Source Library · SRC-V99-129 · Declassified CIA record (STAR GATE collection)
GRILL FLAME (U) memorandum, 13 April 1979, CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
U.S. Army GRILL FLAME program; released by CIA · 1979-04-13
GRILL FLAME (U) memorandum, 13 April 1979, CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5 · 13 pages · PDF 0.6 MB
US federal government record (CIA reading room, declassified; archive.org mirror of the reading-room PDF). Public domain; hosted here so it can be read and searched. Original source ↗
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Approved R 88R001200210002-5 SUBJECT : FACTS (U) 1. INFORMATION PAPER DAMI-ISH 13 Apr 79 GRILL FLAME (U) S ummary : (S/ ORCON) Under the coordination of an OSD oversight committee established by Dr. Ruth Davis, the DI A, Army, and Ai p Force are initiating low level efforts to better understand whether there exists mili tarily usable psychokinetic (psychoenergetic?) effects . This effort responds to written interest by Congressman Rose, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and Service interest in whether there is potential adverse consequence to known extensive efforts in the Soviet Union in this area. (S/ORCON) Prior work by the CIA • & recent low level support of b. experiments at SRI by DIA and Army has been contracted through the Air Force Foreign Technology Labs at Dayton. These efforts and others supported at SRI have led to both most unusual apparent capability for remote viewing and great controversy among the scientific comrnunity as to the clinical suitability of the experiments . (S/ORCON) As a consequence the OSD and the Army believe it is c. crucial to conduct controlled in—house experiments under competent technical staffs who are with high assurance not emotionally involved with the existance or non—existance of the phenomenon . CLASSIFIED BY: ACSI DA REVIEW ON: 13 Apr 99 REASON: PARA 2-301c DOD 5200. I-R (3) Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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GRILL U Approve 0788R001200210002-5 Htl'L'üj "üNfii'W" d. (S/ORCON) Prior to any work starting, the standard procedures for protocol verification in cases where human subjects will be accomplished. To overview the Army efforts, an informal oversight committee has been established under Dr. Yore of the Staff of the Assistant Secretary of Army for R&D. ( U ) Chronology : 2. ( S/ORCON) Stanford Research Institute: In 1971, two laser physicists, Dr. Hal Puthof and Mr. Russel Targ, became involved in a research program to scientifically investigate PSI . In 1972, they had the good fortune to acquire the talents of a psychic of some renown, Ingo Swann. Swann demonstrated the ability not only to remotely view targets at great distance from him, but, also was able to somehow affect physical objects mentally. In a now famous experiment conducted in 1972, Swann was able to significantly disturb, on command, a superconducting magnetometer, which was as shi elded as technology could make it. In 1973 a second formidable psychic came on board. He was Pat Price, a Price had no trouble becoming extremely adept retired police inspector. at RV. More recently, Hella Hammond has joined the SRI effort as a psychic and although was first picked as a control case i thought to have no ability whatsoever, she has performed some rather amazing feats . (U) CIA: b. (S/ORCON) In April 1972, the CIA became interested in (1) After discussions with Puthof potential intelligence applications of PSI . and Targ, a modest effort began . canny Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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or Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-R 96-00788R001200210002-5 (2) (S ORCON) By October 1972, the investigation had expanded to allow a more complete research plan. The results were surprising , encouraging, and disputed within the CIA by skeptics from ORD* and budding advocates within OSI*. (3) (S./ORCON) In Sumrner 1973, Price, working only from a set of geographic coordinates read to him, provided striking descriptions of a timilitary—like" facility, As it turned out, the place was a sensitive NSA installation in West Virginia. Price was able to penetrate into the building and among other accurate descriptions, was able to correctly name people working there——but, most important, spoke out classified codewords he 'tread' t from file folders . (4) (S/ORCON) Next, CIA decided to give Price the coordinates of a Soviet facility whose exact mission was unknown. An extremely elaborate protocol was developed to guard against fraud or other criticism. Price again provided a great deal of information, but typically there was a mix of signal to noise; good data comingled with spurious. Of particular note, however, is a drawing and oral description of a large "crane" at the target site Later, CIA analysts concluded that either Remote Viewing had taken place, or Price had intimate knowledge of the URDF—3 (an over— head platform) , (5) (S./ORCON) It was decided to see if Price could operationally assist in technical collec tion efforts In two tests checked against the interior plans of foreign embassies known to CIA audio specialists, Price correctly located the coderooms, leading the operations officer to agree that the method did have operational potential . *ORD : Office of Research and D I: Office of Scientific Intelligence Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5 (6) (S/ORCON) In Fall 1974, an experiment was conducted in—house by CIA engineers familiar with the SRI—Price coordinates protocol . The result was a description of what could only be a SA—5 missile training The Libyan desk officer was impressed, and indi— site at the coordinates . cated that a HUMINT agent had previously reported the same information. (S./ORCON) In July 1975, Libyan coordinates were provided (7) to Price, who camc back with a description of a guerrilla training site—— again, confirmed by CIA analysts from clandestine agent reporting . The same month Price tragically died of a heart attack . (S/ORCON) Since July 1975, CIA interest has remained minimal (8) The Agency claims to have stopped all work, but there may and unofficial . The "clandestine" project •still going among a few advocates . be a small , primary reason for abandoning the effort was fear of winning a "Golden Fleece Award. " ( U ) Army : c. ( S: ORCON) Army ' s (1) back to 1972 and 1975 when the studies of Soviet Bloc work . interest in Psychoenergetics (PSI) goes Surgeon General (MIIA) , with DI A, published (S ORCON) In 1976, USAMICOM informally expressed interest (2) SRI worked up a small in US replication of claimed Soviet experiments . program, and in August 1977 a one—year, $80K contract was let by MICOM. "Investigation of Work was to be accomplished under the innocuous title , Unconventional Discrimination Techniques. 'l Of particular interest was Soviet efforts along the line of man—machine interface; e.g. , radar operators continuing to guide AA missiles to the target despite the CRT images being obscured by chaff . SECRET Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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æ)Release 2005/03 -00788R001200210002-5 (3) (S/ORCON) By Spring 1978, enough "demonstrations" of the phenomenon existed to warrant serious consideration for a comprehensive program to explore military application of PS I. Most promising were three subareas: Remote Viewing (RV), Psychokinesis (PK), and Telepathy. The Army ACSI was designated focal point to develop a DA program along the following criteria: (a) moderate intensity, low profile, (b) balanced distribution of work——avoid overlap and husband scarce resources , (c) balanced in—out house effort, (d) in—house effort first center on replicating SRI —type organizations' experiments, (e) consider both basic and applied research, and ( f) fit within any future DOD program. A complete security envelope was placed over Army's interest in PS I, and the effort was given the unclassified nickname, GRILL FLAME . (4) (S /ORCON) In March 1978, Targ and Puthof presented a talk This led to increased effort on RV to a select AMSAA 'DARCOM audience . by AMSAA to explore RV in harmony with DA guidance, as it might apply to target acquisition and target description: (a) ascertain location and activity status of enemy units, (b) detect changes in status of places like enemy assembly areas, (c) detect, identify, and report activity of enemy equipment, and (d) provide real time battle damage assessment Also of prime interest was accessing enemy communications, and command and control s stems . HER r PAGE . (6) (S/ORCON) In August 1978, Dr. Vorona, DI A, chaired a meeting to develop a coordinated DOD program. A permanent Working Group , comprised of representatives from all interested agencies/ services, was 5 sucREt Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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Approved For 7 8R001200210002-5 Insert 'this paragraph: 2c(5) renumber subsequent paragraphs p lease: '(S/ORCON) In Ju LY 1978, DIA sponsored a series of four unique experiments, in which intelligence anaaysts Intimate LY fami LI ar with target si tes Interfaced directly with the Remote Viewer. The DIA Yroj ect Officer had prepared three sets of Soviet/ B Loc target coordinates, and one US control set. Even he did not know the coordinates, until the moment they were read a loud to the Viewer, Ingo Swann. Immediate LY upon hear Ing SGIA SGIA t.he coordinates, Swann verbalized about and drew sketches of t.he target. Only LOW correcation of target description to actual s Ite was achieved 1 n the fl.rst three trims. However, Swann provided a • •moderate to high", Lengthy description of the -Las t target, a Soviet strategtc miss Ile f xeld east of Moscow; a significant achievement. Most amazing perhaps, Swann passed through a siL0 cover , "traweLL1ngI' down until reaching a connecting tunnel. Going through this passageway he entered a command and control room. One corrment, among many, stands out: The floors are paved 1 n "white tuxes. • Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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P96-00788R001200210002-5 established and has met a nurnber of times to: (a) ensure scientifically acceptable experiments and evaluation methodologies, (b) ensure valid investigation of military applications of PSI and, (c) investigate significance of foreign technical and military PSI efforts . The Working Group also acts as a clearing house for information on the subject within the DOD framework, and monitors protocols for compliance with legal and medical guidelines 7 (e) (S ORCON) In Sep-Oct 