FOR YOUR DDS MEETING SOME GUT ISSUES RE THE SENIOR SEMINAR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84-00780R005000020026-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 29
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 16, 2006
• Sequence Number: 26
• Publication Date: July 7, 1972
• Content Type: MF

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F I L E
D D j ' $ R E G 1 S 1 R Y
7 July 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR: Acting Deputy Director for Support
SUBJECT For your DDs Meeting
Some Gut Issues re the Senior Seminar
1. Do our senior officers - good GS-15's and supergrades -
really need training? Does participation in a good training program
help a senior officer do his job better, or help him when he takes on
a more responsible job, and thus improve the capability and effective-
ness of the Agency? For what number of our officers, GS-15 and up, do
these conditions apply?
2. Does the Senior Seminar, based on the experience of two run-
nings, cut the mustard?
3. If a decision is made to continue the Senior Seminar, we must
keep trying to keep it a high quality program and work constantly to
improve it - thus making it more valuable to the Agency.
a. It must be kept vigorous and current. Twice a year is
ideal. Once a year means the operators of the Seminar forget the
lessons learned before the next running a year away.
b. OTR will have problems keeping a staff together to run it
only once a year.
c. The Senior Seminar is the Agency's principal Executive
Development training program. The Seminar is a good safety valve to
show we are in step with administration policy in the area. Forty
officers a year - out of an Agency population of GS-15's and super-
grades I I- is not a heavy drain.
1-3
d. The Senior Seminar, as the cap-stone of our pyramid, com-
pletes the training cycle from EOD to Midcareer to Senior responsibility.
4. Proposal: A fall back position - If the Senior Seminar is
not approved for two runnings annually. ORI/CDF Pages _1 and
C0 N F ID It !'I.
ExGiAdL{1 SYcnl . aMa'
U'i tdli . sad
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Approve the Senior Seminar for three runnings - spring and fall -
which would go through the fall running of 1973. Then take a new look
at how hard it is to select participants and at the amount of interest
and demand. Based on the first two runnings, OTR tells me this demand
is growing, as indicated by inquiries of individual senior officers and
calls from components as to the next running. But running-to-running
approval only hobbles the staff and the planning of nominations. Also,
almost half the time from conclusion of the last Seminar - 12 May - until
the proposed start of the next - 17 September - has passed.
Acting Director of Training
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STAT
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19 May 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director for Support
THROUGH Director of Medical Services
SUBJECT Attendance at the Senior Seminar
t :C
1. Having just completed the Senior Seminar I thought
that a brief report to you might be in order. This seems
especially proper in view of my initial strong reluctance
to be a participant in the course.
2. I must say that I think the OTR Staff responsible
for the course put together an extremely fine, broad
spectrum course. I did not learn anything strikingly new
that will enable me to perform more effectively in my current
position. However, I believe that is because being in my
present position I am generally kept informed and advised on
a broad front of Agency interests and concerns. It is my
impression that other participants in this last seminar may
not have the same advantage. In the sense of seeing and
hearing how the other half lives and operates, I suggest the
course is of high value. The opportunity for me to hear
experts in various fields from outside the Agency is
especially appreciated.
3. My overall reaction to the course is a positive one.
I appreciate the opportunity for attendance and certainly
endorse continuation of the Senior Seminar. In about four
or five years I'll be ready for a refresher.
Deputy Director o Medical ces
Enclude~ L ..7 _., ;a 41
da :r~r i
deciaa i :,
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28 June 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR: Executive Director
SUBJECT : Summary Views on the Future of the Senior
Seminar
1. Per our conversation, I polled the Deputies with the following
results:
a) DDS&T and D/PPB concur in the Director of Training
and the DDS recommendation "to make the Seminar a part of
the Agency's regular training program, offered twice annually,
with the next running scheduled to commence in mid-September
and nominations due to the Training Selection Board by 15 August. "
b) ADDI concurs in the continuation of the Seminar provided
there be less concern that it be for supergrades only, that it be
offered once a year, and not viewed as a replacement for other
senior schools (his note to me is attached).
c) Per ADDP has substantially the same view
as the AD but thinks something shorter than nine weeks should
be offered. He asks that more emphasis be placed on experience
level and prospects for total service rather than the supergrade
criteria. Points to difficulty of sparing good people twice a year
for nine weeks and would like to discuss the Seminar with you if
you have any problem with his reservations.
