The NRO’s new charter threatened to strip the directorate of authority with respect to its most important endeavor. Scov-ille’s organization had never achieved the role originally envisioned, partly because of the refusal of Ray Cline and Richard Helms to turn over the scientific intelligence and technical services portfolios. As one CIA historian observed, the research directorate “never had a fighting chance.” It did not help, in the view of some, such as John McMahon, that Scoville was simply “too nice a guy.”1 But through the efforts of some key individuals, both within and outside the CIA, the directorate would receive a new name and a more extensive mission. It would champion the CIA’s role in space reconnaissance—successfully managing the procurement of several new reconnaissance satellites and forcing a revision in the NRO charter. The directorate’s ELINT operations would expand in the quest for better intelligence on the Soviet space and missile programs. In addition, technical analysis of foreign space and missile systems would become a major activity for the renovated directorate.
What do You think about The Wizards Of Langley (2012)?
