Created in 1947, the Central Intelligence Agency plays an important part in the nation's intelligence activities, and is currently playing a vital role in the war on terrorism. While the agency is often in the news and portrayed in television shows and films, it remains one of the most secretive and misunderstood organizations in the United States. This work provides an in-depth look into the Central Intelligence Agency and how its responsibilities affect American life. After a brief history of the agency, chapters describe its organization, intelligence/counterintelligence, covert operations, controversies, key events, and notable people.

At head of title: ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security

A thoroughly updated edition of the 1985 book. Includes developments since the death of William Casey and the Iran/Contra scandal. This is an authoritative and comprehenisve reference on the organization, secret missions, and technical capabilities of the American intelligence establishment. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Selected bibliography p. 511-519

This book provides a detailed overview of America's vast intelligence empire—its organizations, its operations (from spies on the ground to satellites thousands of miles in space), and its management structure. Relying on a multitude of sources, including hundreds of official documents, it provides an up-to-date picture of the U.S. intelligence community that will provide support to policymakers and military operations into the next century.

Paddock also includes new sections on American psychological warfare in the Pacific, the Army Rangers, the 1st Special Service Force, and American-led guerrillas in the Philippines."--BOOK JACKET.