SUMMARY OF VISIT TO SRI INTERNATIONAL (12-15 DECEMBER 1978

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: STARGATE
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP96-00788R001200240007-7
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: November 4, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 19, 1998
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: December 19, 1978
• Content Type: MFR

Approved For Release 2000/08/07 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200240007-7
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
IAFM-OPS-HUP 19 December 1978
SUBJ: Summary of Visit to SRI International (12-15 December 1978 (U)
1. (S/NOFORN) PURPOSE: This MFR highlights significant items covered during
my visit to SRI. The primary reason for the visit was to undergo formal
training concerning techniques of conducting "remote viewing" experiments.
2.0)This initial training cycle was limited to approximately 3 days since one
phase of the program was rescheduled due to lack of resources (experitments at
Ft Ord with CDEC element were rescheduled until mid/late January 1979 because
SRI did not have trained Subject available).
3.(Q)Topics covered during the 3-day training session are as listed:
a. Right/Left hemisphere dominance.
b. Method of screening potential subjects.
c. Role of statisties.
d. Review of recent experiments conducted by SRI.
e. Statistics - How they are applied to experiments.
f. Review of tape recordings from recent experiments.
g. Instructions on judging procedures.
h. Factors that inhibit/enhance success of experiements.
i. Relationship of subject to interviewer.
J. Role of out-bound team.
1. (S/NOFORN) During the course of the 3-day visit, several informal discussion
sessions were held. These sessions proved invaluable as regards the exchange of
various points-of-view on remote viewing phenomena. Some of the "key" discussion
points are listed below:
a. One of the primary objectives of our program will be to establish how we
can use the information obtained via remote viewing. For example, it would 4 us
little good if a psychic describes place where kidnapper holds individual but d4
can't tell you where the place is located.
Class by DIR DIA
Declassify on 20 Dec 98
Extended by DIR DIA
Reason: 2-301-C (3)(6).
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b. Ruled out use of questionnaire that we had developed for screening
possible subjects. Felt that questions were "hostile", could be misleading, danger of
people seeking right or correct answer, and really wouldn't prove anything one
way or another.
c. As a result, we agreed that selection of subjects should be done via
one of the following methods:
(1) Modify questionnaire--use as a vehicle to open discussion with
possible subjects during one-on-one interview.
(2) Have SRI rep speak to INSCOM personnel at some sort of assembly
using "Broadening of Mind" approach. This proposal has element of security risk
even though presentation would have cover of professional development as purpose
for presentation.
d. Security of program was discussed in great detail. SRI personnel would
probably feel better if everything was "out-in-the-open". Suggest we discuss with
SRI (and their subjects) before DA prepares any final position concerning what
will or will not be released to the press.
e. SRI stressed that DA, INSCOM, etc. should be aware that training
program will not insure instant success and that development of subject's ability to
perform at a reasonable level could take up to two years and, even then, no one
can guarantee success.
f. A review of SRI's year-end studies in remote viewing revealed the
following:
(1)
There is an increase in reliability of psychoenergetic functioning
result of practice.
(2) Following factors appears to inhibit success in RV:
(a) Prior knowledge of target possibilities.
(b) Absence of feedback.
(c) Doing trivial tasks (test for the sake of testing).
(d) Use of repetitive target sequences.
(3) Factors that enhance success in RV:
(a) Interest factor for SUBJECT.
(b) Seriousness of purpose.
(c) A monitor to ask questions.
(d) Practice with feedback.
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g. We (myself, Dr. Puthoff, Russell Targ) decided that in judging
INSCOM experi=ments that the best approach would be for the judge to go to
Site 1 and review selected number of target transcripts and rate accordingly.
h. One of SRI's principal SUBJECTS stressed that individual (selected
for program) is going to have to handle the fact that change to basic beliefs
might occur.
5. (S/NOFORN) We agreed that target date of late January 1979 was realistic
for being prepared to make final selection of INSCOM subjects. SRI will send
representatives to Ft Meade to help in final selection procedure. I suggested
that it m ght be possible to arrange luncheon during such a visit whereby the
ACSI, CDR INSCOM and other senior Army officials could have the opportunity to
meet the SRI team (including Il) and discuss overall philosophy of program.
NOTE: I will pursue this item with OACSI Action Officer - Maj Stoner, and
appropriate officials within INSCOM.
C__ fj
"' MU` MI) . WATT
MAJ, MI
INSCOM GRILL FLAME
Project Officer
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19 December 1978
SUBJ: SRI International Visit (12-15 Dec 78), Time Schedule
TUESDAY - 12
0900:
1145:
1200-1300:
1300-1330:
1330-1500:
1500-1830:
Dec 78
Departed Baltimore/Washington Airport.
Arrived San Francisco Airport.
Travel to and in-processing at hotel.
Travel to SRI (via rent-a-car).
Discuss agenda for training sessions.
Presentation on "Remote Viewing" techniques by Charles Tart (via
graduate student).
WEDNESDAY - 13 Dec 78
0800-1730: Remote Viewing Training Techniques.
THURSDAY - 14+ Dec 78
0800-1600: Remote Viewing Training Techniques.
1600-1830: Discussions with Dr. Puthoff and Ingo Swann.
FRIDAY - 15 Dec 78
0800-1000: Remote Viewing Training Techniques.
1000-1190: Review of "Advanced Threat Technique Assessment."
1100-111+5: Wrap-up session with Dr. Puthoff and Mr. Targ.
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