2. D/PPB's report is attached. It notes that the Seminar has cost
$ 431, 000 to date, which includes salaries of Seminar staff members. You
will note that it also includes the salaries of Seminar participants. I think
this is misleading since these are "opportunity costs" and someone is
learning by filling in for the man who is attending the Seminar.
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[7til
P /, _Q2 .2~ /
MEMORANDUM FOR: Executive Director-Comptroller
SUBJECT CIA Senior Seminar
1. This memorandum recounts our experience with two run-
nings of the Senior Seminar and requests in paragraph S approval
for establishing the Seminar as a regular Agency training program.
2. From the critiques prepared by the 20 officers in Seminar
One and the 18 who completed Seminar Two, the memoranda some
participants prepared after returning to their jobs, and from
our experience in conducting the Seminar, I believe it is real-
istic to conclude that the program has been successfully estab-
lished and accepted as such. As a training experience for
officers in the supergrades and promising GS-151s, I would rate
it at least as good as the external courses our officers attend.
The content of the Seminar--focusing on the Agency, its work,
its processes and problems, and its relationships with other
elements in government, on U.S. foreign policy interests, and
on domestic developments which impact on CIA--makes the Seminar
uniquely responsive to the needs and interests of our senior
officers. The guest speakers from within CIA, from other
agencies, and from the academic world have been, with infrequent
exception, of an extremely high quality. The utilization of
the experience of the participating officers in the teaching and
learning process in the Seminar has been a key element. In sum,
I believe that the design and the execution of the Seminar in
its first two runnings have proven successful and that it has
been a productive investment of the time of the participating
officers and of the Seminar Staff. This conclusion is abundantly
supported by the views of Seminar members as indicated in the
Attachment of extracts taken from critiques of the Seminar and
from memoranda voluntarily provided to us.
3. I realize that there is considerable concern as to
whether the directorates and components of the Agency are able
to dispense with the services of excellent senior officers and
comers so they can attend the Senior Seminar. In Seminar One,
except for the matter of grade level which is discussed below,
I find reason to be quite satisfied. Since November 1971 when
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Seminar One was completed, seven of the 20 participating officers
have moved into new job assignments and two more are scheduled
to do so over the next several months. Two of the 20 have been
promoted, including one of those who moved into a new job assign-
ment. It is, of course, still too early to anticipate what will
happen with the participants of Seminar Two, but it is note-
worthy that three of the 18 officers who completed the second
running were promoted during the Seminar. All this does not
suggest that a change in assignment or grade is a direct result
of attending the Senior Seminar, but I believe it is fair to
conclude that the first two rvmings included a number of offi-
cers who were clearly marked with the potential to advance in
grade and into more responsible Agency positions.
4. This does not mean that I an completely satisfied with
the results of the process of nominating officers for the Senior
Seminar as it has worked to date. Only seven of the 35 who were
nominated for Seminar One and eight of the 21 nominated for
Seminar Two were supergrades. It would be most desirable to
receive a larger number of suporgrade nominations for each run-
ning. As the nominations to Seminar Two totalled only 21 offi-
cers, tie Training Selection Board accepted all nominees, thus
eliminating the possibility of selecting participants so as to
secure a strong combination of area experience and functional
expertise. One officer was withdrawn prior to the running, a
second soon after it began and a third failed to complete the
last week. While Seminar Two as a whole did include officers
with diverse functional backgrounds, it was considerably lighter
in area experience than the first Seminar group. I am inclined
to believe that a major factor was the brief lead time between
the authorization for the second running and the deadline for
nominations by the directorates. Putting the Seminar on a
regularly scheduled basis with a long lead time for components
and directorates to plan nominations would go far to insure that
each Seminar group is strongly balanced and that alternates can
be picked to take the place of officers who are withdrawn.
