THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP72-00039R000100340007-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 3, 2006
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: July 27, 1970
• Content Type: MF

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2 7 JUL 1970
MEMORANDUM,FORg Director of Communications
Director of Finance
Director of Logistics
Director of Medical Services
Director of Personnel
Director of Security
Director of Training
Chief, Support Services Staff
SUBJECT The Role of Technology in Plan UA_.,
for the Future
1. The Deputy Directors of the Agency recently met with
the Agency R&D Board. The world-wide technological revolution
which is now upon us, its impact on the Agency, and potential
Agency responses to the challenge posed by it were discussed.
In the past the Agency has applied technological innovations
primarily to intelligence collection and analysis. For the
future technology offers promise of greater understanding of
morea general problems and the development of techniques to cope
with those problems.
2. F r example, MM[r. ;D)uckett, Deputy Director for Science
.axed Technology, expressed concern about the appropriate A?ency
're7slronse to such diverse areas as laser technology, weather
modification, automation of intelligence activities, the future
role of the Agency in limited warfare, and the growing body of
Zcnowledgo in the life sciences. These areas, and more, will
saari:ely be important to uo in th,3 future. It is appropriate
that we new ask ourselves what areas the Agency should
properly be concerned with to aid in coping with future operational
and piaauagemsnt problems, and for intelligence support.
3. In the Support Directorate, we are charged with providing
supporting means whereby the Agency can fulfill its mission.
educed resources must be compensated for by new techniques So
we isn accomplish more with fewer assets. For example, in the
fIenJid of personnel se,:ioction, although we have made much progress
over- the years in selectiris; suitable individuals to work In the
A;_,,-!r-x:y, there is a presuried requLroment to upgrade Selection
prc?c-g>siure: s- and expand their scope to make those procedures even
a-sorca effective.. In the:, r.ap:idily growing field of communications,
developments are continually apt oaring. Much of the progress
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in these areas, and
sense of the word.
others, stems from technology in the broadest
How then can we exploit technology
of fectively?
4. It is tempting to embark on major technical programs
in an effort to expand our capabilities. An important'step must
come first. We must.clearly identify requirements in problem
areas where technology can contribute. Then, and only then, can
technology be called into play to assist in their satisfaction.
5. The bulk of the Support Directorate's involvement
with technology has been focused in the Offices of Communications,
Security, and Medical Services. The Offices of Personnel,
Logistics, Training, and Finance have benefited to a lesser
extent. I feel there indeed should be increased areas of
application of technology in these Offices as well. It is
my aim to start research on topics where technology might be
more effectively applied, and then propose a program in
forthcoming planning and budget cycles for its application.
I am therefore asking each of you to consider the above concerns
and to bring to my attention clearly identified problem areas
where, in your estimation, intelligent application of modern
technology' might aid in their solution. I have asked Dr.
he DD/S representative to the R&D Board,
to serve as my coordinator for this effort. Please submit
your views to me through him. In order to be of maximum use
to the Agency the planning cycle, I would like your-response
by 1. September 1910.
L.
Deputy Director
for Support
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