Cia Essay, Research Paper
The CIA: Protecting Our Nation
Thesis Statement: The Central Intelligence Agency not only evaluates and gathers information about the safety of the country but also directs tasks of other agencies in the intelligence community.
I Creation of the CIA
A. When
B. Purpose
C. Duties
II Four Directorates
A. Intelligence
B. Operations
C. Science and Technology
D. Administration
III Dangers to the CIA
A. Enemies
B. Covert Actions
C. Policy
IV Personnel
A. Security Checks
B. Qualifications
C. Recruiting
D. Rebuilding
E. Budget
V Public Relations
A. Criticism
B. Acquisition of Information
VI Importance of the CIA
Have you ever wondered what the Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) really does? Most people do not know the importance of this agency in maintaining and securing the safety of our country. The Central Intelligence Agency not only evaluates and gathers information about the safety of the country but also directs tasks of other agencies in the intelligence community.
The birth of the CIA actually occurred because of the surprise bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in 1941(Tully 8). This attack, which wiped out America?s Pacific fleet, revealed our government?s lack of a single organization to analyze, coordinate, and distribute vital intelligence information(9). Although President Franklin D. Roosevelt started the Office of Strategic Services(OSS), our country?s first national spy agency, Harry S. Truman discontinued it because of governmental lobbyists who insisted that it was not necessary during peacetime(9). However, President Truman, confused by the different intelligence reports, appointed several high-ranking military men as the National Intelligence Authority, which, in turn, became the Central Intelligence Agency(10).
The main purpose of the CIA is to collect and analyze foreign intelligence information essential to the United States security(?Central Intelligence Agency? 254). The CIA also unifies the activities of other important agencies in the intelligence community such as the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency(254). The duties of the Central Intelligence Agency are numerous: engaging in research in military, scientific, and political fields, conducting counterintelligence activities in other countries, checking foreign television and radio broadcasts, taking part in espionage, and most importantly warning the President of the United States and the National Security Council about international occurrences(254).
The four directorates of the CIA include Intelligence, Operations, Science and Technology, and Administration. The Intelligence Directorate examines intelligence that is collected both openly and secretly through spying, satellite pictures, and the blocking of communication(Kessler 99). Perhaps the best-known of the directorates is that of the Directorate of Operations(3). This directorate handles secret operations that include the concealed gathering of intelligence and other secret operations(3). Of the 22,000 employees of the CIA, 5,000 are in this directorate(3). This proud directorate takes the most chances and causes the most trouble for the CIA(3). In addition to the inventing of technological devices, the third directorate, that of Science and Technology, keeps the CIA informed about scientific and technologic improvements(77, 165). The last directorate, that of Administration, oversees the Office of Security that is charged with the safety of personnel, facilities, and other information(132, 165).
The CIA, by its nature, is dangerous due to its enemies and covert actions. In the world today, smaller groups of people can unexpectedly cause more severe ruin more quickly and without being caught(Loeb). The many threats to the CIA are becoming more intricate, serious, and in different natures(Loeb). Thus, the CIA must be well-prepared and quick to take action when necessary. The President alone can call for a covert action which, if approved by the National Security Council, is used when diplomacy is not powerful enough, and military action may be too unreasonable to fulfill the U.S. foreign policy objective(Online). In some instances the CIA may have to undertake an activity in the favor of the foreign policy that the United States Government is not fully aware(Online).
