by Mandy Donoghue

Created on: February 26, 2009

Since the advent of our nation, gathering intelligence information has played a vital role in preserving our independence and securing our borders. President Truman consolidated national security efforts with the National Security Act in 1947, thereby creating the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Prior to the creation of the CIA, The Continental Army, the Office of Strategic Services, and the State and War Departments handled intelligence matters during separate historical periods. All of these agencies influenced how the Central Intelligence Agency is organized today.

During the American Revolutionary War, George Washington ensured reliability of intelligence material by diversifying his sources. He recruited and questioned agents on both the Tory and Patriot sides. Travelers were also interrogated about their observations. Washington required that all intelligence briefs be submitted in a timely fashion and written in a precise manner as to avoid any ambiguity and false recollection. Upon receipt of these reports, Washington prepared both defensive and offensive strategies.

Washington's organization of sources and ability to determine which intelligence information was accurate led to his victory. With funds from the Continental Congress, he enlisted aides and employed secret agents to conduct intelligence missions. Certain aides were responsible for questioning prisoners while other aides investigated agents Washington suspected of working for the enemy. Agents that reported directly to him were called the Knowlton Rangers. They were the first organized spy unit established for this nation.

Additionally, there was the Patriot Intelligence network of individuals from Boston also referred to as the mechanics. Members, one of which was Paul Revere, were reportedly associated with the Sons of Liberty. While their security efforts proved less worthwhile than other Washington sources, they were successful in destroying some of Britain's military equipment sabotaging potential operations. The Culper Ring agents demonstrated greater effectiveness by developing secret codes, symbols, and written communications that Washington valued. Culper Ring personnel assumed a lifestyle within Britain communities giving them an advantage of obtaining useful intelligence information through casual conversations.

While Washington's intelligence missions resulted in victory, policymakers for decades continued to rely upon information gathered by non-collaborative groups. The material

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