COM NSDD-38 RESPONSE TO DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE

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