PROFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS, BASIC APPROACH

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CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0
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RIFPUB
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S
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19
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November 4, 2016
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October 20, 1998
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1
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Publication Date: 
June 21, 1991
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REQ
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Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 STFIFI GATE DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DT-9-1039-SL PAOFICIEIICY EIIHAI1CEIIlEIIT PROJECTS (U) BASIC APPROACH .GTCA#r~ STRA GATE 21 JUnE 1991 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R0029003700 40`" Y Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789ROO2900370001-0 PROFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS BASIC APPROACH Date of Publication 21 June 1991 This is a Department of Defense Intelligence Document prepared by Technology Assessment and Support Office, Directorate for Scientific and Technical Intelligence Defense Intelligence Agency. Technology Assessment and Support Office (DT-S) REPRODUCTION REQUIRES APPROVAL OF ORIGINATOR OR HIGHER DOD AUTHORITY FURTHER DISSEMINATION ONLY AS DIRECTED BY DT OR HIGHER DOD AUTHORITY CLASSIFIED BY: DIA/DT DECLASSIFY ON: OADR /I10FOAI1/LImDI9 STAR GATE Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789ROO2900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 UIlCLASSIFIED CONTENTS I PURPOSE ............................................ 1 II SCOPE/OBJECTIVE .................................... 1 III PROFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS ................... 2 IV DATA BASE ISSUES ................................... 6 A. PROFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PUBLICATIONS B. SESSION TASKING C. DATA BASE REQUIREMENTS D. PARAMETER EVALUATION SERIES UIICLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 PROFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS BASIC APPROACH I. (U) PURPOSE: (S/NF) The purpose of this document is to identify basic options for proficiency enhancement that are available to DT-S project personnel. II. (U) SCOPE/OBJECTIVES: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) The performance enhancement projects discussed in this report are organized according to various options that relate to both applications research investigations and potential operational tasks. These options include rapid practice/feedback projects, parameter exploration projects, and a variety of projects that relate to, or possibly simulate, anticipated operational tasks. (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) These various proficiency options, therefore provide a means for systematic training/practice, and assist in systematic review or assessment of potential intelligence operational application. (U) Appendix material identifies types of information required for keeping track of individual proficiency activity and for developing appropriate data base records. Previous proficiency-related publications and details on one of the research-related options are also included in appendix material. IlOF0AI1/LIMDI9 STAR GATE Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 III. (U) PROFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) A variety of proficiency enhancement projects are reviewed in this section. These projects (proficiency options) all require tailored target pools. Many of these target pools have already been developed; others are in preparation. These project options are summarized below: o (U) OPTION I - EXPLORATORY: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) This option consists of a wide variety of target pool material that should permit easy evaluation of how well individuals perform on specific target elements. For example, it includes targets with only color, targets with only basic/simple shapes or geometries, out-of- context targets, printed material targets, or unique combinations of these. Primary purpose of this option is to assist in an individual's "calibration", such as evaluating the extent of "analytical overlay" or other noise sources that might be generally present in the data. Fundamental aspects of the overall process might also be deducible from comparison of the individuals raw data to the target specifics. This option will also link, where possible, to external contractor projects of a similar nature. Targets in this option also have relevance for certain applications where unique elements might be important (e.g., search projects). o (U) OPTION II - COMPUTER AIDED: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) This option is intended for high- volume use and is based on a computerized training/practice technique recently developed by DT-S personnel. This option permits rapid target selection and rapid feedback for potentially thousands of targets. It is highly flexible, can operate in a variety of modes, and automatically maintain all pertinent records including success/failure rates (and probabilities). It can also be used in a "sender/receiver" mode to simulate or evaluate communication potential. Such a mode could have relevance for hostage projects. (U) Details on this option are contained in DT-S- 1036-SL, PROFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT -- PHASE I; 6 June 1991. o (U) OPTION III - BEACON PERSON: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) This option permits exploration of the role of a beacon person (or "sender") and is composed of NJ JALJ U Al nOFOAn/LImDIS STAR GATE Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 actual targets that exist in the Baltimore-Washington area. Targets are randomly selected from the target pool and a beacon person then visits the actual site to observe the area. This option has been found to be particularly useful for new individuals or for demonstration purposes. The target pool consists of a variety of diverse target possibilities. (U) Additional details on this