C O N F I D E N T I A L MONROVIA 001354

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DIA PASS TO CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJS/HSC/DIA REP//

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2017
TAGS: AODE KMRS AMGT LI
SUBJECT: COM NSDD-38 RESPONSE TO DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE
AGENCY REQUEST TO ESTABLISH POSISTION IN MONROVIA

REF: STATE 127543

Classified By: AMBASSADOR DONALD E. BOOTH, REASON 1.4 (d)


1. (C) The Chief of Mission does not at this time approve the
establishment of the GG-10 Intelligence Technician position
requested in reftel. The COM does not disagree with DIA,s
assessment of DAO Monrovia,s staffing growth needs nor with
the value this new position would provide. However, Embassy
Monrovia has experienced rapid growth over the past year
(including the creation of a Marine Attach position), and
cannot provide the management support that would be
associated with additional positions at this time. Once the
management support positions we have requested are filled and
we are able to expand our housing pooQby identifying
accommodations off-compound, we can reconsider this request.
We do not yet know when those criteria will be met, but we
hope by no later than summer 2009.

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS IN &GUIDANCE FOR COM NSDD-38 REQUESTS8


2. (U) Question 1: Is the need for the proposed staffing
change reflected in the most recent MSP? If so, under which
goal? If not, what circumstances have changed to justify the
NSDD-38 proposal?


3. (C) Answer: No, this position was not reflected in our
MSP. We understand the request is a result of
DOD/Washington,s decision about how Defense Attach offices
should be staffed to meet new and emerging requirements. We
also understand that there was coordination between State and
DOD regarding this position, and can confirm that this
position has been accommodated in the office space planning
for the New Embassy Compound, which is slated to be completed
in 2011. The MSP goal supported would be Regional Security.


4. (U) Question 2: If the agency proposes to add staffing
based on workload, are there other resources already present
at post that are performing or could perform the function?


5. (C) Answer: Currently, the DATT and MARA are carrying out
their own duties as well as the duties an Intelligence
Technician would perform. The USDAO is understaffed for the
workload requirements, and the addition of a Technician would
enhance operational and intelligence collection activities.


6. (U) Question 3: Could the function be accomplished
through the use of TDY, Foreign National, contract, or other
local hire personnel?


7. (C) Answer: No. The classified nature of the function
and ongoing nature of the proposed work plan require a direct
hire cleared American. In principle, a series of TDYers
could provide the support needed, but in reality that is not
feasible because TDY costs would be cost-prohibitive and TDY
staff would create a heavy demand for constant orientation
and supervision.


8. (U) Question 4: Identify the specific administrative
support, space, and funding arrangements that have been made
for the increase in staffing.


9. (U) Answer: Office space is currently available and has
been accounted for in planning for the New Embassy Compound
slated to be completed in 2011. Per reftel, home agency has
agreed to fully fund all direct costs and ICASS charges
associated with this position. Should this position be
reconsidered, precise funding arrangements will be negotiated
at that time.


10. (U) Question 5: Do the benefits of increasing the staff
outweigh the inherent security risks associated with
additional personnel?


11. (C) Given the lack of on-compound housing and the recent
growth in DAO Monrovia, we would need more time to assess the
security implications of creating this position.
Booth