The CIA strictly enforces its policy on matters such as spying on citizens, assassinations, drug trafficking, and terrorism. Contrary to popular belief, the CIA is not allowed to gain foreign information about the domestic actions of American citizens. One exception to this rule is if the CIA believes a person is committing international terrorism or spying. According to Executive Order Number 12333, the CIA can not participate in any way in assassinations. Congress actively oversees and enforces this rule to guarantee cooperation. The Central Intelligence Agency and the United States Government are on the same side attempting to end all drug trafficking. The CIA and the government provide information to the State Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The CIA and the government also stop all terrorism by the acquisition of knowledge on these terrorist groups.(Online)
The CIA is only as good as its personnel; therefore, the CIA places strict regulations on a candidate?s past history and qualifications. A CIA agent gives up his right of privacy when he enters the agency. The CIA regularly requires an employee to take a lie-detector test either before or after entering the service(Knudson 11). The results of this test are binding, and if the agent fails the test, he is immediately fired(11). The future agent must provide accurate information about himself and his family, and the administration will check out all the facts(8). Among the qualifications of becoming a CIA agent are good personal skills, the ability to learn foreign languages, U.S. citizenship, a knowledge of foreign affairs, outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and a college degree with an excellent academic record(9).
The CIA?s recruiting, rebuilding, and budget have been subject to change. The Central Intelligence Agency has lost at least a fourth of its employees, a fact that hinders its capability of collecting foreign intelligence and its ability to interpret much information. In the late 1980s, the CIA had about 22,000 employees; today, that number is 16,000. However, now the CIA is hiring new candidates for the agency. The CIA has started its greatest recruiting effort for analysts and spies in more than ten years. The CIA is attempting to return to the fundamentals and improve the two most important aspects: spying and analysis of data. The budget of the CIA is classified, but it is thought to be between two billion and three billion dollars. Congress increased the agency?s budget; this increase is estimated to be between $200 and $300 million.(Loeb)
Criticisms and ethical questions surround the CIA. Frederick Hitz, inspector general of the CIA, has admitted that the CIA did not stop connections with people who were in favor of the Contra program(Stamper). Some secret activities that have raised ethical questions are the CIA?s attempts to kill Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro, and prohibiting of the election of Chile?s Salvador Allenade(?Central Intelligence Agency? 254).
For obvious reasons the CIA is a secretive organization; therefore, it is not able to make public the majority of its information that comes from secret sources. However, sometimes the agency does publish unclassified releases. These reports consist of international, political, and economic information. The CIA has a very limited number of tours of its headquarters near McLean, Va., which are for civic and academic groups only.(Online)
The Central Intelligence Agency is perhaps the most misunderstood and unappreciated security system in the United States, for much of its work is unseen and unpublicized. Without it, however, our country would be more vulnerable to our enemies, and the stability of our government would be seriously jeopardized.
5c8
?Central Intelligence Agency.? Academic American Encyclopedia. Volume 4
Kessler, Ronald. Inside the CIA. New York: Pocket Books, 1992.
Knudson, Richard L. The Whole Spy Catalogue. New York: St. Martin?s Press, 1986.
Loeb, Vernon. ?After Dry Spell, CIA?s ?Help Wanted? Sign Is Up Recruiting Effort Largest in 10 Years.? Times-Picayune 28 Nov. 1998, Orleans Edition:A18+.
Online. Internet January 31, 1999
Stamper, John. ?CIA Official Says Agency Hasn?t Always Cut Ties to Drug Dealers As Quickly As It Should Have.? Knight- Ridder/Tribune News Service 16 March 1998.
Tully, Andrew. C.I.A. The Inside Story. New York: William Morrow and Co. Inc., 1962.
Другие работы по теме:
Cronon On Education Essay Research Paper Cronon
Cronon On Education Essay, Research Paper Cronon on Education Having read Victor’s story not realizing until the very end that “Victor” in the story was the author made it much more confusing! I realize that the issue here is about racial and social discrimination as well as about education and following your own ideals instead of the rest of society’s.
Poems Essay Research Paper SnowAs the soft
Poems Essay, Research Paper Snow As the soft snow covers the earth like a blanket A supreme calmness comes over me Though the weather is cold i feel it not For the warmth of my heart is burning like a furnace
Peloponnesian War Essay Research Paper The Peloponnesian
Peloponnesian War Essay, Research Paper The Peloponnesian War America can be compared to Athens and Sparta in terms of being the superpower nation in its time. For America, we can learn lessons from the Peloponnesian War to help us be better informed of the causes of war. One reason for the cause of war between Sparta and Athens was their involvement of allies in which President Washington warned us against doing.
