CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRONIC CACHE LOCATOR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03153A001300030018-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 30, 2014
• Sequence Number: 18
• Publication Date: December 21, 1953
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2014/05/01 : CIA-RDP78-03153A001300030018-8
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DEC 21 1953
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Technical Services Staff
SUBJECT: Customer Requirements for Electronic Cache Locator
1. The following comments are supplied pursuant to request contained
in TSS memorandum dated 1 December, subject as above.
2. There is a need for a device to locate caches. Based on the in-
formation contained in the TSS memorandum, however, it appears that additional
tests and additional development is required before any procurement should be
undertaken.
3. At least three additional tests are required.
a. Under conditions of heavy snow (snow or drifts of snow at
least two feet deep) when possible land marks are covered, a device
could be of practical assistance in locating caches. Cold weather
functioning and operating characteristics should be determined.
b. The device could also be of material assistance if it could
locate cache dropped in water. Tests to determine its ability and
characteristics in fresh and salt water at various depths Should be
run.
:
c. The detector should be tested to determine if it would
stand the shocks encountered in aerial delivery. )
4. Some modifications in design appear needed.
a. As designed the use of the device would be rather obvious.
The substitution of a hearing aid ear plug for the earphones now
required should be investigated. The need to expose the ncoiln should
be eliminated if at all possible.
b. The availability of fresh batteries presents a supply and
resupply problem. The device must be designed to operate on batteries
which might logically be expected to be procured in denied areas.
Dependence on United States type batteries might severely restrict its
use.
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/05/01 : CIA-RDP78-03153A001300030018-8
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/05/01 : CIA-RDP78-03153A001300030018-8
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C, Training of indigenous personnel to listen for a null
seems to be a difficult procedure. In lieu of that system, it
is suggested a positive signal be transmitted by the device, such
as a buzz or a light flash, be developed.
5. Operationally, the issue of the detector should be closely controlled
and issued only when the cache could not be found by the usual cache recovery
methods. The transponder, however, would be placed in each cache.
6. It may prove infeasible, but the idea suggested here should be con-
sidered. Could this device incorporate a feature where it could serve as an
inspection device to determine the moisture content or other deterioration
factors present in the cache? The American Instrument Company, Silver
Springs, Maryland, has an instrument called the Ilydrotectorn which might
be applied to this use.
7. Distribution of the TSS memorandum did not appear to include
Deputy Director of Training (Special). It is suggested comments from that
Staff be secured, as the device not only has training implications, but if
the device is developed and procured, a training requirement for the device
will develop*
8. Then the replies from the other addresses are received, it is
requested that a meeting between the TSS representative and the Paramilitary
Operations Staff representative (Chief, Doctrine and Techniques) be held.
The purpose of this meeting would be to discuss and analyze the replies and
outline a course for further action on this matter,.
SFCIET
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/05/01 : CIA-RDP78-03153A001300030018-8
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