CIA GOALS AND PRINCIPLES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-00037R000200030012-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 24, 2013
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: February 13, 1984
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part -- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24: CIA-RDP90-00037R000200030012-7
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13 February 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR: Executive Assistant, OC
Chief, Networks Operations Branch, OC-FND/SOG
25X1 SUBJECT: CIA Goals and Principles
REFERENCE: OC-M84-082
1. Without question, the primary goal of the CIA should be
production of an intelligence product that is highly accurate,
timely, and above all, meets the needs of our various community
customers. We have become increasingly adept at data/information
2. The Agency has, in a manner of speaking, lost its sense of
identity. This phenomenon has manifested itself mainly in the
support elements as opposed to the DO clandestine service. Many
employees do not not view themselves as intelligence officers but
as "personnel," "communicator," or "logistician." They do not
readily identify with the Agency's goal of intelligence collection
and production, an essential element critical to the success of
any organization. Many have in fact, forgotten whom they work
for. The operating elements are frequently faced with dynamic and
fast breaking events. It is imperative we streamline our support
elements to meet these situations and untangle ourselves from the
ever increasing bureaucratic restraints, many of which are
self-imposed.
3. I believe that the quality of our employees surpasses
virtually all other government organizations. Most subscribe to a
work ethic that is unique in the federal system. Honesty and
integrity are the principal traits we should seek, and which must
be clearly exemplified by all levels of CIA management.
Recruitment should focus on the aggressive and outgoing
individuals. People who want a "career" rather than just a "job"
should be at the top of our list. They should be risk takers, a
characteristic which appears again and again in the large
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24: CIA-RDP90-00037R000200030012-7
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24: CIA-RDP90-00037R000200030012-7
25X1 SUBJECT: CIA Goals and Principles
25X1
25X1
4. In managing our employees, candor and respect for the
individual's dignity are essential. We must be willing to allow
employees to make mistakes, which is not to be unexpected when
individuals push themselves to the limit, and sometimes beyond.
Risk taking is widely advertised as a desirable trait in the CIA,
yet more often than not, many of our managers seem unwilling to
accept the consequences of such amens. Do your homework, be
5. Much of the intelligence product serves little purpose
unless we can contrast it with the moods, perceptions, and
attitudes of world leaders, both political and military..
Additionally, CIA must develop a much more effective ability to
decisive, and get the job done.
6. Our Agency and its employee are unique. We must retain
this feeling of uniqueness and must not permit CIA to develop into
a nine to five bureaucracy. Our product will be a reflection of
the standards set and the types of people employed. Given the
mood of the Administration and the Congress at this point in time,
it would appear: we have the opportunity to make CIA what it should
be, an opportunity that may not come again for some time. F--1
?fT
L Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/04/24: CIA-RDP90-00037R000200030012-7