ARMED FORCES STAFF COLLEGE - CLASS #40

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-06367A000100050004-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 26, 2000
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: March 21, 1967
• Content Type: MF

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7
LIAR ;"01
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Training
THROUGH: Director, Scientific Intelligence
SUBJECT: Armed Forces Staff College - Class #40
1. The undersigned attended the 40th Class of
Armed Forces Staff College (AFSC) from 22 August 1966
to 20 January 1967. The mission of the AFSC is:
"To conduct a course of study in joint
and combined organization, planning, and
operations, and in related aspects of
national and international security, in
order to enhance the preparation of selected
military officers for duty in all echelons
of joint and combined commands."
2. I found that the course of instruction was
excellent in content, emphasis, and level, for the
experience of the assigned students. It not only
covered organization, functions, and planning of joint
and combined military staffs, but included instruction
in subjects of special Agency interests, such as counter-
insurgency, civic action, Country Team concept, area
studies, national strategy, and future military operations
and requirements. As a result, the curriculum was a
balanced program of value to not only members of the
Department of Defense, but to other Agencies of the
Government.
3. The curriculum provided free expression and
discussion of all elements of military operations to
include foreign policy, foreign economic aid, and
cooperation-coordination with other governmental agencies.
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SUBJECT: Armed Forces Staff College Course - Class #40
The instruction promoted an excellent opportunity for
unity, understanding, and teamwork among the services.
At the same time, the addition of Allied and US civilian
students enhanced the over-all atmosphere of mutual
understanding between various governmental agencies and
foreign and US Armed Forces. I feel this is an important
part of the College objective since at the educational level
and career of the military officer, he begins subordinating
his service loyalty and is developing a broader understanding
of the other Services. He has an opportunity to view the
entire defense posture of the country and how it is accom-
plished by a unified effort of the government structure
beyond the Department of Defense. In my own case, I feel
that I have an improved knowledge of the Armed Forces,
their requirements, methods and thinking on world problems.
On the other hand, I found early in the course, that many
officers had little knowledge of, or a distorted view of
the Agency, but after the course I am confident that they
have a much improved concept of the Agency.
4. The guest lecture program was an impressive array
of senior military, university and governmental speakers.
Ambassador-at-large Averell Harriman delivered the
graduation address. Col. White's presentation on the
Agency was well received. After his talk, many students
expressed an appreciation for his candid, forthright
approach, and the knowledge they gained.
5. The friendships made during the course will be
lasting and will be valuable to me in my future assign-
ments. The caliber of officers selected for attendance
at the AFSC denotes high professional standing and
potential for senior commanders and high level staff
assignments. In the future, Agency relations with these
officers, their staffs and commands, will certainly be
enhanced.
6. The format of the student body, faculty, seminar
arrangement and administration organization remained the
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SUB ECT : Armed Forces Staff College Course - Class #40
saim for Class #40 as has been for other classes in the
past few years. The College facilities were excellent
in supporting the students, special mention should be
made for their fine library and competent staff. The
proraii; of sports and social activities created close
fellows ..ip among;. the students and faculty. The seminar
approach to most of the instruction was outstanding in
providing the maximum individual expression of thought,
ideas and participation.
7. The Agency administration support to me was
excellent. I found that I was better informed and
equipped than the students from other Agencies. A
discrepancy does exist among the Agencies in the matter
of per diem. This is one area where the Agency falls
short. Agency students are hampered in not being able
to _aintain their share of social obligations that are
so imtortant in military circles and life at the College.
I strongly recommend that the Agency per diem be raised
in consonance with other civilian agencies.
S. In summary, I would like to highlight that most
of he military students are young, inquisitive and naive
in matters of the Agency, in fact the course provides
many of them with a first real contact with Agency
personnel and information about the Agency. As a result,
the selection of future Agency students should be keyed
to the challenge and situation that they will encounter
by attending the College. I feel honored for having had
the opportunity to represent the Agency at the College.
Agency graduates are "ambassadors" whose contacts and
training need not be wasted. The Agency greatly benefits
b;j the representation at the College and I strongly urge
that additional slots be requested.
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