option are contained in DT-S-1009-S, PROTOCOL FOR BEACON PERSON TARGETING, 19 Dec 1990, and in DT-S-1015-SL, ACTIVITY DEMONSTRATION, 15 Jan 1991. o (U) OPTION IV - GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC AREAS/SITES: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) For examination of a variety of potential near or distant situations, this option offers the most flexibility. The target pool consists of a large number of geographic targets as referenced by photographs, pages selected from magazines such as National Geographic or other outdoor- oriented publication. The targets are usually designated (to the viewer) via "encrypted coordinates" or some other neutral means. This option permits extensive evaluation of a viewer's strengths/ weaknesses on a variety of natural and man-made elements. It is a key stepping stone for progressing toward operational proficiency for projects involving remote area descriptions and possibly search/track projects. This option is also a natural extension of a previously-developed training procedure. It also permits "operational simulations", since this target pool also contains easy-to-verify military/technical targets (e.g., US facilities) to permit operational calibration and to evaluate feasibility of certain types of potential operational projects. o (U) OPTION V - PERSONALITIES: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) This option permits evaluation of ability to describe target personality characteristics or other aspects (such as state-of-health). The associated target pool consists of names, photographs, or background printed material of historical figures, fictional characters, or foreign personalities. These personalities can be well-known or unknown, male or female, or of any age or race. Results on this option should permit evaluation of a specific individual's capability for projects that involve personalties; i.e., certain counterterrorism tasks, hostage status, or other. o (U) OPTION VI - DOCUMENTS: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) There may be instances where a "target document" is of interest. This option permits systematic IlOFOAII/LIIIIDIS STAR GATE Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 exploration of "document reading/description" for a variety of document types and various parameters such as document format, location, and method of targeting. A target pool with a wide variety of document types permits such an assessment. o (U) OPTION VII - SEARCH/TRACK: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) One of the most difficult operational projects is that involving location of missing equipment or people. This option permits search "simulation" and involves the actual finding of designated individuals (e.g., witting beacon persons), hidden equipment, or other material. This option will have its own unique target pool, but can also be worked in conjunction with most of the previous options. o (U) OPTION VIII - PRECOGNITION: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) A variety of general predictive tasks are included in this option. Most of them will be easy to verify. Example tasks/questions could include prediction of international activity/events of headline importance within the next 3-5 days (or other time frames), prediction of which target will be selected next in any of the previous options, or other similar tasks. A track record from this option should indicate the viability of "prediction" as a prime or parallel activity in any future operational task. A computer-based precognition procedure has also been developed as part of this option. o (U) OPTIONS IX - POLICE CASES: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) This will be for advanced proficiency enhancement due to the diversity and complexity of most police cases. The specifics in this option would be drawn from already-solved police case work (not from local area), and possibly from on-going activity if a reasonable chance of near- term resolution exists. Unit involvement in such a situation would be very limited and strictly voluntary; data generated would only be kept in-file and not provided to law enforcement officials unless unique circumstances dictate otherwise. (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) Police cases in this option could include missing persons, suspect description, or location of key evidence. Experience gained from such projects, even if very limited, should directly benefit certain counternarcotics, counterterrorism, or possibly counterintelligence projects. - GA /1OFOAI1/LImDIS STAAGATE Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 o OPTION X - PARAMETER EVALUATION SERIES: (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) This option permits project personnel to directly support aspects of the overall research objectives. The potential value of this option is derived from the nature of this target pool. Care is taken to construct various target pool categories that clearly define various target-types, ranging from very simple to highly complex. Some of the target-types are similar to those found in other project options; however the targets in this option are more carefully selected and relate in a more systematic way to other targets in the overall pool. By careful target pool design, certain clues on phenomenon operation might be more apparent than from targets developed purely from an operational or applications perspective. In addition, specific targets in this pool could be easily subjected to some type of parameter manipulation, such as distance, shielding, or unique environment exposure to look for possible physical variables or influences. Some of these targets could also be duplicated and made available to a variety of research facilities for possible joint projects (i.e., via the external contractor for this area). Targets in this option could also be used for initial screening of candidate individuals. (U) Additional details on target pool construction for this option are presented in Appendix D. o (U) OPTION XI - TBD: (S/NF) There will probably be other application of potential interest that will require unique target pools for proficiency evaluation. These will be developed as needed. "rT/ GFoRn/LImDIS STAR GATE Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 IV. (U) DATA