Romeo An Juliet Essay Research Paper hi
Romeo An Juliet Essay, Research Paper hi i need an essay about a character in romeo and juliet that demonsrtated maturity. in a well developed multi pagraph essay and say why you think the character’s maturity was greater than the other characters in the play.
Protecting Our Children Essay Research Paper Protecting
Protecting Our Children Essay, Research Paper Protecting Our Children The overlap between domestic violence and child abuse has been well documented; where one form of family violence exists, there is a likelihood the other
Why American Troops Are Being Sent Overseas
Essay, Research Paper American troops are being sent overseas to maintain peace in a nation involved in a civil war. Whether the peace troops should or should not be sent overseas, they are being sent overseas.
My Life Essay Research Paper My life
My Life Essay, Research Paper My life came to the brink of extinction, It was meaningless and had no distinction, Every door locked, every turn a dead end,
Censorship Essay Research Paper I did my
Censorship Essay, Research Paper I did my report on the First Amendment. The First Amendment of the United States states that, “Congress shall make no law against the freedom of speech, nor of the press.” However, the list of banned books in public schools and libraries is astonishing. Most people against literary censorship act with what they beleive to be highest cause: protecting their families as well as their communities from evil.
My Mother Essay Research Paper My mother
My Mother Essay, Research Paper My mother is like a rose. She is beautiful, gentle, something special, She is strong, deeply rooted in the ground, There’s no wind that could fold her.
The Nuclear Threat Essay Research Paper The
The Nuclear Threat Essay, Research Paper The United States, once a defender of world peace and an international police power, seems today to be loosening the grip that has in the past prevented so much violence through out the world. At a time when “renegade” nations are arming with nuclear weapons, the Senate has voted not to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, a document that in the President’s words “is critical to protecting the American people from the dangers of nuclear war”.
Internet
– Pornography Essay, Research Paper The Internet is an amazing and informative tool. Today, and in years to come, it will without a doubt become the cornerstone for education and communication throughout our society. However, it is currently not regulated by governmental laws and guidelines. It’s contents are accessible to all users – including children! With the explosive growth of Internet usage throughout the world, it is the individual user who needs to take the appropriate precautions to regulate the potentially damaging content found throughout this rapidly expanding new medium.
Oh Really Essay Research Paper Oh Reallyyou
Oh Really? Essay, Research Paper Oh Really, you think i am a lark, the dogs they run and bark, but when i say to them, shut up shut up shut up, you say to be nice to them,
Jewish Essay Research Paper Beowulf EssayThere were
Jewish Essay, Research Paper Beowulf Essay There were many differences between Beowulf the play and 13th Warrior the movie. In the play Beowulf was depicted as a soul warrior who?s strength and ability was
Fences Essay Research Paper Get on your
Fences Essay, Research Paper Get on your mark! Get set! Go! From the moment we are born, we enter the race of life. The race to win, to live victoriously, or to be successful in the race of life. Generally, we can say that success is defined as the accomplishment of something attempted. Therefore, anyone can be successful.
Stealing Our Rights Essay Research Paper Stealing
Stealing Our Rights Essay, Research Paper Stealing Our Rights From the dawn of the first organized communities, to the powerful United States of America today, there have always been power hungry people who
Shane Essay Research Paper Sometimes I need
Shane Essay, Research Paper Sometimes, I need you more than I need air And sometimes I miss you more than I will forever, never forget the times that we have shaared. The are priceless
Billy Budds Innocence Essay Research Paper Billy
Billy Budds Innocence Essay, Research Paper Billy Budd~ There is a lot to be said about innocence. If one is with innocence, than one can so no wrong but that isn?t all. Innocence is not always a good thing. It can make a person na?ve or blind to certain or all evils, which would seem as if they were blind from the world.
