THE SIGNA SOCIETY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP87S00869R000200240001-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 7, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: October 3, 1983
• Content Type: MEMO

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4 OCT 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director for Administration
FROM: STAT
Director of Security
SUBJECT: The SIGNA Society
1. This memorandum is for information only.
2. It is my understanding that you have agreed to address
the Tenth Annual Convention of SIGNA in the Agency auditorium
at 4 p.m. on 13 October 1983. current
president of SIGNA, has asked that express his appreciation
for your acceptance of the Society's invitation. The convention,
drawing members from throughout the United-States, will be held
on 13 and 14 October 1983.
3. The SIGNA Society, established in April 1970, is an
organization composed of retired CIA security officers and it
has a current membership in excess of 250. The Society, which
by charter is nonprofit and nonpolitical, is most supportive
of the Agency and assiduously defends it. Both Admiral Inman
and Mr. John McMahon have addressed this group in the past,
providing interesting insights on the Agency, without discussing
classified information.
4. The majority of the SIGNA Society members were on
board with the Office of Security in the early 1960's, when the
Agency moved from temporary quarters in downtown Washington to
the "new" Headquarters complex here in McLean, Virginia. Some
of them would have been involved in the security planning
related to the construction. Unless you feel otherwise, I
thought it would be very relevant to have
Security Officer, New Building Project Office, provide an
unclassified briefing on developments in his area of
responsibility.
5. In view of the composition of the audience, it is
suggested that you provide some general comments on the current
health of CIA and otherwise go on a sentimental walk through the
Directorate, touching upon what's old and what's new in the
STAT
STAT
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organization. You might wish to wave the flag somewhat and
address some of the following points:
* Patriotism is not out of style in the Agency,
and we are still staffed with a large body of highly
dedicated and hardworking civil servants who are sincerely
concerned about the national security of the United States.
We have fine intelligence officers.
* The leadership or the organization enjoys the
support and backing of the White House in strengthening
the Agency, after the post-Watergate era of "doing more
with less."
* Agency employees face a lot of risks, particularly
in the overseas arena, and there are few compensating
benefits or financial rewards for the dangers and
discomforts experienced by Agency families.
* Our Office of Personnel continues to face the
challenging task of bringing on board quality people -
"the cream of the crop." The DCI and the DDCI are
especially concerned that we attract the right types
for our Career Training Program. There is great
pressure to expedite the screening process without
lowering standards.
* Our Office of Logistics has to be concerned about
a Headquarters Building constructed over two decades ago,
as we have moved into a computer age. Considerable attention
is being given to "quality of life" and space issues, as the
Agency grows and expands.
* The Office of Communications has been operating
with antiquated equipment, and a major modernization effort
is underway so that we can function at peak efficiency with
state-of-the-art telecommunications.
* A veritable revolution is taking place in terms
of computers and word processors - a very costly program.
Tremendous efforts are being made to stay in step, both
domestically and overseas, with the significant changes
underway. There is a tremendous impact throughout the
Agency as we get ready for paperless offices.
* The Office of Security continues to be plagued
by leaks to the news media concerning intelligence related
matters, and this is a very frustrating business. The DCI
is deeply concerned about unauthorized disclosures in the
Intelligence Community and on Capitol Hill.
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* Our Office of Information Services continues to face
the task of releasing data under the Freedom of Information
and Privacy Acts. There is a great need for legislative
relief in this area, and the Agency is exploring all
possible options.
* The Office of Medical Services is tasked with
providing the very best in medical support to our Agency
population, which is under heavy stress because of workload,
relocations, financial pressures, physical danger, and family
pressure.
* The Office of Training and Education has to respond
to a wide variety of training requirements from all major
elements of the Agency. We have to develop capable senior
managers, and there is renewed interest in rotational assign-
ments in order to "broaden horizons" to prepare the leaders
of the future.
6. As the bottom line, the Directorate of Administration
continues to be a support organization to line elements in the
Agency, and we are making every effort to be responsive, dynamic,
and people-oriented. The operating conditions may be a bit more
difficult in 1983, but we still maintain a tradition of excellence
and a "can do" attitude. The Agency has always maintained a
technological leadership role in the United States Government,
and our support organization has to stay in step with these
changes, without losing touch with the people. Our personnel
remains our most precious commodity.
Distribution:
Orig - Adse
I - D/S
(1)- OS Reg
1 - DD/P&M chrono
DD/P,M:laj (10-3-83)
STAT
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ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
SBJECT: (OplEonal)
The SIGNA Society
EXTENSION
NO
FROM:
.
ST
Deputy Director of Secu ity (P$M)
DATE
STA
Off 1983
T : (Officer designation, room number, and
building)
DATE
OFFICER'S
COMMENTS (Number each comment to show from whom
RECEIVED
FORWARDED
INITIALS
to whom. Draw a line across column after each comment.)
D/S
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11',.
12.
13.
14.
15.
FORM 610 USES OUS
1-79EONS -
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AT
T