OFF-SITE REVIEW

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
17
Document Creation Date: 
November 4, 2016
Document Release Date: 
October 20, 1998
Sequence Number: 
1
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
April 29, 1991
Content Type: 
REPORT
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PDF icon CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6.pdf665.54 KB
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Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 STAR GATE DT-S-1033-SL DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY OFF-SITE REVIEW (U) 29 APRIL 1991 ri"ron "M STAR GF1TE Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 OFF-SITE REVIEW (U) Date of Publication 29 April 1991 This is a Department of Defense Intelligence Document prepared by the Technology Assessment and Support Office, Directorate for Scientific and Technical Intelligence Defense Intelligence Agency Technology Assessment and Support Office (DT-S) NOT RELEASABLE TO FOREIGN NATIONALS (NF) LIMITED DISSEMINATION REPRODUCTION REQUIRES APPROVAL OF ORIGINATOR OR HIGHER DOD AUTHORITY FURTHER DISSEMINATION ONLY AS DIRECTED BY DT OR HIGHER DOD AUTHORITY CLASSIFIED BY: DIA/DT DECLASSIFY ON: OADR n0FOAI1/LImDIS Approved For Release 2000/08/0 f44 D - O 9R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 UIICLASSIFIED OUTLINE I. PURPOSE II. SCOPE III. ATTENDEES IV. SIGNIFICANT TOPICS OF DISCUSSION V. SUMMARY OF FOREIGN ACTIVITIES VI. OTHER TOPICS OF DISCUSSION VIII. KEY ISSUES NEED FURTHER ATTENTION/ACTION ITEMS 1 Uf CLFISSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 REPORT ON DT-S OFF-SITE REVIEW 7-8 MARCH 1991 I. (U) PURPOSE: (U) The purpose of this report is to document the results of the DT-S off-site review of 7-8 March 1991. II. (U) SCOPE: (U) The scope of this report includes significant topics of discussion, issues of concern, areas which need further attention, and action items which address those issues. III. (U) ATTENDEES: (C) A total of fourteen (14) people attended the off-site review. The attendees were: SG1J Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 vJJaLJLALJ - IV. (U) SIGNIFICANT TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: (U) Although many topics were discussed during the off-site, several topics seemed to generate the most attention and interest on the part of the attendees. These topics addressed DT-S's current situation and how best to respond to Congressional direction within the constraints which define the mission/activities of DT-S. A. (U) OVERVIEW OF CONGRESSIONAL DIRECTION, RECENT ACTIVITIES, AND ACTIVITY CONSTRAINTS (U) OVERVIEW BRIEFING SG1J (S/NF) provided an overview briefing on the PY 91 congressional direction, recent project activities, and activity constraints. The Congressional direction was based on statements in the FY 91 Conferees Report (FY91) and followed from overall objectives of the Congressional direction. The specific directions were discussed in detail according to the main functional topics of R&D, foreign assessment, and the use DT- S personnel in support of various functions. A summary of key project publications to date (30 reports) was also provided. (S/NF) Several key issues were then addressed: The existing DT-S activity constraints and uncertainties made it clear that DT-S was operating under some apparent contradictions. There was also a possible dilemma regarding what aspect of the DT- s directions should really be emphasized. Recent insight gained during a congressional briefing indicated that new staffers and new congressional individuals on the intelligence committees may have different interests from those that provided the FY 91 guidance. Consequently, some activities might need to be given more (or less) emphasis4?than originally anticipated. The psychological impact of zeroing-out the DT-S billets for FY92 was also seen as a' factor contributing to the dilemma. (S/NF/SG/LIMDIS) Other issues were also reviewed. While recent Desert Storm involvement was of high interest, it did consume considerable project time and slowed project evolution. Considerable time was then devoted to discussing tasking and evaluation issues. A separate report will be prepared to examine this issue in detail (see DT-S-1030-SL, Review of Project Procedures). Another result of the Desert Storm upport was the realization that some type of proficiency practice was needed as an on-going project activity (this has since been identified in DT-S-1031-SL, Procedures for Special Proficiency Targets). . noFonn/LImUI8 Approved For Release 2000/08/0 > tlcr )lff ftQ -29R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 (U) At this point in the briefing it was noted that the most crucial constraint affecting all of the DT-S activities is time. There is much to do and little time left in FY91 for accomplishing all of the main objectives. The key question at this point that led to lengthy discussion was: How best to proceed given the work load, operating constraints and uncertainties, and the time issue? (S/NF) It was recommended that at a minimum, a clear DT-S charter should be prepared, to include some type of priority identification. It was agreed that main emphasis should be on supporting external research activities and foreign assessments. (U) It was also agreed that considerable emphasis should be devoted to preparation of a long range comprehensive research and activity plan as specifically called for in the Congressional