S. Within the concept of the core curriculum, the Senior
Seminar represents the capstone of the Agency's training program
and should provide the key internal training element in the
Agency's executive development program. I recommend that you
seek the Director's approval to make the Seminar a part of the
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Agency's regular training program, offered twice annually,
with tae next running scheduled to commence in a id-Se tember
and nominations due to the Tra.i in Selection Board by
August.
T. CUNN NGEIAM
Director o
tst god) Join W. Cootoy
Deputy Director
for Support
The recommendation in paragra
Executive Director-Comptroller
5 is approved:
Distribution:
- adse (Ret to DTR via IUD/S) 2 - DTR (I
I - Exiir-Cor t
- ER
2 f 4Zo?
Training
18 VV 137?
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Extracts from Memoranda Prepared after
Senior Seminar One
"Generalizing from my own experience, there must be many other
senior officials whose work has been isolated within a narrow
field, who for one reason or another have never been exposed to
the Midcareer Course or something comparable, and who would
therefore benefit greatly from attendance at a Senior Seminar...
I would recommend that the Senior Seminar be institutionalized
as a regular CIA course."
David Brandwein, Director, FMSAC
"My belief that the Seminar should be continued is so strong that
my comments in this memorandum are focused less on the merits of
the present course than on ideas to help improve future runnings
...The Seminar was the most rewarding personal and professional
experience I have had in years." 25X1
(now) Deputy Chief
European Division, OCI
"The recently completed Senior Seminar was the finest course,
Agency or non-Agency, that I have ever attended. It was out-
standingly effective in its effort to renew one's sense of per-
sonal motivation and appetite for achievement ...I strongly 25x1
recommend continuation of the Senior Seminar."
I I Chief, Scientific
and In ustrial Division, IAS ?
"I consider it a real privilege to have been chosen to attend
the Senior Seminar; I very definitely feel that it was an
extremely useful course; and I would urge my associates to attend.
I would definitely want to go on record as supporting the course
in every possible way."
(now) Assistant Deputy
Director r Security, OS
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"It was a very interesting and profitable session, and I would
strongly urge that it be continued. I know of no other way in
which Agency officers could acquire this type of exposure and
experience, or have the opportunity to talk with senior executives
in other agencies about common problems. In our compartmented
work environment, there are relatively few officers whose day-to-
day activities would permit them to gain an understanding of the
relationships between agencies and departments, the political
considerations which influence our activities, and the rapidly
changing international scene."
(now) Deputy
e ec?ive August 1972)
"Nearly all the participants in this first Seminar had spent
their CIA careers in one line of professional work, often within
one component. Most, therefore, had limited knowledge of the
activities and programs of other Agency elements. The Seminar
offered them fairly deep and quite comprehensive exposure to a
broad range of Agency activities and to the objectives, operations
and problems of other organizations which probably could not have
been achieved through normal work routines. It was apparent that
there is a strong commonality of concerns and interests among
various Agency components, and both a need and a desire for
improved intra-Agency communication. . .The views of [prominent
academicians and 'futurists'] in particular, caused us to re-
examine our opinions and interpretations in a more objective way,
and to question the extent to which the Intelligence Community,
because it is a virtually closed society, could become subject
to stereotype and narcissism in its intellectual processes... 25X1
Recommendations: Continue the Senior Seminar...."
(now) Special Assistant
i y Comptroller and Executive
Secretary, IRAC
"During the past nine and a half weeks of my participation in
the Senior Seminar I learned more about the range of Agency
activities and problems than I have in the past decade. I feel
this broader understanding has equipped each of the Seminar members
to contribute more intelligently to the re-adjustment that the
Agency and the Intelligence Community is being required to make.
My experience leads me to strongly recommend continuation of the
Seminar ...I entered the Seminar with a degree of skepticism and a
basic question as to whether OTR had not gone overboard in
developing this extensive course...That skepticism has been
completely dissipated. 25x1
(now) Chief, Special
prod ec s ranc x COMIREX Staff
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Extracts from Senior Seminar One Final Critiques
Comments on Meeting Seminar Objective 1: To develop greater
insight into problems and pressures facing CIA management, the
processes of change within the Agency and in its external relation-
ships, and developments in American society which are relevant to
CIA as an organization.
