FINAL CRITIQUE OF THE BASIC OPERATIONS COURSE.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-06210A000200030028-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 13, 2000
• Sequence Number: 28
• Publication Date: January 20, 1972
• Content Type: REPORT

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IffiMORANDUM FOR:1 Chief, Operations Training Group,
SUBJECT: 'F'inal Critique of the Basic Operations Course.
20 January 1972
R'
EP'ERENCE: Your Memorandum, subject: Basic Operations
Training, dated: September 1971.
1. This critique is submitted with the intent to &gnstructively
criticize the Basic Operations Course and to identify exercises and
individuals considered to have directly contributed to meeting the
onjectives cited in the referent memorandum. In general it is felt
that these requirements were met, in my case, satisfactorly.
2. Two factors relating to the course are considered signific-
ant and worthy of comment. The first item concerns the student learn-
ing process and is the more difficult to resolve. The value (Learn-
ing) to the student of each exercise is directly related to the com-
petence and
f
per
ormance of the individual instructors i
e instructor both in the problem and in the critique and as a r
L)y
e-
sult I benefited significantly, This was not always the case,how-
ever, with other exercises and instructors. In varying degree other
instructors demonstrated less enthusiasm, concern and effort toward
ae ting the given needs (Training) of the student. Improving in
this area of the training is, of course, difficult at best. It does
appear that the instructors with current field experience tend to
usually preform above those with antiquated experience.
3. The second principal area of concern to me regards student
initiative and performance in exercises. In short, the exercises
appeared to be so structured to a school scenario to provide for
standarization for evaluation purposes that the students use of in-
dividual initiative was deterred. It is recommended that considera-
tion be given to allowing the problem to progress, within reason,
in responce to the students performance-be it good or bad. : nphasis
should not be placed on grading the student with regard to his class-
iaat.es but rather to allow him to experience as many aspects of th#
business as possible.
4. In general the lecture presentations were effective as a
learning mechanism. Several Instructors and guest lecturers were
noted to be weak in public speaking techniques. Greater emphasis
and time should be allocated for small group seminars on such topics
25X1A2g as reporting. The followin 1 tures were noted as being below ave_
erage and lengthy: Briefing, Introduction to Sketching,
staff Operations Cases, and Of the numerous lec- 25X1 A
tures considered above average presentation on the Pol-
25X1A9a igraph stood out on the top.
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5. With regard to the mechanics of the student work load,
the following is recommended: More time should be given in ex-
ercises for the student to work with the agent and proportionally
less time to the mindless busy work of heavy reporting. Along
with this on the spot problems should be introduced into the ro-
bi.ems with regard to agent handling. Toward the end of the
25X1A2g exercise the reporting reached a point of becoming mere busy work
and not really a form of training for the student.
6. T believe that adequate and appropriate time was alloc-
ated for reporting and tradecraft. The former was supplemented
25X1A9a quite well by the evening work of Messrs. T he
Tradecraft notebooks used in the course need revision. The Agent
Training Notebooks exposed to the class appear to offer a good
starting reference for this revision. There seemed to be an ex-
cess of time devoted to technical training to thr point where it
would almost appear that TSD was desperatly selling goods on a
daily basis. In connection with time allocation, it is recommen-
ded that each Area Division be encouraged to come down and make ind-
ividual presentations along the lines of the SB and CO briefings,
The experiment in taking the class to Headquarters proved to be
successful and it is recommended that this procedure be continued.
7. Inchronological order the following exercises were con-
ducted and included are my observations on each:
25X1 A2g - 't'his was a good initial exercise no changes
are recommended.
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This exercise was a good learning experience
but is considered to dwell on surveillance in a small confined area
to the extent where security becomes threatened. More time should
be allocated to classroom instruction on the criteria for a good
site ect, `he tradecraft notebooks are not, by themselves, suffic-
ientain providing th&s instruction.
This exercise is considered excellent (Again
due in a large part to the instructor involved) and should be re-
tained intact.
25X1A2g See previous comments. This exercise was hin-
dered by the obvious concerti to remain exactally with the school
scenario. The exercise did stand out in my mind because of the
oportunity to work with an agent over an extended period of time
and to experience realistic problems in handling and relations.
The script should be altered to change the basis theme (As it is
well known by the students beforehand) and to an extent where in-
dividual problems will vary among the students (ie. Several diff-
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erent scenarios providing the same type of information on diff-
erent subjects etc.).
25X1A2g - Excellent, no change is recommended.
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This exercise was excellent in ng
training both in agent relations and
The exercise did appear to be somewhat unrealistic due to the
absence of attention paid by the exercise headquarters. The foll-
ow-up exercise supplemented this training well and both are
considered valuable.
This exercise offers the potential of being an
outstanding training device. The exercise should include women
(More women) and should be so structured so that less students are
targeted against a given instructor. This exercise should be
expanded and be given on several occasions throughout the running
of the course.
are considered satisfactory.
These are both required and
8. In sum the course was effective in meeting my training
needs as outlined in the Course 'bjectives. the majority of my
criticism centers on administrative matters. It is fully realized
that the course must be administered so as to provide for a com-
prehensive evaluation of the student's abilities and is, therefore,
limited in the flexibility it allows in exercise scenarios. As a
25X1A9a final comment I wish to conmmend for the obvious effort
and time exerted in actively and consistently coordinating and
monitoring the conduct of the
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