IDEALIST PROGRAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75B00159R000200140001-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 15
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 7, 2004
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: March 19, 1973
• Content Type: MF

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19 1973
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MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
.SUBJECT: IDEALIST Program
1. The attached information details the capabilities of the
IDEALIST Program and the routine support it renders to the National
Reconnaissance Program. Obviously, the IDEALIST Program is no
longer the cornerstone of our reconnaissance effort; yet it does
represent a quick reaction capability for point target coverage, which
is unique, while maintaining readiness by the performance of routine
test, evaluation and training efforts that enhance the technical
capabilities of our satellite programs and our intelligence relation-
ships with foreign countries. Its primary operational asset is the
short line of command between the DCI and the operating elements.
2. Consideration of transfer to an organization not under the
direct control of the DCI should assure the following:
App
a. Operational response time over target should
not exceed the present 50 hour guarantee.
b. Political agreements for base rights must be
consummated, which would recognize that these govern-
ments will dictate cover and operational constraints at the
time of the operation, which must be honored and accom-
modated in the space of hours.
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c. That Air Force or Defense budgets or opera-
tional requirements will _not erode the requirements of
the Intelligence Community as recognized by the USIB,
NRO/EXCOM and the 40 Committee and reflected by the
direction of the DCI.
d. Test programs necessary for the support of
satellite systems will not compete with routine Air Force
or Defense requirements, but will be directly responsive
to the NRO.
Deputy Director
for
Science and Technology
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should be given to this possibility.
3. The problem of efficient utilization of the IDEALIST Program
has been under almost constant review for the last 5 years. While it
does contribute significantly to the national intelligence capability in
many ways, it is recognized that a price is being paid for a contingency
capability which can solve unique, yet highly critical problems. To
date, it has appeared that administration of this capability by a small
organization, staffed mostly by highly select Air Force officers,
operating in a direct command line to the DCI, has been most efficient.
However, if economies of operation can be effected by integration of
all aircraft of similar type under one command, serious consideration
Attachment - 1
As stated
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Director o pecia c iv ies
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Distribution:
1 - ER via DCI w/att.
2 - DDCI w/att.
3 - DDS&T Chrono w/att.
4 - DDS&T Registry w/att.
5 - DDS&T Registry w/o att.
6 - D/ SA w/att.
7 - D/ O / OSA w/att.
8 - SAS/ O/ OSA w/att.
9 - RB/OSA w/att.
SERIES B
/ - 61m Wla.t?,
E4A
13 March 1973)
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I. ASSETS
II. AGREEMENTS
III. UNIQUE POINTS
IV. POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS
V. RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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III. The following points are considered unique to the IDEALIST opera-
tion. Of note is the fact that the present arrangement permits the
responsiveness so vital in critical and urgent situations and the
flexibility necessary for a variety of tasks.
A. The command chain to alert and execute IDEALIST operations
in support of national requirements is very short (e. g. DCI
to DDS&T to OSA). This is a key consideration, and permits
preparations to be made for a deployment while awaiting the
actual decision to execute the mission.
B. The U-2 remains an integral part of the CIA scientific and
technical development and testing capability. Initially, U. S.
activities in overhead reconnaissance were concentrated in
the U-2 program. As new collection systems were added to
this effort, the scientific and technical requirements and uses
were expanded. The advent of satellites introduced a wider
scope of operations ~;nd generated more specific requirements.
This increasing activity resulted in separate organizations
to collect, analyze and interpret data. The thread connecting
OSA and OEL, OSP, ORD, OSI and FMSAC remains strong
and provides continuous interplay between the collection activity
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and the determination of new requirements as well as the
development of new intercept systems. The synergism of
this collective effort is characterized by the ability to
identify requirements, develop collection systems and employ
these devices rapidly. For example, all films, currently
used in overhead satellite programs were initially tested and
proven in the U-2.
C. It is essential that U-2 assets remain available to the U. S.
in the future. Due to the relationships outlined above, OSA
can fully exploit the development capabilities of various
Agency scientific and technical components to continue to push
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to maintain a viable U-2 program. Given the uncertainties
of budget constraints, the intense competition for scarce
defense dollars in a non-war time situation, the consolidation
of U-2's under USAF may tend to obscure the unique capabilities
of this aircraft when competing with hard requirements for
new weapon systems for primary defense of the U. S. A small
force of U-2's, maintained by CIA in the latest operational/
R&D mode as the sole mission of a unit outside of the Air
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Force, appears to be less vulnerable to these types of
pressures, and should be retained. The recent improve-
ment of the "H" camera represents the state-of-the-art in
optics. It is the only available sensor capable of obtaining
high resolution and acuity from standoff distances up to
50 NM or greater.
D. System and aircraft maintenance is performed by contract
personnel supplied by the manufacturer of the equipment.
This gains long term stability and avoids the need for contin-
uous training. Systems are thus kept "peaked" even though
not required for a specific mission. Because of this, SAC
U-21s are flight tested and certified by CIA after any major
work involving EWS has been performed.
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IV. POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS:
A. Because these aircraft are maintained in an operationally
ready status, at least one is available for crisis response
at all times. The operating unit maintains mobility kits and
has deployment plans for all contingencies.
1. They may be used to ascertain that agreements or truces
are being carried out in accord with accepted terms when
other collection methods are not available in a timely
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While specific
intelligence data may not always be accessible, the knowledge
of an attempt to gather intelligence usually accrues credit for
having achieved results. This credit could be a factor in
changing the actions of belligerent parties if it is felt their
intentions have been compromised.
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2. The assets could make significant contributions to the
reconnaissance effort to monitor the SEA cease fire
agreement through supplementation of Air Force coverage
with standoff photography of North Vietnam. In the event
a decision is made to reduce the military influence,
these assets are capable of combining flexible tasking
with optimum weather opportunities throughout SEA.
3. In other areas of the world not normally considered
unfriendly or hostile to U. S. interest the situation may
change such as occurred in Cuba in 1962. Today, the
U-ZR can operate over 50% of the earth's land mass with
no chance of detection. An additional 15% can be over-
flown with no possibility of hostile reaction.
B. The U-2 can be used to monitor areas of potential conflict such
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- Unique contracting channels and working arrangements allow
minimal time for identification of requirement to operational
equipment.
film and processing improvement. Currently, all films
used have been tested in this program.
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systems interface. SAC systems are tested and certified
after modification or IRAN before returning to USAF.
- Provides flight test of all U-2 aircraft
- Pilot training for all CIA pilots
ELINT and photo coverage along coastal
Obtained high resolution photography of Ft. Bayard shipping
following U. S. mining of North Vietnam harbors. "H" camera
was used from approximately 40 NM standoff position to
avoid approaching nearer the PRC coast than the current
25 NM restriction.
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8. I am well aware that there have been numerous questions raised as
to the reduction or elimination of the IDEALST Program and the resultant
personnel' savings. On the basis of recent discussions with you and the
Director, we are currently preparing a paper for the 40 Committee which
will be available to the DCI in the event he wishes to raise this issue.
I see no possibility, however, that the IDEALIST issue can be resolved in
time to have any impact on this exercise. Obviously, if a negative
decision were taken on IDEALIST, the reduction in ceiling would be, on an
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tight government ceiling, there is a distinct possibility that elimination
of a program of this magnitude would result in an equal reduction in the
overall Agency ceiling.
Carl E. Duc e
Deputy Director
for
Science and Technology
Note: Excerpt from Memo for ExDir-Compt from CED (22.Dec 72).
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