"This is the only opportunity I have had to focus on this subject
and the course certainly succeeded in illuminating the issues as
well as indicating future trends." 25x1
SB 25X1
"This objective was met to a degree far exceeding my expectations.
Great credit goes to the speakers from CIA senior management,
nearly all of whom were direct and candid. . .The Seminar participants
also were a very positive 'factor in the success of meeting this
objective, with the atmosphere generated by the Seminar format
contributing to free and easy exchange."
I I Chief, Soviet and
as European Forces Division, OSR
"The Seminar went well beyond the objective as stated, contributing
greatly to my understanding of the Agency's structure and functions,
and offering some exposure to the highest officials." 25x1
(now) Chief, Free
World Division, OER
"Having served in only one component of the Agency, I was indeed25x1
wanting in overall appreciation of CIA activities, problems, etc.
The Seminar has helped correct this deficiency very considerably."
"For years I had seen the tip of the iceberg on a number of these
problems, but this course for the first time identified them in
the context of the present and of the attitudes of the individuals
who must react to them. It seemed impressive to me that while
there were no particular surprises to the group as a whole, every
individual clearly failed to see how limited his view of the
whole picture was prior to the Seminar." 25x1
I ISpecial Assistant to the
Uilei, etensive Systems Division, OSI
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"I have a much better grasp now of such matters, and it is
important in my present and probable future assignments. I
know of no other way I could have obtained my present 'feel'
for public, congressional and other government agencies--factors
that influence our progra:iis and operations." 25X1
I Chief, Printing Services
Division,
Comments on Meeting Seminar Objective 2: To acquaint the parti-
cipants with current thinking on U.S. foreign policy equities and
developments abroad which are the subjects of CIA's business.
"This element was particularly well developed by the Seminar."
"The Seminar provided an insight into the mechanism which formu-
lates policy... The 'Academic' view of policy was very interesting,
particularly the talks by Brzezinski, Fairbank, et al." 25x1
Project Director, OSP
"The professors and State Department officials who addressed
this problem helped all of us in the Seminar to understand major
U.S. foreign policy problems." 25x1
"My simplistic world has been overturned by the variety and
complexity of the factors involved in foreign policy and its
relationships to the Agency."
OSI
"The Seminar was successful in this objective too... In sum, it
was possible to derive a comprehensive picture of the issues and
developments confronting the U.S. generally and CIA in particular."
OSR
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"We found from many of the speakers that it is most difficult in
many areas in which the intelligence community is concerned to
define 'U.S. Foreign Policy' in terms that can be related to CIA's
business. I was impressed that the Agency is as close and as
responsive as it is to foreign policy developments."
:]Chief,-Communications
Security to . OS
Comments on Meeting Seminar Objective 3: To provide an opportunity
for senior officers to renew their sense of personal motivation
and appetite for achievement and to renew and broaden their under-
standing and appreciation of "the other guy."
"I leave [the Seminar] more convinced than ever that self-renewal
is sufficient justification for the time and effort that went
into the course."
"I certainly have a better understanding of the DDS$T and trust
that the DDP's less of a mystery to my fellow 'Seminarians'."
"In my opinion [the Seminar] provided us with a look at the Agency,
through each other's eyes, which could not have been provided in
any other way. The group discussion provided some of the most
lasting impressions and has given me a much deeper sense of
'belonging'."
"...The factors of broadening understanding and appreciation of
'the other guy' were particularly valuable."
" ..Our understanding and appreciation for the problems of the
other guy was helped--this alone could comprise a satisfactory
objective for the Seminar."
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"The second part (to broaden understanding of the other guy) was
met very well indeed."
Brandwein/FMSAC
"The opportunity to get acquainted with a broad cross-section of
Agency people and hear from many others outside the Agency was
extremely valuable. Getting away from the office for ten weeks
was a definite benefit in itself."
"This may have been the most valuable part of the Seminar."
~NPIC (DDS)
"My understanding and appreciation of problems of others in
the Agency most certainly has been enhanced and contacts made
during the course will, I feel, benefit the Agency by our combined
improved effectiveness."
Comments on Benefits Derived from the Seminar: On balance, do
you believe that attendance in the Seminar has benefitted you
significantly in your present job or in other Agency positions
to which you may aspire?
