Here at CIA, most of the work we do is classified. And the
work done in the Directorate of Science and Technology (DS&T) is no
exception. In fact, the men and women—the scientists, engineers and technical
experts—in the DS&T produce technology so advanced, it’s classified.
Think back to a James Bond movie and the work developed by the “Q Branch.” What
our men and women do is even more impressive.
The use of science and technology is critical to the
intelligence process, and the DS&T’s mission is to attack intelligence
problems with cutting-edge technical solutions to help protect the nation.
![dstbanner.JPG](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090902014958im_/https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2008-featured-story-archive/dstbanner.JPG)
History
The use of science and technology originated with the Office
of Strategic Services (OSS) – CIA’s predecessor organization – during World War
II. During the Cold War, it was critical to the clandestine and analytical
officers abroad to have the latest scientific advances, specifically with
technical collection.
In the early 1950s and 1960s, the CIA’s forward-thinking
officers assumed a dominant role in the development of state-of-the-art aerial,
space-based, and ground technical collection systems and devices.
Overhead reconnaissance was one of CIA’s most important
missions during this time. Because of these needs, CIA developed two
extraordinary aircraft: the U-2 and the A-12. The U-2 was developed in 1954 to
take photographs of Soviet Bloc military facilities, beyond the range of Soviet
fighters and missiles. The U-2 could fly at altitudes of 65,000 to 70,000 feet
at subsonic speed. Although the U-2 was built to fly deep inside the Soviet Union, it was soon vulnerable to Soviet air
defenses. The CIA soon embarked on the A-12 program (code-named OXCART)
to provide a successor to the U-2. When the A‑12 was declared fully
operational, it sustained speed of Mach 3.2 at 90,000 feet altitude.
Recognizing the important role of science and technology in
this new aerospace age, the CIA created a single CIA entity responsible for all
of the Agency’s technological needs.
In 1962, CIA formed the Directorate of Research – the
predecessor to the DS&T. A year later, in August 1963, Director of Central
Intelligence (DCI) John A. McCone established the Directorate of Science and
Technology.
Since its formation, the DS&T has evolved steadily into
a diverse organization that provides wide ranging products and services in
support of CIA’s mission. The overarching purpose of the DS&T is to bring
technical expertise to collection and analysis on the most pressing
intelligence issues.
Who We Are
The DS&T consists of over 50 different disciplines,
ranging from computer programming and engineering, to scientific research and
analysis. Our officers are stationed around the world, side-by-side with case
officers and military personnel. They create uniquely tailored equipment for
operations.
The outstanding men and women of today’s DS&T - like
their predecessors in the OSS
and the accomplished scientists and engineers who served CIA during the Cold
War - are some of the most creative people in the US Government. They are a
diverse work force of skilled, inventive, and flexible people - technical
specialists with an interest in "hands-on" problem solving. They
stand ready to produce "one of a kind" items of unequalled quality
under short deadlines. The DS&T is a vital part of our nation’s defense.
What We Do
The DS&T continually seeks to push the boundaries of the
state-of-the-art, infusing cutting-edge technologies with effective targeting
and tradecraft. The majority of work produced in the DS&T is classified.
The DS&T partners with many Intelligence Community
agencies and uses best practices to support creative thinking and coordination.
The Agency must continue adapting technology to the needs of intelligence to
ensure future success.
In the Community
& Across the Nation
Not only does the DS&T invest in future technology, but
they invest in their officers. The DS&T is active in the community and
across the nation. Our officers participate in local projects, such as regional
high school science fairs, and they also support several minority conferences.
Learn more about these programs.
Technology Artifacts
The DS&T has created scientifically advanced, “one of a
kind” items, including:
Dragonfly Insectothopter![dstimage.JPG](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090902014958im_/https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2008-featured-story-archive/dstimage_mini.JPG)
The first flight of an insect-sized vehicle (insectothopter) was developed
by CIA’s Office of Research and Development in the 1970s. Insectothopter had a
miniature engine to move the wings up and down. A small amount of gas was used
to drive the engine, and the excess was vented out the rear for extra thrust.
The flight tests were impressive. However, a crosswind of any kind proved too
difficult to control its flight movement.
Lithium-Iodine Battery
The CIA often develops technology and conducts research that not only advances
its mission but, when declassified, can have significant impact on the world.
The lithium-iodine battery improved the reliability and longevity of technical
surveillance operations. It also ensured the prolonged operation of
reconnaissance satellites.
In the 1970s, the Agency shared its research on
lithium-iodine batteries with the medical community. This same technology is
used in heart pacemakers today.
For more information on technology-related artifacts, please
visit the CIA
Museum virtual
tour.
Is the DS&T for
you?
Changing trends around the world constantly challenge
DS&T’s officers. They must stay ahead of the technology curve to ensure
that our analysts and collectors operate effectively.
The DS&T offers a team-oriented environment and needs a
broad range of technical scientific and engineering skills to support its
activities. If you are looking for a unique opportunity in the scientific and
technical disciplines, see what are
currently available.