LETTER TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL VERNON A. WALTERS FROM ROBERT F. FROEHLKE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01731R001900040012-9
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 22, 2003
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: November 17, 1972
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2003/09/02 : CIA-RDP80R01731 R001900040012-9
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON
November 17, 1972
Lieutenant General Vernon A. Walters
Deputy Director
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D. C. 20505
Since my last letter, I have celebrated my first anniversary as
Secretary of the Army. I have a good feeling about the past year.
Even though there are many problems which remain to be solved, the
Army is moving--and in the right direction.
During the year I have had an opportunity to meet and get to know
most of the general officers and many of the supergrades in the Army.
I like what I have seen.
Last month Creighton Abrams was sworn in as the new Chief of
Staff. The delay in his confirmation was unfortunate, but it was beyond
our control. The good news is that he is now in the chair, and that
bodes well for the Army.
Soon Al Haig will replace Bruce Palmer as Vice Chief of Staff.
Abe and Al should be looked upon as a team--and they are going to prove
to be an outstanding one. Without exception, all who know these men
agree that they are long on integrity, intelligence, and industry. That
is why I am so excited about this new team.
A comment about Bruce Palmer is in order. He has led the Army
during the difficult period between Westy's retirement and Abets con-
firmation and without a Vice Chief to backstop him. He has performed
brilliantly. Everyone in the Army should be both proud and appreciative
of the job that Bruce has done. I can assure you that I am.
In the not too distant future, Abe and I will be announcing a rather
significant reorganization of the Army. We believe this is necessary
in order to improve readiness, make the Army more responsive to the
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needs of the Nation, and provide for more responsibility at the instal-
lation level, Some economies will also be effected, but this is not the
primary reason for the reorganization.
Unfortunately, all reorganizations disrupt people and families.
We are very much aware of this and we are making every effort to
minimize the inconvenience. I can assure you that wherever possible,
the convenience of families will be uppermost in our minds.
Once the details of the reorganization are announced, I urge you
to become intimately familiar with the reasons for it and the details
of it. We must be sure that our people understand why it is necessary
and, specifically, what is to be accomplished.
As we look toward 1973, the new Congress looms high on the horizon.
At this time I see our major concerns to be:
1. Insuring continuation of our people-oriented budget.
2. Selling an appreciation of the importance of con-
ventional military strength during this period of
nuclear parity.
3. Obtaining and strengthening support for our "big five"
weapon systems (Main Battle Tank, Advanced Attack
Helicopter, Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle,
Surface to Air Missile-Development, and Utility
Tactical Transport).
Sincerely,
65Fc- aAo~~
Approved For Release 2003/09/02 : CIA-RDP80R01731 R001900040012-9