OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS SIGNAL CENTER ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 34
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 10, 2002
• Sequence Number: 3
• Content Type: REPORT

~' SF~GRET / F
~ ~
O>=FICE OF CC~MMUNI~ATIONS
SIGNAL CEN7E
'QrgQn~zation and
Genera) Operating Procedures
'Approved For Release 2002/(i12/a5:CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
Approved For Release 2002/0~~~1A-RDP78S05452A000~OQ050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
.SECRET
OFFICR OF OQIBdUNIC~TIONS
SI GN~L (ENTER
ORQo-NIZATION AND
(ENFItAL OPEbtATING PROCEDIiRES
Approved For Release 2002/02~A-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05: CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
SECRET
TABLE OF OQATPENPS
PA(R
FOREWORD ................................................................. I
PART I ...............OFFICE OF THE CHIEFS SIGNAL c~NTER.................. 1
PART II ..............SIGNAL CENTER OFFICER............................... !~
PART III .............MANUAL ~RYPTO(~APHIC BRANCH......................... 1!t
PART IV ..............MACHINE CRYPTOGRAPHIC BRANCH........................ 22
PART Y ...............SPECI1lL SIGNAL CENTER BRAN(Ii........................ 33
PART VI......,.......ALTERNATE SIGNAL CENTER BRANC~I ...................... ~
PART VII .............CIA CABLE AR(~iIVES.....................,............ 35
PART YIII............G?A SCHOOL OF (RYPTOGRAPHY .......................... 38
PART IX ..............TRAF'FTC VOLU?~ CHARTS............................... 39
Approved For Release 200 8S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-_RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
The Signal Center Yesterday.
Upon cessation of hostilities in 195, the majority of experienced
personnel were discharged from the services or released and, due to
confusion and uncertainty as to the ultimate future of OSS, operations
for the most part were cut to the bone. Fay the spring of 1946, when
OSS was disbanded and a small remnant carried on as SSf7, operations were
at an all time low. However, a few faithful personnel ?'stuck it out~~
and weathered the storm of uncertainty. These personnel built an
indestructible foundation for the future and when CIG and finally CIA
came into being the Signal Center was ready to assume the tasks required
of it. Gradually,? throull the years 19~E-1949, Signal Center operations
increased in scope. ~ 1950, the Signal Center had achieved a degree
of organization which enabled it to successfully support the Agency~s
.immense staff communications requirements levied upon it during the
Korean conflict.
The Signal Center Today.
The Signal Center has steadily increased its scope of operations
since the end of the Korean conflict. The Signal Center today processes
an average of over six million groups per month and the count is
steadily an the increase. The operational potential of~the ti~Tashington
Signal Center is continually being increased to meet all present and
future requirements by systemati.c211y vamping the technicians and equip-
ment for greater prod~.zeti~vity without loss to the high degree of efficiency
or security. The organization and responsibilities of the present day
Signal Center are described briefly on the succeeding pages.
The Signal Center Tomorrow.
The Signal Center tomorrow is largely dependent upon future world
conditions; however, the primary factor involved in making the Signal
Center asuper-efficient entity rests entirely upon the acquisition of a
permanent building wherein a permanent Signal Center can be planned and
built, containing such necessary items as pneumatic tubes, conveyer
belts, inter-office communications, ultra-modern operational equipment,
etc., etc. Since its inception the Signal Center has, for the most part,
been housed in temporary quarters crhich were wholly inadequate for the
operations it has performed. Once permanent quarters are obtained, the
Signal Center will have final]_y reached its Iltopia--experienced personnel,
modern equipment throughout, and safe, secure, well-planned permanent
quarters.
Approved For Release 2002/ORDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
SECRET
OFFICE OF COl6lUAICATI0N3
3It3NAL CBNTBR
P~ftT I
Q-FF'tCE OF TIC CHIEFS SIGNAL CENTgt
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 ~P78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
SECRET
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF, SIGNAL CENTER
The Office of the Chief, Signal Center, is responsible to the
Director of Conanuni.cations, for the operation of the Signal Center on a
21t-hour, 7-day-a-week basis.
Functions and Responsibilities for directing and managing the
Signal Center administratively and operationally are as follows:
A. ,AI1ti12NISTRATIVE: (Responsible for all Signal Center Administrative
problems).