Dry September Essay Research Paper Dry SeptemberIndividually
Dry September Essay, Research Paper Dry September Individually none of the men would have attack the black man, but the crowd mentality caused them to take actions that they normally wouldn?t have. The client, McLendon, and the youth are three prime examples of men who become influenced and dependent on the others.
September 11 Essay Research Paper Todays military
September 11 Essay, Research Paper Today?s military has seen numerous changes that have taken place since Sept. 11 2001. Why is it before the 11th of September, the people that the military protects was basically badmouthing and putting us down? Why are they so proud to wave the American flag? Why wasn?t the flag flown high with pride before the 11th of September? It amazes the military because flags are often flown when terrorist?s acts take place and not when there is constitutional freedom.
Poem She Sat Essay Research Paper She
Poem: She Sat Essay, Research Paper She sat… helpless in her room praying to whatever god there may be to let her call to him. could god ignore such a painful cry?
Elian Gonzalez Essay Research Paper Elian GonzalezA
Elian Gonzalez Essay, Research Paper Elian Gonzalez A young Cuban boy, named Elian Gonzalez, boarded a small boat with his mother and twelve other passengers. On their journey to America, rough seas occurred and their boat began to sink. Elian was placed on a tube to avoid the sinkage, while his mother and stepfather drowned and many other passengers.
Public Service Essay Research Paper Public service
Public Service Essay, Research Paper Public service is essential to protecting America and its citizens. It is responsible for ensuring that our air and water are clean, food is fresh, and material products are safe. Without public service, our society would be prone to impurity, and consequently, decay.
Huck Fin Essay Research Paper Huck
Huck Fin Essay, Research Paper Huck’s acceptance of Jim is a total defiance of society. Ironically, Huck believes he is committing a sin by going against society and protecting Jim. He does not realize that his own instincts are more morally correct than those of society. At the conclusion of chapter 11 in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck and Jim are forced to leave Jackson’s Island because Huck discovers that people are looking for the runaway slave.
Speech Essay Research Paper There are two
Speech Essay, Research Paper There are two opposite points of view to this problem. One side suggests not to place any cods on speech on campuses of college institutions and another side strongly believes that speech must be protected by law. Mrs. Jennifer Kelley is following position of free speech in the article called Speech Codes Should Not Be Permitted on Campuses.
Delinquent Daughters Summary Essay Research Paper Delinquent
Delinquent Daughters Summary Essay, Research Paper ?Delinquent Daughters Summary? Delinquent Daughters by Mary E. Odem touches on many topics involving women residing in the U.S. from 1885 to 1920. Not only does the book raise issues about women as a whole, but also it breaks the women into a more realistic view.
Saving Mother Earth Essay Research Paper The
Saving Mother Earth Essay, Research Paper The way we think about nature affects both our individual and social decisions. Various things may be affected, from the kind of food that we eat, to the products we buy, and locations we may attend. Different people have different feelings and ideas towards things.
Ode To Boys Essay Research Paper We
Ode To Boys Essay, Research Paper We like them But do they like us The ones we do never fuss They don’t stop in And we wonder why We stress, we bitch We sometimes cry
Privacy Essay Research Paper As laws policies
Privacy Essay, Research Paper As laws, policies, and technological design increasingly structure people’s relationships with social institutions, individual privacy faces new threats and new opportunities. Over the last several years, the realm of technology and privacy has been transformed, creating a landscape that is both dangerous and encouraging.
Law And Society Essay Research Paper Law
Law And Society Essay, Research Paper Law and Society The function of law in a society is more or less universal. It acts as a deterrent to control the evil and treacherous behavior of humans, to maintain discipline and imposes restrictions on some freedom. We live in a chaotic and uncertain world. Without an orderly environment based on and backed by law, the normal activities of life would be lacerated with chaos.