guidance. This will be given emphasis and completed in the early to mid-May time frame. (U) Overall, there was considerable open dialogue from the participants through this briefing. Some of the issues raised could be readily resolved; others were linked with certain realities that would have to be dealt with as best as possible. B. (U) DATA FLOW/ANALYSIS (DT-3) SG1J 1. (S/NF/SG/LIMDIS) discussed the methodology by which STAR GATE reporting naged from an all-source management system. Requirements will be levied in the same manner as with any other intelligence community disciplines. Results must be evaluated in an all-source environment. Within this operational assessment framework, a comparative analysis can be made pf STAR GATE reporting and qualitative comparisons can be made based on independent responses provided by other intelligence disciplines. 2. (S/NF) Additionally, select key analytical personnel need to be made cognizant of the STAR GATE project to provide expertise and assist DT in the conduct of meaningful assessments on a comparative basis. Select personnel within DT will act in an oversight capacity to insure the overall objectivity of the procedures and comparative value of the reporting. 3. ?(S/NF) Tasking, reporting and evaluation procedures must implemented to conform with the management system by which other intelligence collection efforts are being judged. Procedures identified and described within Volume III, DIAM 58-13, (subject: The Department of Defense HUMINT Management System), rl- Pf~10FOHn/LIMBIS Approved For Release 2000/08/Ogff9Rff ~89R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 -4 SG6A SG1B^ ----- - appear to be the most appropriate for this purpose. These were discussed in detail. C. (U) SUMSttJ OF FOREIGN ACTIVITIES (C) Dr. - gave a brief presentation summarizing foreign activities in the field of parapsychology for the Soviet Union, China, and - in his opening comments he noted several factors influencing analysis of foreign activities. First, there is a lack of good reporting in the field which makes comprehensive analysis difficult. Secondly, of the reports which are available, there is generally some comment in the report expressing skepticism concerning the collection activities. The question was raised as to whether or not this had an adverse impact on collection activities. Finally, there is a significant difference in the approach of East and West to parapsychological phenomena. The West is generally less supportive of serious research and seem to be preoccupied with proving that the phenomena exists. The East, on the other hand accepts the reality of the phenomena and puts more emphasis on understanding the mechanisms and finding practical applications. As a result it is probable that the East is generally ahead of the West in achieving credible results in parapsychology. inOFOxn/wninTEL Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 SG1B Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 SG1 B V. (U) OTHER TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: A. (U) R&D f,EQTIVES (EXTERNAL) (S/NF) discussed the proposed R&D objectives to be accomplished by the external contractor. Two documents provided the evolution of DT-S's definition of the external assistance needed for research and development. These were: 1. DT-S-1004-S; Basic and Applied Research - General Plan; 15 Nov 90 2. DT-S-1007-8; Basic and Applied Research - 1st yr objectives; 29 Nov 90 DT-S documented a general plan for the Basic and Applied Research and then stripped it down to more specifics for their first year's objectives. These two documents were then finished and made available for review. (S/NF) From the second document, DT-S was able to put together a Statement of Work for the FY91 external research contact. The Statement of Work was a building process based on past research by the Surgeon General Research and Development Command and earlier research findings that evolved from DIA sponsored work. Emphasis was given to those topics DT-S suspected were also of interest to the Congressional people responsible for the research funding. swamp nOFOR11 Approved For Release 200 A RRDP96-00789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 (S/NF) Some of the specific research topics that will be utilized in the basic and applied research activity were discussed, one of which was the magnetoencepholograph (MEG). MEG device detects weak magnetic fields within regions of the brain. Preliminary research has shown that there might be a significant difference between brain responses when a remote viewer is looking at a light stimulus compared to people who are not known to have remote viewing capability. Findings from this research shows promise for selecting from the general population people who might have this potential. The MEG device can also determine brain pattern responses that correlate with controlled light flashes occurring remotely. Preliminary research results indicate that such correlations may in fact occur and can be detected via appropriate MEG measurements and may possibly pave the way for improved understanding of this field. (S/NF) Data pattern analysis will be conducted on data from past experiments to determine if certain target sites are more accessible to the remote viewer than others. For example, some sites may be more dynamic than others, increasing the possibility of success. Also, the importance of the site may make it more accessible to the viewer. For