"Unquestionably yes. Feel far better equipped to contribute to
the decision-making process."
25X1
"A resounding 'yes''! There is no doubt that I will be better
able to do my job and contribute more positively to the organi-
zation management and overall mission. My congratulations to
the staff for putting together an excellent Seminar."
"Very definitely. Exposure to Agency components, classmates,
management, outside experts.. .have all enriched me personally
and professionally."
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"Definitely yes. Immediate benefit will come from better com-
prehension of CIA management and opportunity to view job in
larger context. Long-term benefit should develop from review
of international and domestic development trends. Frankly,
I was not enthusiastic about attending the course, but I have
become convinced of its value."
"Yes--one of the most serious handicaps to doing a job in this
Agency is a lack of understanding of what is going on around
that job. I believe the Seminar goes a long way, in relieving
this information and understanding gap." 25X1
"This course has definitely benefited me. I'm sure that I will
be a better CIA citizen and will be much more effective in deal-
ing with other components of the Agency and will be in a much
better position to enthuse those personnel assigned to me."
"Very definitely. I have a much better feel for the DDP role
in relation to the CIA total mission and a much better view of
the interface of the Directorates." 25X1
"Definitely yes. I feel that the course has provided new
insights directly on my present job and it will surely help
in future assignments."
AF
25X1
"I believe that I have benefited significantly from the Seminar.
It probably will benefit me in my present job since I have been
moved into a position of managing personnel."
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Extracts from Senior Seminar Two Final Critiques
Comments on Meeting Seminar Objective 1: To enable Seminar
participants to develop greater insight into problems and
pressures facing CIA management, the processes of change within
the Agency and in its external relationships, and developments
in American society which are relevant to CIA as an organization.
pleased and impressed with the majority of the outside--non-
government speakers. This was an opportunity I could not h av
"This objective was achieved in a broad sense. I was es:pecially
I Deputy Director
"My feeling is that from the very first moment of the Seminar
of meeting others of a.diverse experience that the course did--
in every sense of the word--meet this objective. It was a rare
opportunity to be exposed, not only to the participants, but
also the speakers inside and outside of the Agency."
Assistant Deputy
Director o ecurity for Investigation
and Operational Support, OS
"I believe that this objective was met very well. I have a
much better appreciation than before the exposure provided by 25x1
the Seminar."
I Chief, Programs Analysis
Division, OSR
"This objective was met exceedingly well, particularly in the
areas of problems and pressures facing the Agency and developments
in American society which are relevant to the Agency as an
organization. In addition, I obtained a better understanding
of the Agency management and its functions.
Branch Chief, OSP
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"This objective was achieved very effectively. The Agency's
recognition of such factors and the efforts being taken to
solve them--or anticipate them--were discussed. thoroughly and
constructively. Much of this area was new to me, and the
attitudes expressed were imaginative and realistic. This part
of the Seminar provided me-with some new management perspectives."
Deputy Chief,
ysica. cience and Engineering 25x1
Division, DDS&T
"I believe that I had some awareness when I came into the
Seminar of these problems, pressures, changes and developments...
But, more importantly, the Seminar sharpened and enlarged my
appreciation and understanding of them. I now have a much
better base for valid insight into them. Direct credit for this
'enabling' capability must go to the Seminar. The Seminar has25X1
impacted on me intellectually and fulfilled this objective."
Cnie=57--ReconnaissanOe Group, IRS
"Without question I gained greater insight into problems facing
CIA management and a broader understanding of the world we
live in. This was achieved through a balance of excellent
speakers from inside and outside the Agency enhanced by discussions
with individual members of the Seminar. After a career of over
20 years in the Agency I had a general awareness of most of CIA's
activities but the Seminar provided detail and insight heretofore
not obtained. I feel 'wiser."'
I Special Assistant to
LJ1Q for of NPIC
"This objective was very successfully and fully met. Personally
I developed an awareness of the changes underway that will
influence my actions for some time to come. It also resulted
in a 'commitment on my part to keep abreast of factors outside
the Agency." 25X1
I Chief, International
Research Area, OER
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"This was very well. done. The input by the Seminar members
was perhaps of greater value in some cases than that of the
speakers. This fact points up the importance of recruiting
Seminar members--care must be taken, not only to have repre-
sentation from all directorates, or at least to find members
with recent experience in key components not otherwise
represented."