BASE ISSUES: (S/NF) This section addresses general data record aspects of these proficiency enhancement projects. A previous publication discusses specific procedures and protocols for this overall proficiency series. (DT-S-1031-SL, PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL PROFICIENCY TARGETS (U), 5 April 1991). Other proficiency- related publications are listed in Appendix A. (U) An example of session information for any of the project options is shown in Appendix B (Session Tasking Sheet) and Appendix C (Data Base Requirements). Only those aspects relevant to any option would be highlighted on the task sheet; project personnel would be clearly told prior to project start what option the proficiency task involves. It may be that certain people have option preferences, or over time, show better proficiency on some of the options. These preferences (or patterns) would provide insight into potential application projects suitable for that individual. (U) Appendix C data permits easy extraction of information useful for examining possible variables, such as influence of a monitor (if present), affects of targeting technique, influence of a sender/beacon person, or other potential factors such as an individual's mood or expectations. Additionally, target variables such as target size, location, or other parameters can also be noted and reviewed for possible patterns. (U) All target material used in any of the proficiency options will be on a "with replacement" approach. That is, a selected target will be returned to the pool, and could be selected again (on a random basis) at any time. This permits assessment of significance of "identical targets" in viewer performance, and simplifies target pool maintenance. (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) Data evaluation procedures for these proficiency options will be as outlined in previous project reports (EVALUATION METHODS; PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL PROFICIENCY TARGETS). In addition, "control individuals" will be identified and requested to provide data on select tasks. This will permit a "control data base" to be developed for comparison to data generated by STAR GATE sources. (S/SG/NF/LIMDIS) In time, and with a large data base, operational limitations/constraints might also be deducible from these proficiency enhancement projects. _____. ROFORII/LImDI5 STAR GATE Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Uf CLASSIFIED PROFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PUBLICATIONS: 1. DT-S-1009-S 19 DEC 90 PROTOCOL FOR BEACON PERSON TARGETING 2. DT-S-1010-S 13 DEC 90 EVALUATION METHODS 3. DT-S-1015-SL 15 JAN 91 ACTIVITY DEMONSTRATION 4. DT-S-1031-SL 5 APR 91 PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL PROFICIENCY TARGETS 5. DT-S-1036-SL 6 JUN 91 PROFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT - PHASE I UIICLRSSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 UIICLASSIFIED GENERIC TASK SHEET SPECIAL PROFICIENCY TARGET (SPT) DATE: ? TARGET NO: COMPLETE DATE: TARGET DATA DESIRED: 1. DESCRIBE KEY TARGET FEATURES: (Include forms, shapes, spatial aspect, color, motion/dynamics): Emphasize the following: ? Do for the following perspectives: - Ground-level - over-view - Other: ? List in order of importance/most likely. 2. IDENTIFY KEY TARGET CONTENT: (Include meaning, purpose, function, nature of activity, type/nature of people if present): - Emphasize the following: - List in order of importance/most likely. UIICLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 u~k Va} . H 1 ;J Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 APPENDIX B SESSIOIl TFISKII1G SHEET Bonr+ce No. Date Tasked suspense Date Task/Target1ng No.: Target/Target Package Location: Targeting Technique : Target Data Desired: 1. DESCRIBE HEY TART FEATURES (include forms, shapes, spatial aspects, color, motion/dynamics): - Emphasize the following: - Do the following Perspectives: Ground Ievel Over-view Other: 2. IDENTIFY KEY TARGET OONTENT (include meaning, purpose, function, nature of activity, type /nature of people, if present): _ Emphasize the following: 3. IF PEE ONALITY, DESCIZTBR : 4. OTHER: (Bee attached) 5. TASK UNDERSTANDING: Be sure to discuss this task with the Branch Chief or his designee to ensure that all objectives are understood and that no misunderstandings exist. 6. OTHER GUIDANCE: Select your own style, technique, timing. Prepare summaries, record data as previously specified. Please let the Branch Chief or his designee know your preference, estimated timing, and number of anticipated sessions. 7. NOTE: Identify data on your summary sheet according to perceived importance and list (or underline) data you perceive to be the most likely. 8. RENDER: The target can be anything; have fun. Approved For Release 2 fO8fO84?dIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 APPENDIX C ~nqha~saeEp= ,u, A. (U) ON SOURCES' SUMMARIES: - Task/Target No. - Target Designator - Targeting Method/Technique - Monitor (if used) - Estimate Of Outcome (High, Medium, Low) - Possible Session Aids/Distractions - Source No. - Date - Session No. - Session Start Time - Session Stop Time - Session Class - Session Type B. (U) ADDITIONAL PROJECT RECORDS - Project Type - Project Objective - Specific Task/Key Questions (Generic Task Sheet Data) - Target/Target Package Location - Feedback Details (Specifics Attached, If Necessary) - Specific Monitor Knowledge (If Not Solo/Double Blind) - Others On Project With Target Knowledge (Specify) - Source's Data (Attached Session Summary) - Ops Reporting No. (If Operational) - Possible Session Aids/Distractions - Possible Psychological Variables - Possible Physical Variables C. (U) EVALUATION DATA: - Sources' Results (Data Correlation, Accuracy/Reliability) - Sources' Results (Utility, Where Applicable) - Control's Results (If used) - Evaluator(s) UfCLRSSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 UIlCLASSIFIED 4. TASK UNDERSTANDING: Be sure to discuss this task with the Branch Chief or his designee to ensure that all objectives are understood and that no misunderstandings exist. 5. OTHER GUIDANCE: Select own style, technique, timing. Prepare summaries, record data as previously specified. Please let Branch Chief or his designee know your preference, estimated timing, and number of anticipated sessions. 