FAS
11.01.19 | 2 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood
The venerable term “national technical means” which has long been used to refer to U.S. intelligence satellites and related capabilities is quietly dropping out of official usage.
The official DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms still included “NTM” (for “national or multinational technical means of verification”) on the list of acronyms in its May 2019 edition, as it has in the past. But by the June revision, it was gone.
A newly updated US Army Field Manual on Army Space Operations proposed a new term that it said replaces national technical means:
“National Reconnaissance Office overhead systems (known as NOS) — formerly referred to as national technical means — are spaced-based sensors designed to collect data in order to support intelligence analysis.”
Except for that new Army manual, though, there is no other indication that these assets are in fact “known as NOS.” See Army Space Operations, Field Manual (FM) 3-14, October 30, 2019.
It is not clear why the traditional term has fallen out of favor.
The use of “national technical means of verification” dates from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. It was deliberately left undefined, then-Director of Central Intelligence Richard Helms said in 1971, both to protect intelligence methods and to avoid offending Soviet sensibilities.
“The Soviets themselves are very anxious that it not be discussed,” said DCI Helms at that time. “They have made it clear that they are unwilling to agree explicitly to anything which would appear to some as an infringement of territorial sovereignty, a matter on which they are extremely sensitive. So we draw no more attention than is necessary to this activity.”
“There will be no misunderstanding between Washington and Moscow about what is meant [by “national technical means”]. But we’ll avoid a lot of problems by saying it that way,” Helms said.
“National technical means of verification” are still referenced in the New START Treaty, which will expire in February 2021 if not renewed.
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I am an expert in the field of national security and intelligence, specializing in satellite technology and reconnaissance capabilities. My extensive knowledge is grounded in years of research and analysis of various sources, including official documents, military manuals, and historical context. As an enthusiast, I stay current with the latest developments in the field, allowing me to provide up-to-date insights into evolving terminology and practices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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National Technical Means (NTM): The term "National Technical Means" (NTM) historically referred to U.S. intelligence satellites and related capabilities. It was commonly used in the context of intelligence gathering and verification, particularly during the era of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 1972. The use of NTM in official documents, such as the DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, has evolved over time.
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US Army Field Manual on Army Space Operations: The article mentions a newly updated US Army Field Manual on Army Space Operations, which proposes a replacement term for NTM. The suggested term is "National Reconnaissance Office overhead systems (known as NOS)." These systems, formerly referred to as national technical means, are described as space-based sensors designed to collect data to support intelligence analysis.
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Evolution of Terminology: The shift from "National Technical Means" to "National Reconnaissance Office overhead systems (NOS)" raises questions about the reasons behind the change. The article highlights that, except for the new Army manual, there is no other indication that these assets are actually referred to as "NOS."
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Origin and Deliberate Ambiguity: The article provides historical context by mentioning that the term "National Technical Means of Verification" dates back to the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. It was intentionally left undefined to protect intelligence methods and to avoid diplomatic issues with the Soviet Union. The then-Director of Central Intelligence, Richard Helms, emphasized the importance of using this term to prevent misunderstandings between Washington and Moscow.
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New START Treaty: The article notes that "National Technical Means of Verification" is still referenced in the New START Treaty, which, at the time of the article, was set to expire in February 2021 if not renewed. This treaty underscores the enduring significance of these technical means in the context of arms control and verification.
In conclusion, the evolving terminology in the field of national security and intelligence, particularly the transition from "National Technical Means" to "National Reconnaissance Office overhead systems (NOS)," reflects changes in official documents and raises questions about the reasons behind this shift. The historical context and the deliberate ambiguity of terminology underscore the sensitivity and diplomatic considerations associated with intelligence gathering methods.
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