To implement for Signal Center use administrative directives
emanating from the Director of Commundcations; to interview and employ
personnel, subject to acceptance and clearance by QA, for the Washington
and field Signal Centers; to review fitness reports and recommend transfers,
dismissals, promotions; to certify pay cards; to justify overtime require-
ments as submitted by the Signal Center Officers; to insure proper on-the-
job training of personnel prior to their departure for overseas Signal
Center installations; to keep the Signal Center, Alternate Signal Center
Branch, and overseas T/O's supplied with the necessary personnel; to adjust
problems of personnel in the Washington Signal. Center, as well as field
Signal Centers, whenever possible; and to supply instructor staff for
B. OPERATIONAL: (Responsible for all Signal Center operations).
To implement operational directives pertaining to S/C operations
from the Iirector of Communications and other offices of CIA; to assume
responsibility for cryptographic and registered materials; to assist
in the drafting and coordinating of procedure guides dealing with cable
writing and cable procedures for CIA: to authorize use of teleconference
facilities to those interested offices of CIA; to establish criteria
for the on-the-job training of new personnel destined for duty in Washington
and the field; to insure that adequate security precautions are maintained
at all times; to make certain the Alternate Signal Center Branch can
promptly provide communications for headquarters on a world-wide basis
in the event normal Washington communications are disrupted through enemy
action, major, civil, or natural disturbances; to insure the overall
efficient operation of the Signal Center and ,Alternate Signal Center;
and to coordinate with ro er staffs and divisions the curriculum of the
C. PLANNING:
To plarifor the expansion of the Signal Center, and Alternate
Signal Center Branch, keeping in mind the varied needs with regard to
equipment and space.
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : ~r~P78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
(Particularly in the preparation of mobilization, e~racuation, dispersal,
and nex Headquarters building plans).
The Office of the CbS.ef consists of Commo Specialists and
assistants Who insure efficient operation of the Signal Center on a
2~t-hour, 7-day-a-week basis under the direction of the Chief, Signal
Center. (See Signal Center Officer.)
SECRET
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 25X1A
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
CHIEF
DEPUTY CHIEF
SPECIAL SIGNAL CENTER
BRANCH
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
TRAFFIC CONTROL
STATISTICS
CIA CABLE ARCHIVES
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : CIA-RD.~ 8S05452A000100050003-9
OFPTCE OF OOIO[UNICATIONS
3IaNAI. GBNi'F~
SIGNAL (~NTEEi OFFICER
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :P78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
SI GNl~L CIIdTER. OFFICER
Commo Specialists (Signal Center Officers) maintain a continuous
watch in the Signal Center on a 21~-hour, 7-day-a--week basis. The SCO
staff attached to the Office of the Chief, Signal Center consists of five
Signal Center Officers who rotate on eight-hour shifts around the clock.
There is one SCO on duty at all times in the. Signal Center.
The purpose of the Signal Center Officer is to insure uninterrupted
flow of traffic through the various branches of-the Headquarters Signal
Center and to maintain the efficient operation of the Signal Center on a
2~.-hour day, 7-day-a-week basis.
II. FUNCTIONS AND RFSPONSII3ELITIFS
25X1A
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : CIAS05452A000100050003-9
 25X1A gpproved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : CI~ 8S05452A000100050003-9
MESSAGE CENTER
(By Hand)
TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER
Outgoing Material
25X1A
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : -!!~RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 25X1A gpproved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
Next 5 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : CIA~P7~8S05452A000100050003-9
OFFICE OF Op~p[OMICdTIONS
SIaN~I. CENP'E~t
PART III
MANUAL tRYPTOC~i,APHIC BR/~N(3i
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
~~~
MANUAL CRYPTOGRAPHIC BRANCH
The purpose of the Manual Cryptographic Branch is to encipher and deci~~1A
by manual and afsam-? cryptographic systems, cables to and from CIA field atatioae.
 25X1A gpproved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
CHIEF AND DEPUTY CHIEF:
Responsible for the overall operations and
administration of the Branch.
SHIFT SUPERVISORS:
Responsible for the operations andadmin-
istration of an 8 hour shift. Assumes the
duty of the Chief or Deputy Chief in his ab-
sence.
Supervisors: Directs and performs en-
cipherment and decipherment of complex
clandestine systems. Final releasing au-
thority. Garble expert.