I Assistant
"In my view, the Senior Seminar accomplished this objective.
The Agency, it seems to me,could perhaps accelerate change for
the better by a more enlightened grasp of the popular views
that generate change in contemporary society."
Branch Chief, WH
"Objective fully accomplished.' From the opening night when
Ex. Dir. gave his thoughts on several of the major problems
and issues facing the Agency to the final week, we carefully and
fully explored dozens of major issues raised by Mr. Colby as
well as other senior Agency officials. In addition.we developed
many issues from within the class which provided stimulating
material for penetrating discussions." 25X1
I Chief, Support
services a
"This objective was met to a significant extent. In a measure,
this resulted from exposure to people and organization exemplify-
ing the problems with the Agency and its relationships. To a
greater extent it resulted from exposure to a wide spectrum of
people and organizations who were aware of the problems and
attempting to develop either solutions or methods of finding
solutions." 25X1
Defensive Systems
ivision,
"This first objective is the one which I feel was--and is-- the
most important one to me personally, never having been exposed
to any formal 'management training' per se. I believe that the
Seminar met this objective more than satisfactorily, and I leave
the Seminar more acutely aware of present and future Agency-
governmental-societal problems from a managerial viewpoint than
I was when I entered it." 25x1
I I Chief, Caribbean Branch,
Western Hemisphere, OCI'
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Comments on Meeting Seminar Objective 2: To acquaint Seminar
participants with current thinking on U.S. foreign policy equities
and developments abroad which are the intelligence collection,
analysis and covert action targets of CIA.
"Inasmuch as my position does not expose me normally to such
official current thinking, it was extremely beneficial for me
to obtain views of these activities. I feel it broadened my
understanding of some of the Agency's problems better."
"While the Seminar broadened my acquaintance with current think-
ing and trends of direction of U.S. foreign policy equities and
developments abroad, it left me somewhat frustrated in these
areas. But I view this as a positive accomplishment of the
Seminar objective in this area because I perceive U.S. foreign
policy and developments in the world as being at the cross-roads,
in a state of flux, in.the beginnings of major change, at the
start of a new era, the principal courses yet unset. If this is
a 'turning point' in fact, then the Seminar has given me a fresh
and quite full background for sensing the emergence of basic
changes in U.S. foreign policy and international developemnts
which I anticipate will evidence themselves in the next few years.
"Met quite well and certainly was a most valuable experience.."
I I Deputy Chief, DDI Planning
"With but one or two exceptions the academicians invited to the
Seminar were truly outstanding and I found their presentations
the most thought provoking sessions of the course. There was
an excellent mix of individuals and a thoughtful selection of
.subject matter. The opportunity to meet. in open discussion with
the top management of the intelligence community and to have them
present their programs and problems was particularly rewarding
and will certainly pay large dividends in our future dealings
with these Agencies and Departments."
L' a ~ro ~~ a ~ c
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"This is probably the most successful endeavor of the Seminar.
It can be strengthened by continued critical review by both
Seminar staff and Seminar participants."
National Intelligence
rograms Evaluation Staff
"In this area the Seminar served as a good updating and broaden-
ing vehicle for me. Because of the nature of my work, I have a
natural predilection for (and interest in) developments abroad
and U.S. policy lines interacting with and upon them, so those
aspects of the Seminar addressed to this objective were indeed
'right down my alley.' I found them to have been very pro-
fessionally treated and geographically well balanced on the whole."
pCI
Comments on Meeting Seminar Objective 3: To provide an opportunity
for senior officers to refresh and broaden their understanding
and appreciation of "the other guy."
"I believe that this objective was achieved and to me represents
the most important objective of those identified as ones to be
fulfilled."
I bMS
"This may have been the most important part of the Seminar that
I perceived--bringing together a varied group, developing close
associations, and holding informal discussions was most valuable
to me."
roS
"The Seminar was extremely effective in achieving this objective.
