level of attribution and awareness. Clandestine operations aim to remain completely hidden, while covert operations are designed to be deniable and not attributed to a specific group if discovered.

Comparative Table: Covert vs Clandestine

The terms "covert" and "clandestine" are often used in the context of military, intelligence, or law enforcement operations. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two:

In summary, the main difference between covert and clandestine operations lies in the identity. In covert operations, the identity of the agency or organization remains unknown, while in clandestine operations, the operation itself remains a secret.