example, if a site is a building with a security fence around it, the mood would suggest importance. variation in viewer performances may vary due to a number of external conditions. For example, certain environmental factors such as geomagnetic levels may correlate with the viewer's performance level. Research can be set up to investigate this by tapping into worldwide data bases and correlating his results with similar experiments going on in different labs. (S/NF) Once known patterns of remote viewing exist, the researcher may suggest a construct, i.e., the researcher can translate the patterns into a testable theory. New experiments can then be developed to test the theory. (S/NF) As far as data quality improvement is concerned, DT-S involvement will be at Ft. Meade. DT-S can conduct remote viewing investigations at Ft. Meade with targets made available out of the labs. DT-S also envisions developing its own training and practice to keep up in-house proficiency. This could involve beacon sessions or any other special proficiency development. (S/NF) In the area of new explorations, a critical application is search. DT-S hopes to work with the contractor developing ways to improve search capability. (S/NF) Remote viewing also has other applications that are not intelligence-related. Based on our broad congressional charter, DT-S may have opportunities to investigate other things. One example would be communications. This involves psychically Approved For Release 200 -R 96-007889R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 &J LA La linking up with an individual and communicating with them in some form. This could eventually help in a hostage situation. We could link up with the individual and he or she may be able to tell us where they are. This might prove helpful in improving our search capability. (S/NF) A Scientific Oversight Committee and a Human Use Review Panel and Policy Board will be established to help evaluate the research activity. Because of the expertise and international connections of our contractor, Dr. Ed May, we hope to draw on his assistance to augment our own foreign data base. B. (U) SPECIFIC R&D LINES (1) (S/NF) discussed recent research into Lucid Dreaming and its potential applications to the STAR GATE project. Lucid Dreaming is a situation where the individual is actually aware that they are dreaming. A lucid dream state is initiated when the subject can say to themselves in the dream, "I am dreaming." Unlike a regular dream, an individual within the lucid dreaming state can essentially dictate what actions will transpire, i.e., the direction, the content, or the action within the dream. Researchers have discovered that subjects can be instructed to perform certain tasks while dreaming which indicate they are lucid, i.e., moving their eyes back-and-forth, counting to ten, then moving their eyes again. Research has also documented individuals "entering" locked rooms or opening sealed envelopes while in lucid dreaming and later describing what they "saw." Lucid dreaming can be used for creative problem solving. In fact, a leading researcher in lucid dream studies, Dr. Steve LaBerge, maintains that one should have a goal or question in mind prior to entering the lucid state. This technique has been used for centuries by native medicine people or shamans to gain insight into a myriad of questions, such as finding lost objects or individuals. Remote Viewing is used in the waking, or conscious state to gain information which would otherwise be unattainable by more conventional (collection) methods. Along the same lines, lucid dreaming can be used to gain information while in the sleep, or unconscious state. The two, remote viewing and lucid dreaming, can be used to supplement one another because they: 1) function along the same lines and 2) Lucid dreaming may potentially reduce the analytical distortions which sometimes plague remote viewing. (2) (U) discussed the results of some recent studies concerning personal ty types and PSI experiences. There are certain shared characteristics of people conducive to PSI experiences. Creativity and psychic experiences are expressions of a dynamic unconscious emotional and instinctual life. These people are open to experience and one with their environment. They have high self-esteem, empathy, and self-understanding. They also Approved For Release 200 , I - V-0944002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 1-1 " LA 14610 demonstrate an ability for relaxation and dissociation. In fact, they demand openness to new and unusual experiences and have a tolerance for the unrealistic. People with PSI potential show high confidence levels and usually have success early in life. They have high expectations with regard to success and are, in general, high achievers. A link between PSI experiences and creative ability was found in people like Mark Twain and Robert Browning. (3) (C/NF) "Mental Communication Investigation". briefly covered a plan whereby tried and proven viewing and tra ning techniques already in use may be combined to develop a means whereby viewers may communicate actual message traffic through mental means alone. C. (U) A( JOBJECTIVES NEEDS (U) gave a brief presentation outlining the current status of the DT-S ADP acquisition effort. Major objectives accomplished to date include: 1. (S/NF) Completion of an analysis of DT-S mission and functions resulting in an identification of five major objectives to be met by the ADP system. The objectives are: a. Support RV activities b. Support foreign intelligence analysis c. Support office administration d. Support ADP system administration e. Support R&D activities 2. (U) Completion of a preliminary system conceptual design which will meet the ADP system objectives as well as provide compatibility with the external Contractor's ADP system. 