The Decline of the National Reconnaissance Office

Abstract

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) was once the benchmark organization for excellence in acquisition and program management. It had a reputation for designing and procuring the most sophisticated unmanned satellite and aircraft reconnaissance systems in history. These acquisitions were mostly accomplished on time and within budget, and they performed as promised. Despite an occasional problem program, the NROs record of accomplishment was unsurpassed by any organization, considering the high technical risk that goes with developing state-of-the-art systems. A team of dedicated military and civilian personnel stood behind these accomplishments. Unfortunately, the NRO today is a shadow of its former self. Its once outstanding expertise in system engineering has drastically eroded. This article explores the dissolving relation ship between the NRO and the CIA, which traditionally supplied a major portion of the organization's technical expertise. It provides a perspective on key issues as the NRO faces tough decisions and an uncertain future.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA525822

Entities

People

  • Robert J. Kohler

Organizations

  • Central Intelligence Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Arms Control
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Civilian Personnel
  • Cold War
  • Commerce
  • Department Of Defense
  • Engineering
  • Governments
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personality
  • Program Management
  • Reconnaissance
  • Security
  • Space Systems

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Space