Committee on Alcoholism

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-06180A000300120020-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: November 11, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 20, 1998
• Sequence Number: 20
• Publication Date: July 1, 1966
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 1999/09/01 CIA-RDP78618OA000300120020-0
1 July 1966
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Medical Services
SUBJECT : Committee on Alcoholism
1. On 13 May 1966 the Committee met with of 25X1A9a
the Support School of the Office of Training. The purpose of this
meeting was to discuss with the suggestions that the Office 25X1A9a
of Training might have for educati g su ervisors concerning problems of
alcohol within the Agency. pointed out that there are four 25X1A9a
areas within his purview in which courses are now being given which might
serve as vehicles:
A. The Support Course for Career Trainees
B. The Chief of Station Seminar
C. Management Training
(Broken down into courses for supervisors, middle level
supervisors and senior supervisors.)
D. Mid-Career Training Course
In the first two courses the problem of alcohol arising in a secretary in
a small overseas station is presented in the form of a skit in which class
members participate. In the Management Training and Mid-Career Courses there
is no specific mention of alcohol as such, although in the Mid-Career Course
the matter may arise in the course of the various discussions which are held.
pointed out that the Support School's program is designed around
small classes and would require time in order to reach any significant
proportion of the Agency population. suggested that the
Committee might send an observer to form impressions about the conduct of
one of the ongoing courses with respect to the manner in which the problem
of alcohol is dealt with.
25X1A9a
25X1A9a
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Committee on Alcoholism - 1 July 1966
2. At the meeting of the Committee on 2
0 May it was agreed that
25X1A9a
would
t
reques
to a
ttend the Career Training
25X1A9a
Support Course on Thu
sda
2 J
y,
r
une.
would report on his
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impressions to the Committee.
3. On 10 June presented the members of the Committee
with his impressions of the manner in which the problem of alcohol had
been approached in the Career Training Course on 2 June. While the
movie concerning the effects of alcohol upon behavior was stimulating,
25X1A9a
there was no discussion or critique. "The Watkins Case" was then presented.
The students had previously been provided with information concerning the
details of a secretary at a small overseas station who had been drinking
progressively more intensely. The secretary was played by a female
employee who was experienced in presenting this role. A series of four
Career Trainees took 15-minute parts in succession as the Chief Support
Officer discussing the matter of the secretary's conduct. The individual
Trainee varied in his approach. Subsequently, the approaches were discussed
and many questions were raised by the students, including the responsibility
of the Agency, the responsibilit of the em and the nature of the
cable traffic to Headquarters. of the office of the DDS
served as the moderator of the critique.
4. It was the opinion of the Committee that it would be useful if
the film and "The Watkins Case" were to be discussed in the framework of a
Medical, Security, Personnel Panel presentation. The skit presentation of
a live problem utilizing role participation by the students seemed to be a
useful device. Points which the medical representative on the Panel might
make to the students could include:
A. Factual information concerning the early signs of
alcoholism and the importance of serious consideration
of such behavior as lateness, early departure, and
absenteeism.
B. Supervisors suspecting alcoholic excess are better able
to deal with the problem after it has been considered with
a trained individual who has some ability to view the
situation objectively.
C. Facilities for advice to supervisors exist in the Medical
Office.
D. The supervisor is not making a diagnosis when he discusses
a problem concerning alcohol with the Medical Office.
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Committee on Alcoholism - 1 July 1966
5. A measured, deliberate approach to the problem would seem to be
a reasonable method of educating Agency employees about this matter. Such a
course of action might include the extension of the attention given to
alcohol to the middle and senior levels of the Management Training Course
and to the Mid-Career Training Course offered by the Support School of
the Office of Training.
25X1A9a
Chief, Psychiatric Staff
Chairman, Committee on Alcoholism
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I FEB 1966
1. Introduction
a. The uses of alcohol
b. Possible problem areas
c. The problem drinker
2. Manifestations of the Problem Drinker in the Agency
a. Difficult management cases
c. Fitness-for-Duty cases
d. Cases of secondary illness
increasing
Formation of Ad Hoc Medical Study Group
a. Study of incidence
b. Study of existing organizational programs
c. Consideration of problem drinking characteristics
d. Evolved concept of Agency action
4. Factors Relating to Proposed Agency Action
a. General Basic Characteristics of Chronic Misuse
(1) Progressive compulsion to drink
(2) Use of denial
(3) Social tolerance or cover up
b. Characteristics of Agency Use
(1) Social usage
(2) Diplomatic exchange
(3) Tradecraft
(1+) Availability
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c. official. Agency Attitude
(1) Code of conduct
Su Bested Action - Agency Program
a. Policy reaffirmation
b. Fixing of responsibility - supervisory level
c. Establishment of counseling service
d. Educational efforts
OMS/JRTietjen:jv (7 Feb 66)
This outline was used by D/MS for briefing on Alcoholism to be held
Tuesday, 8 February 1966, at 1000, in the DCI Conference Room with the
following Agency officials in attendance:
(1) Executive Director-Comptroller
(2) DD/S
(3 DD/I
(? DD/P
(,5 DDS&T
(6) General Counsel
(7) Inspector General
(8) Director of Personnel
(9) D/MS
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