1978, Ar ACSI and INSCOM designed a small program to narrowly examine purely intelligence application of RV. The concept was to familiarize (train) a cadre of personnel who had been subjectively culled from the whole INSCOM organization. Selection criteria included: above average intelligence, outgoing personality, adventuresome , open—minded, mature, artistic nature, and successful life career . It was preferred that. the individual not have in—depth PSI knowledge or The following intel ligence PSI applications were identified : background . locating and effecting undetected entry into denied enemy Wii ts facilities; SALT verification; advance warning of hostilities; "reading" enemy battle plans and intentions; tracking and locating key enemy commanders others ; and, surveillance of known or suspected enemy clandestine HUMINT opera— tions and activities. Implicit was the development of appropriate counter— measures to known or suspected enemy PSI capabilities . (e) (S ORCON) AMSAA concluded a contract in September 1978 to have SRI conduct a number of experiments in support of the areas of interest outlined in paragraph 2c(4) above .These would be carried out in concert with the USACDEC, Fort Ord . 6 SECRET Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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Approved For Release 2005/03 -00788R001200210002-5 (O) (S ORCON) In Oct 78, Congressman Rose (NC), expressed in writing to Dr. Davis, DDR&E, his strong desire for DOD to undertake PSI investigation. He promised full support for the program. On 13 Feb 79 , Congressman Rose and others from the House Intelligence Committee were briefed by SRI, Dr. Vorona, and John Kramar, AMSAA Project Officer. Again, full support and commitment to the program was tendered by Rose—— the others seemed impressed by what they had heard . (e) (S/ORCON) Also on 13 Feb the GRILL FLAME DOD Steering Committee first met to hear and offer comments on the program's develop— mental status. Committee members: All Service ACSIs, : Dr. Ruth Davis , Dr. LaBerge, and Dr. Vorona. The tone of the meeting was a positive ond . (e ) (S ORCON) Ms Volner, AGC, provided legal guidance on 15 Feb 79, to the effect that any GRILL FLAME protocol should be reviewed by the Surgeon General 's Human Use Testing Committee . If found to involve humans as subjects of research, or "risk" was entailed, appropriate HEW guidelines and AR 70—25 would apply. SGII SGII (e) (S/ORCON) on 6 Mar SRI briefings were provided to him by DI A, by Army briefers is that are positive on the subject, and most briefed, at his rtequest, Also on request, CIA, and Army . likely will soon (Note : give Dr. subsequent Impression Brzenzski vZSGII SGII SGII and the President a full scale pitch on the program. have also talked with Dr. Davis. ) 7 SECRET Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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I - DP96-00788R 01200210002-5 (S, ORCON) on 26 Mar SRI and AMSAA presel#ed their RV- related protocols to the Surgeon General Is ad hoc Human Use Subcommittee for GRILL FLAME. That panel judged the proposed RV work to be technology transfer and application oriented, rather than research or testing ; therefore, HEW and AR 70—25 did not apply. It was recommended, however , (a) adequate scientific review of research protocols should be that : provided, (b) a behavioral scientist should participate : in protocol execution, and (c) separate organizations like AMSAA and MICOM should develop Hunan Use Review Committees and processes. There recommendations will be incorporated whenever appropriate . (S ORCON) This week, MG Thompson requested the Surgeon General designate, by name, a fully qualified behavioral scientist to act as In addi tion, the Chief of the consul tant during protocol development. Army Science Board, Dr. Yore, was directed by the Under Secretary of the Army to put together a small team of four—five highly regarded individuals of diverse backgrounds, to assist in protocol development, and to later monitor the work for its technical and scientific credibility. (U) Other US Government t 'players" : 3. (S 'ORCON) USAF: Has maintained a small program over the past few years mainly to replicate known or claimed Soviet PSI experiments. Since March 1979, AF ACSI has displayed a positive attitude toward the subject and it is possible that within a year the AF program will escalate signi ficantly. 8 canny Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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6-00788R001200210002-5 (S/ORCON) Navy: In the early 70s, conducted gome PSI experiments, b. but claims to have dropped out (perhaps because of criticism by press/ Congress of "weird' t projects). Suspicion lingers among Army project personnel that Navy may have nevertheless kept a tightly compartmented effort going. Navy reps attend all DOD meetings, but remain uncoqunitted and literally silent. (U) CURRENr/FUTURE STATUS: 4. (S/ ORO N) Army Science Board: Dr. Yore is now lining up team a. members and within two weeks will meet with them to schedule field trips to SRI, AMSAA, INSCQ"I and MIA. Dr. Yore will advise and report directly to the Undersecretary. (S/ORCON) MICOM. Concentrating on development of a program to b, exploit potential offered by PK. First, "Phase Zero" calls for replication and evaluation of certain experiments