Training: Indoctrinates new Signal Center
personnel in Manual Cryptographic Branch
routine. Briefs non-Signal Center Com-
munications personnel in systems appli-
cable to their assignment.
Commo Tech/Crypt: Performs encipher-
ment and deciphermentfunctfonsof traffic
employing complex clandestine systems.
25X1A
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 25X1A gpproved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
Next 4 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
~^-GV~~~
QFFI CE OF CO~UNI CATIONS
SIC~IAL CENTER
MllCfiI~ CEtYPTOC~ZAPHIC BRANCH
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : ~78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : CIA~78S05452A000100050003-9
THE AIACI~NF CRYPTQC=RAI'I~iLC BRANCH
The purpose of the Machine Cryptographic Eranch is to transmit
and receive classified cables for CIA and other Government Agencies
(as outlined in Section II below} on a world-wide basis (21~. hours daily)
and to insure that these cables are transmitted and received securely
and as expeditiously as possible; included in this category is the encipher-
ing and deciphering of machine cryptographic traffic utilizing various 25X1A
electronic cryptographic devices.
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : 78S05452A000100050003-9
 25X1A gpproved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
Next 9 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
OPFIG''E OF OObOdUNIC,ATION3
SIGNAL C~NTSR
SPBCUL SIGNAL t~NTER BR,ANQi
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : A305452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/0 -RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
SPECI AI, SI G~?!iL CErTTER BRATdCH
The Special Signal Center Branch is responsible for processing
especially sensitive traffic which requires strict compartmentation
from regular traffic for security reasons. Numerous special clearances
are required for all personnel assigned to SSCB. The branch is off-
limits to all personnel except those specifically cleared to work therein.
Personnel of SSCB log, encipher, decipher, (utilizing both
manual and machine systems) transmit, receive, process and distribute
cables falling within this especially sensitive category. These cables
are not routed thro~zgh the P~Tessage Center, but are processed entirely
by SSCB. Plain text copies of messages are NEVER viewed by unauthorized
personnel. Outgoing cables are hand-carried by special couriers directly
to SSCB. Whenever special couriers are not available, SSCB personnel
personally deliTaer/pick up cables.
SSCB is aself-contained branch under the guidance of a Branch-`'
Chief who is responsible to the Signal Center Officer and Office of the
Chief, Signal Center, for the efficient operation of the branch on a
2~.-hour, 7 day a week basis.
SSCB also serves as a relay center between Special Communications
annexes in Washington and the field.
Approved For Release 2002/02/05l8S05452A000100050003-9
 1A A roved For Release 2002102105 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
pp
Approved For Release 2002102105 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 ~P78S05452A000100050003-9
OFFTOE OF CO~d[TNICATION3
SIGNAL CENTER
P1RT VI
ALTF~tI~TE SIGNAL CENPER BRANCH
Approved For Release 2002/02-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
ALTERNATE SIGNAL CENTER. F~tAhTCH
The purpose of the ,Alternate Signal Center Branch is to provide
world-wide communications for Headquarters in the event that normal
Washington communications are disrupted through enemy, major, civil or
natural disturbances; and to encipher and decipher (via machine and
manual cryptographic systems) the Office of Operations/Contacts Division
classified traffic
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
25X1A
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP~t 452A000100050003-9
OFFICE OF DOB[6~UNICATION3
SIGNAL CENTER,
CIlI CIBLE ARCKIVES
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : CT8S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : C -RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
CIA CA#ZE AftCI-~ VES
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of the CIA Cable Archives is to preserve {by micro-
filming and filing) and make available for reference reading, original
copies of CIA cables transmitted to and received from CIA field stations,
including lateral cables between CIA field stations.
25X1A
Approved For Release 2002/02/O~DP78S05452A000100050003-9
 25X1A gpproved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
OFFICE OF CD1~dUi~RCJlT20NS
3It3NAL CENPFR
CIA 3Cii40L OF tRYPT00RAPHY
~CBET
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 25X1A gpproved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05. CIAO-~RrDP78S05452A000100050003-9
OFFICE OF OD1aiUNICATI0N3
3I CiNAL CENTER
TRAFFIC QOLiID~ CHARTS
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 : ~~78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
Approved For Release 2002/02/05 :CIA-RDP78S05452A000100050003-9
 Approved For Release 2002/02/05 ~8S05452AQ00100050003-9
Approved For Release 2002/0 - P78S05452A000100050003-9