3. (U) Identification of system hardware and software items and estimated costs. 4. (U) Preparation and execution of purchase request for hardware and software items which can be used regardless of final system configuration. 5. (U) Development of an acquisition plan including an identification of tasks to be accomplished and associated schedule. 6. (C/NF) Identification of potential sources of data for building the foreign intelligence data base. Location and access to parapsychological data bases that may exist within the Intelligence Community continues to be a difficult task. 10 IQ ro V4 IR T' r." Approved For Release 200 - d36~00 98002900310001-6 SG1B Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 UIICLASSIFIED E. (U) BRIEF HISTORY OF PHENOMENOLOGY (U) A briefing on the history of parapsychological phenomenology was presented that covered various aspects of early investigations up to the recent activity at SRI in the 1970's that eventually led to remote viewing pursuits. Examples of this phenomena were discussed in the context of older terminology and the cultural context of the times. Evaluation of terms and concepts, such as mesmerism, hypnosis and altered states of consciousness illustrated this point. Research in this area was shown to have grown from a sub-element of psychology (depth psychology) to separate endeavors termed psychical research (late 1800's), parapsychology (1930's), and remote viewing (1970's). (U) Numerous examples of key events, along with main supporters/researchers, leading subjects, and some of the early research findings were discussed. Several difficulties that were associated with this phenomena and related research were reviewed. These included lack of an adequate theory, replication difficulties, cultural views/constraints, and other issues. (U) Some of the recent critical reviews of this area, such as the National Research Council report of 1988, were discussed along with counters to that report. (U) The briefing concluded by reexamining the various terminologies and cautioned against using terms that imply how the phenomena operates or that are emotionally charged. A summary of situations that promote the occurrence of this phenomena (such as related states, dreams, hypnosis) were provided along with a realistic appraisal of progress in this field. (U) This topic overlaps with a variety of disciplines, and is difficult to grasp in isolation from any one of them, especially the cultural/psychological aspects. This briefing provided a glimpse into these complexities. F. (U) DEFERRED TOPICS: (U) Due to the amount of time devoted to issues of greater relevance to the purpose of the off-site, several topics originally on the agenda were deferred and will be addressed internally by DT-S at a later date. These topics included: 1. (U) PROFICIENCY EVALUATION IDEAS 2. (U) FUTURE CONFERENCE POSSIBILITIES 12 UIICLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 SG1H Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 VI. (U) KEY ISSUES NEEDING FURTHER ATTENTION/ACTION ITEMS: (U) As a result of group discussion several key issues emerged that warrant further attention. Each key issue identified generated one or more action items. This section will address the key issues and resulting action items. A. (S) THERE IS A NEED TO SPECIFICALLY DEFINE THE MISSION OF DT-S, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT INTERNAL DIA DIRECTION ALONG WITH CONGRESSIONAL LANGUAGE. (U) It was unanimously agreed that the lack of a clear mission statement, approved by management, was the greatest single hindrance to the development of a sense of directionality for DT- S. Accordingly, this lack of directionality has a significant impact on the ability of DT-S to prioritize tasking, develop goals/schedules, and identify necessary resource/budget requirements to accomplish its mission. (S/NF/SG/LIMDIS) An action item flowing from this issue was the need to develop such a mission statement. The group generated a generic mission statement which will be expanded, taking into account "real-world" constraints. The generic statement is as follows (no order of priority suggested): /n0FoRn/LImDIS Approved For Release 2000/08? ,; fiI f F R9,6;t789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 .JLjLjLALjA B. (U) DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE "GAME PLAN" (U) It was determined that the development/maintenance of a strategic plan should be an action item of its own primarily because of its usefulness in responding to GDIP tasking and providing timely inputs for the PPBS cycle. In addition, a strategic plan would clearly indicate how near-term activities would impact out-year goals, indicating a continuity of activities for future planning/budgeting considerations. (U) The action item resulting from this issue was for DT- S to develop a draft strategic plan by 30 April 1991. This would allow adequate time for review/modification prior to the beginning of the PPBS Cycle in June 1991. Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6 -fSH" Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900310001-6