Exposure to 'the other guy' both through speakers and members
of the Seminar couldn't have been much better."
"Excellent. This was probably the most valuable product of the
course."
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"If this had been the only objective of the course, the course
still would have been worthwhile. Exposure to world, domestic
and Agency problems has done me a world of good. My outlook is
fresher and I certainly see the rest of the Agency more clearly."
ESP 25X1
"The Seminar was outstanding in this respect! The talents and
interests of the other participants soon became evident, and
the many informal discussions were possibly as valuable as the
scheduled sessions in providing exchanges of views."
"The interchange among the participants of the Senior Seminar
was probably the most worthwhile experience provided by the
course. The informal discussions, plenary sessions and social
occasions gave me new understanding and appreciation of what
was happening in other components of the Agency. Some of the
friendships made at the Seminar will last far beyond the end of
the course and will provide continuing informal channels of
communication."
rNPIC
"It is difficult to overstate the value of this objective. It
was fully met."
"Probably the most successful and surely the most valuable
experience of the course."
DDI Planning Staff
"Excellent! One of us said we really did not 'let our hair down'
in criticizing each other--perhaps true, but I believe we have
developed an understanding of others' problems. and gotten to know
people in a way that creates a probability of a ,profitable
critical relationship later."
I FGC
"Excellent opportunity. Perhaps the major result of the Seminar."
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"Another outstanding job was done with respect to this objective
and I would class this as the single most important accomplishment
of the Seminar."
"The formal individual student presentations and the discussions
that followed was an ideal way to obtain an appreciation for the
.outstanding collection of talent represented in this class. These
sessions provided a good mechanism to 'bring it all together'
and gain new insights into how we inter-relate in fulfilling the
overall mission of the Agency."
"Without a doubt this was the most valuable and best achieved
of the three objectives. The contacts made in the Seminar
have provided me with an entirely different picture of how
people in other elements of the Agency work, what makes them
tick, and why we have an outstanding organization."
"The opportunity to get together in the Seminar environment
appears to accomplish this objective in the best possible manner."
NIPE Staff
Comments on Benefits Derived from Seminar: On balance, do you
believe that attendance in the Seminar will benefit you signifi-
cantly in your present job or in other Agency positions to which
you may aspire?
"I believe that I really did not learn anything strikingly new
which will be of benefit in my particular job. However, the
contact with 'outsiders' and meeting of 'insiders' has certainly
widened my overall experience which no doubt in a subtle way,
may enable me to be a more effective officer."
"Yes. No question.. The better appreciation of people and
problems that was gained can't help but to improve my execution
of management responsibilities."
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"Yes for at least two reasons. It brought to the front or
exposed me to issues and problems within and without the Agency
that are relevant now and will be for some time to come. It
also exposed me to quality personnel from other. Directorates."
"Yes, but the greatest benefit probably will come over the long-
pull. The short-term benefits of broadened outlook remain to be
seen!"
"I cannot measure the value of the Seminar in a quantitative
way although I certainly feel wiser for the experience. There
is a certain prestige value in being selected for a course such
as this but I don't expect that it will play any particular part
in my selection for future assignments. The understanding
gained of the Agency and the Community will help me substantially
in my present position but not in any way that can be measured."
"Yes--although specific job techniques were obviously not taught,
the general experience will almost surely make my performance in
this or any other job better."
DDI. Planning Staff
"I believe it will. I find it most refreshing and informative
to get the views of the Seminarians on all the issues raised in
this course."
25X1
"This is difficult to answer. Tangible benefits are certainly
impossible to pinpoint but nine weeks of mind-stretching such
as afforded me by the Seminar cannot but help to improve one.
Likewise, the opportunity for working closely with representatives
from other parts of the Agency may very well pay off downstream."
IDF
"I believe that considerable benefit has been obtained, in my
present job, in that some awareness of other Agency activities,
information concerning projects involving other Agencies, and
personal. contacts were acquired."
0CS.
