SCENARIO FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINED BIRDS

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Animal Partners
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06527529
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: September 6, 2019
• Document Release Date: September 12, 2019
• Publication Date: October 31, 1975

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3.3(h)(2)
6.2(d)
31 ?95-c
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director, Office of Research and Development
SUBJECT : Scenario for Development of Trained Birds
1. Attached is step-by-step description of one possible
scenario for the use of trained birds to perform a photographic
mission in the USSR. Please ensure that the contractor designs
the WM training program to fit these scenarios.
'
2. There are two particularly vidherable points in the
scenario--items 6c and 7b. The actual transfer of the birds from
a case officer's car (6c) must be performed in full
view of at least one observation post. The birds must be trained,
therefore to tolerate transfer from the
to a closed, possibly even ilgnt-tignt concealment
device for transfer to an automobile. They may have to remain in
this concealment until the actual release.
3. The actual launch of the birds (7h) is equally vulnerable
to hostile observation, in this case by surveillants. Therefore,
various launch techniques must be investigated and thoroughly
tested. The launch scenario might dictate that the birds be
launched from the side window of a car moving up to 50 miles per
hour, from a knapsack on the back of a skier or from the lunch
basket of a picnicker. We need to know, for example, whether two
or more birds can be launched simultaneously from the same conceal-
ment, what speed is acceptable for,a car launch If .50 mph is too
fast, �etc.
4. Before any birds can be shipped to Moscow they must be
tested in the U.S. following a scenario as nearly identical as
possible to that which will ultimately be employed. For the test
scenario we suggest that an OTS/Headquarters building simulate the
that a target be selected in the area, and that
the birds be launched from a point south or west o
E2 IMPDET
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BIRD SCENARIO
1. Birds trained in US at contractor's facility.
2. Birds shipped to Moscow, ideally in late spring or early summer, by
a. Or
b. Driven in fron by case officer or officer.
3. Birds released in to
a. Establish themselves, i.e. assert territoriality, and
b. Orient themselves, so they will always return to loft.
4. Trainer or
officer maintains birds
a. During time they establish territoriality,
b. During time they orienting themselves to new surroundings, and
c. Until there is an opportunity for deployment, maybe one week
after they established and oriented, but possibly not for
two months.
5. Trainer reinforces birds' training.
a. Sand table in loft?
b. Black and white photographs in loft?
c. Color photographs or slides in loft?
6. Preparing for mission.
a. Birds captured in loft by trainer.
b. Trainer attaches cameras.
c. Birds put in container for transport from
car and in case officer's car to launch p
7. Mission
to case officer's
a. Bird(s) transported in car to launch point. Camera activated.
b. Launch, from moving car, at point which may be up to five miles
from target. Target may not be on straight line between launch
point and
Bird flies over or actually lands on target, which will be very
specific, i.e. one of several storage tanks, buildings, electrical
installations, etc.
d. Bird returns tc
Trainer removes camera and film
8. If necessary, above scenario repeated, possibly with a different
officer launching the bird from a slightly different point.
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SE Division is prepared to assist in the formulation and execution
of the test scenario. We assume that funds are available to determine
whether birds can be trained to follow this scenario and that the
tests can be accomplished by March 1976. Upon completion �of these � .
tests-a-decision would be made as to whether the bird training
program should be continued.
� �
6.2(d)
Attachment: as state ,
'Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06527529