Background One interesting use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), is crafting the request to search for certain keywords, sent to and/or from government officials. For example, in 2015, when the Republican Presidential primary was at it’s peak, the abolishment of the IRS became a hot topic. So, interested to see what the IRS was talking about internally, I requested a search of the following IRS official emails regarding the discussion of such a thing, on November 8, 2015. I requested the search be conducted on the following IRS individuals: Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service — John Koskinen Chief of Staff —…
Author: John Greenewald
Background A guided missile is a self-propelled projectile used as a weapon. Missiles are typically propelled by rockets or jet engines. Missiles generally have one or more explosive warheads, although other weapon types may also be used. Below are relevant documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Declassified Documents Archie to Sam. A Short Operational history of Ground-Based Air Defense [308 Pages, 5.46MB] – Dr. Kenneth Werrell’s history of ground-based air defense performs an important service both to scholarship and, more importantly, to the defense of our nation’s freedom. It is perhaps human nature that we tend over time to lose sight of the lessons…
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the following is the Office of lntelligence and Analysis’ mission statement: Background The Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) mission is to equip the Homeland Security Enterprise with the intelligence and information it needs to keep the homeland safe, secure, and resilient. I&A’s mission is supported by four strategic goals: Promote Understanding of Threats Through Intelligence Analysis Collect Information and Intelligence Pertinent to Homeland Security Share Information Necessary for Action Manage Intelligence for the Homeland Security Enterprise Analysis Our analysis is guided by our Program of Analysis (POA), an assessment of key analytic issues, framed…
Background The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Foreign Government Information Classification Guide (FGICG) provides guidance concerning the classification and level of protection afforded to foreign government information. The FGICG is not intended to provide specific guidance concerning the handling, safeguarding, transport, declassification and downgrading, destruction, or administration of classified material, whether in paper or electronic form. Specific guidance concerning these topics is available in Executive Order (EO) 13526, “Classified National Security Information;” Department of Justice (DOJ) Security Program Operating Manual (SPOM); FBI Security Policy Manual (SPM); FBI Automatic Declassification Guide; FBI Foreign Dissemination Manual (FDM); Federal Register, Part V, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) Final Rule…
Background Looking Glass (or Operation Looking Glass) is the code name for an airborne command and control center operated by the United States. It provides command and control of U.S. nuclear forces in the event that ground-based command centers were destroyed or otherwise rendered inoperable. In such an event, the general officer aboard the Looking Glass serves as the Airborne Emergency Action Officer (AEAO) and by law assumed the authority of the National Command Authority and could command execution of nuclear attacks. The AEAO is supported by a battle staff of approximately 20 people, with another dozen responsible for the…