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"Yes--I deal with all parts of the Agency or on matters that
affect all parts and this has given me insights on problems
and positions I could not gain any other way. Knowing the
members with key jobs in other components will I think add
immeasurably to the quality and efficiency of my work in some
areas." 25X1
"It was of particular benefit to me in my current responsibili-
ties for managing certain Agency-wide programs (Regulations
publication, Records, Archives, Microfilm) which impact on
every component in the Agency. It afforded me an excellent
opportunity to do a 'selling' job to the 17 senior officers that
will be able to do something about these programs when they
return to their respective offices. I think they all have a
better appreciation of what these programs are all about and new
respect for the complexities and importance of these programs.
In a more general sense, I believe this course should be man-
datory for senior 'staff' officers in all Directorates."
"I sincerely believe attendance at the Seminar will benefit me
in my current job and any other I might have in the future.
It has been both an up-dating and re-focussing in addition to
which it has set into motion a personal intellectual revision
of some of my current professional concepts." .
Comments on Value of the Seminar to the Agency: Do you believe
the investment by the Agency of two months of your time in the
Senior Seminar has-been profitable or unprofitable from the
Agency's point of view? Explain your views.
"I can't honestly answer this question. I had doubts--serious
ones--about the Seminar and wondered if 9 weeks in my 'own area'
would not be more productive. I think I have had a profitable
experience and would therefore recommend continuation of the
Seminar. In about 4 years I will be ready for another similar
Seminar."
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v CIA '1(,f'p4-00780R005000020026-9
Ga_i
ac
"If persons approved for attendance at the Senior Seminar are
indeed to move. into senior management positions in the Agency,
then I feel that he should have a broad base of knowledge of
the internal and external considerations with which he has to
cope as a manager at the executive level. In this context then,
I feel that 2 months is not excessive to prepare one in this
manner. Therefore, I feel it -wras a profitable experience."
I S 25X1
"The Agency cannot help but benefit from exposure of senior
officers to problems and issues that face the Government and
Agency. This is a serious group and its members are sincerely
interested in the Agency and its future. They will be better
qualified officers upon return to their components. The value
of cross-fertilization cannot be overemphasized."
"Without question, a profitable course that should be available
to others. Apart from the excellent contacts one gains, the
improved understanding of the Agency, the community, and the
consumers should be a part of any senior officer's background."
"Subjectively, I believe that the Agency will gain more out
of me over the long haul than what it has cost in my salary,
the cost of the Seminar (pro-rated/capita), and in my non-
productivity during the period. I feel re-charged intellectually.
I am better informed factually. I am better prepared to perceive,
even understand, change as it evolves and, especially some needs
for change and adjustment in the CIA and in the Community."
."The Seminar has been a good investment for the Agency in my
opinion. In a relative short period of time (as compared to
the War Colleges and other senior schools) it has given a group
of senior officers a broad base of understanding on a number of
issues. Most of the participants in this Seminar had vertically
structured careers with limited experience outside their parent
offices or Directorates. The free give-and-take discussions on
the issues and the opportunity to query in any depth desired
question of interest is an experience that could not be dupli-
cated in any course that I know of which is available to senior
Agency employees.
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"I definitely expect it to be highly profitable both for myself
and for the Agency. In practical, terms of 'early payoff' I
expect considerable more receptivity and ACTION on new ways
of managing our paperwork problems in the components represented.
in this class. I definitely obtained a new measure of respect for
the problems of the 'other guy' and for their expertise in deal-
ing with their problems. I am equally convinced that they have
gained similar respect for myself. This mutual respect and the
fact that one gets to know his fellow students VERY WELL in the
nine weeks we have. spent together cannot help but increase our
ability and willingness to work together more effectively on
Agency-wide problems as we continue our careers in the senior
management positions in our respective Directorates."
"Very profitable. The last two months were certainly a hardship
for those who took on my responsibilities, but not an unbearable
one. The understanding, appreciation, and respect for the
participants coming from other components of the Agency, which
were developed during this-Seminar, were easily worth'the time
spent."
"I obviously believe the time spent has been profitable from
the Agency's view. I would like to think, not only because of
what it does in terms of my future performance, but also in terms
of the contribution each of us made to the other."
NIPE Staff
"Profitable on basis of 9 weeks. Certainly less costly than
9 months FSI or other senior training courses such as War College,
etc."
OF