Acquisition Systems Protection Planning the Manhatten Project: A Case Study

Abstract

This study examines the counterintelligence and security programs of the Manhattan Project, the United States acquisition of the atomic bomb, using the Department of Defense's Acquisition Systems Protection Program (ASPP) methodology. Using the ASPP methodology as presented in the April 1993 draft of DOD Manual 5200.1, Acquisition Systems Program Protection, the study examines the Manhattan Project's: essential program information, technologies and systems (EPITS), foreign intelligence collection threat assessment, and countermeasures programs. The study, using today's criteria, concludes that the project's countermeasures program was marginally successfully because the project lacked a unifying security objective. Additionally, the project leadership failed to clearly idnetify and counteract the collection threat posed by wartime ally, the Soviet Union. The study determined that there are lessons learned from the historical case that are applicable to the contemporary ASPP. Lessons learned include; proposed doctrinal changes, threat assessment methodology and counterintelligence techniques and procedures. Acquisition systems, Program protection, Manhattan Project, Atomic bomb, Technology protection, Counterintelligence, Security.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 03, 1994
Accession Number
ADA284690

Entities

People

  • George E. Conklin Ii

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Cyber
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Department Of Defense
  • Fission
  • Fissionable Materials
  • Governments
  • Industrial Plants
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Bombs
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Personnel Management
  • Second World War
  • Security Personnel
  • Surveillance
  • United States

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Strategic Security Studies