already designed and performed by out-house organizations like SRI. Funds are available for a complete program, but intention Is to conunit only some contractor support monies for Phase Zero; the remainder held In abeyance until that phase is comp leted . The following near term actions expected within two weeks: (1) a colimit tee of three senior scientists and engineers has been appointed to review the entire PK program, (2) the committee will select a qualified scientist as program director and, (3) the program director will be assured of a quality staff by the committee. Upon completion of Phase Zero the following objectives, to which fixed milestones have not been 9 SECRET Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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05/0 D IA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5 decided by MICQI, will be achieved: (1) Develop a PR-activated switch and (2) conduct an Intensive analytical effort. The PR-switch phase will Involve development of specialized software, hardware and algorithyms. The analytical effort will inc lude research of modern physics and formu- lation of a protocol to look for the PK "mechanism. (S/ORCON) INSCQ"f - currently In the initial phase of familiarizing c. and Introducing six RV specialists to the subject matter. Over the next six months they will discreetly filter out to SRI for "training 't in RV techniques. The INSCa•f contract is $ 95K. Long term objectives Include (l) refine specific abilities identified in each of the RV specialists, (2) establish intelligence collection procedures using RV and, (3) establish an institutional system for responding to validated tactical and strategic intelligence collection requirements (ICRs). Milestones: Feb 79 - Jul 79 Initial orientation May 79 - Aug 79 Individual training at SRI Aug 79 - Dec 80 Refine specific individual abilities Oct 79 - Mar 80 Establish response mechanixm to ICRs May 80 - Dec 80 Initial Introduction of RV data to intelligence cycle. Although only a very few INSQI experiments have been conducted, all in the past two weeks, first cut analysis is encouraging with a moderate- to-high degree of target correlation. However, it is still too early to make any accurate assessments or predictions. (S/ORCON) AISAA - On-going effort is divided between contractor (SRI) development of RV techniques; and ÆdSAA independent challenge/ veri- fication of those methods and outputs. Through March 1979, SRI accomplished the following of significance: (1) Remote Viewer (s) accurately located person(s) unknown to him, with four out of five first place blind Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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SIECRIEI[ Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP9 judge matches and, (2) three experienced RV specialists scored well beyond chance in determining access codes to computers. Current contract with SRI is about $190K. TASK ONE: TASK TWO: Between April 79 and March 80, SRI will perform as follows: (1) (2) (3) (4) Conduct RV . sensing tests on Units/ equipment at Fort Ord. Provide to AMSAA relevant RV data, protocols and procedures. Provide guidance necessary to establish In-house RV program. Conduct training of AMSAA personnel on a ten-choice numerical device. Apply and evaluate RV techniques relative to: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Tracking and locating key enemy personnel. Detect change In status of military unit. Rapidly determine damage resulting from non-nuclear attack. Determine access code to computers: and other electronic hardware. Determine countermeasures to enemy RV. Determine general context of enemy documents and other Infornution items. Recently, a number of in-house RV trials were conducted, in accordance with established SRI protocols, with encouraging results. The first were of the 'tinbound and outbound" experimenter variety (beacon individual goes to target). The next phase (near term) will use the geographic coordinate 11 SECRET Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5
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DP96-00788R001200210002-5
protocol. Targets will be selected that are both distinctive in nature,
and which can be coorelated to tactical maps. Multiple viewers will
be used in an attempt to better "fix" precise target locations. A major
goal is to develop better procedures for technically demonstrating the
existence or non-existence of RV (NOTE: AMSAA and INSCOM work very closely
on the PSI effort. Within the spirit of a true team effort, MICQ{ vill
probably fold In well with these organizations, resulting in the most
efficient approach to the problem.)
MAJ Stoner 55048
12
Approved For Release 2005/03/09 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200210002-5Record
- Author / institution
- U.S. Army GRILL FLAME program; released by CIA
- Date
- 1979-04-13
- Source type
- Declassified CIA record (STAR GATE collection)
- Used for
- p. 3 para 2b(3): Price's 1973 coordinate session targeted 'a sensitive NSA installation in West Virginia', and he is said to have named people and codewords there. Hosted on this site.
- Limitations
- A program advocate's summary written six years later; it reports the result, not the session data.
Link
https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/document/cia-rdp96-00788r001200210002-5