6. REMINDER: Target can be anything; have fun. UI1CLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 UIICLASSIFIED RECORD DATA REQUIRED 0 Record following on upper right of summary: - PROJECT NO: . - DATE: . - TIME: . - SOURCE NO: . - SESSION NO: . - MONITOR: . - SESSION CLASS: - SESSION TYPE: o other record data, such as target control type, targeting technique, target source, who has target knowledgeability, and other data will be recorded in the project records for each specific SPT target. UIlCLRSSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 UIICLASSIFIED PARAMETER EVALUATION SERIES OPTION X UrICLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 UIlCLASSIFIED PARAMETER EVALUATION SERIES To systematically search for physical and psychophysical parameters that are important to parapsychological performance: - Candidate physical parameters would include distance to target, shielding, type of feedback. - Candidate psychophysical parameters would include individual cognitive style, RV session strategy, targeting methodologies, and possibly nature of the target. GENERAL APPROACH: Development of a target pool of 80 targets that permits systematic examination of some candidate parameters is central to this evaluation series. Several proven individuals, as well as those with predetermined potential will be required. Some type of psychological/neurophysiological profiling will also be necessary (e.g., personality type, cognitive style). Parameters of interest can be explored systematically with proper session design. Session variables could include distance to target, feedback conditions, type of targeting (beacon person, abstract). For the distance parameter, either the individual would travel to a variety of locations, or a duplicate target pool could be moved around. It would be desirable to have all sources perform on all targets in the pool. This would maximize the chances of identifying variables, including subtle aspects, that may have a role in phenomena operation. TARGET POOL: The target pool in this series will have the following four categories: CATEGORY A: This category comprises of twenty targets that are "form" dominant. That is, they are pictorial target of generally simple geometric shapes or forms (e.g., Egyptian pyramids, cones). Only a few colors will be dominant, and background, if any, will not be a significant feature. The context, scale, or function/purpose of the target scene or object may not be apparent, and is not of prime interest in this category. Consequently, evaluation of RV data from Category A targets will UIlCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789ROO2900370001-0 UIICLASSIFIED focus on "form-color" elements, not on the analytical aspects. CATEGORY B: This category is comprised of twenty pictorial targets that are combinations of form/content. Consequently, both shape and content correlations are equally important in evaluating the raw data. The targets will be as simple as possible, although they will have a variety of elements that will be relatively unique across targets. In addition, background or setting will be important elements, as will the overall context of the target contents. Some of these targets will have features that indicate, or imply, specific dynamic aspects or other target attributes (e.g., temperature, direction of motion). Category B targets will have a mix of unique forms/shapes, may have a variety of colors, a variety of settings or backgrounds, and will be natural (e.g., scenes, people, wildlife), manmade (e.g., buildings, devices), or combinations of these. The targets will not be overly complex so that evaluation can be facilitated and so that cross-target comparisons can be made, if desired. Although pictorial material is emphasized, a few targets could be combinations of printed and pictorial elements, with relevant words or sentences superimposed on the target picture. CATEGORY C: These targets (20 totaled) will be representative of operational projects. They will be complex in nature, have a variety of target elements including pictorial, printed material, or combinations. Although each target will have unique aspects, there could be some overlap with other targets. Consequently, fine discrimination, precise form, exact spatial relationships, or accurate assessment of target content (e.g., specific location, specific function of device) would be required to determine how well the source's data matched the target. CATEGORY D: These twenty targets will permit exploration of target features or aspects not necessarily contained in the first three categories. These targets would include 3-D objects or unusual forms of target representation. Some of the targets could be 3-D versions of pictorial targets in the previous categories. Such targets will permit determination of "dimensional effects", if any, on the individual viewers' perceptions. UIlCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789ROO2900370001-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 " UIICLASSIFIED EVALUATION: Data evaluation would be accomplished in several ways: rank order (subgroups), figure of merit, concept analysis, or use of "fuzzy set" methodology. In addition, raw data-target element correlation analysis would be required in order to assess effects, if any, of some of the variables such as distance, shielding, targeting methods, etc. Each target category may require a separate evaluation approach; however, the series could be evaluated by using a "meta-analysis" method as well. It is envisioned that sufficient variety will exist in the 80 targets, and in target pool/subject manipulation, that certain key parameters regarding phenomenon functioning and reliability could be identified at completion of this parameter evaluation series. ALTERNATE USE: An abbreviated version of the target pools developed for this parameter evaluation series could be used for screening/selecting people with potential. For example, four or five targets from each of the four categories could be incorporated into some form of easy-to-use capability testing approach. Candidate individuals would perform a specified number of trials, and results could identify potential candidates and their targeting or subject matter preferences. UI1CLRSSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0