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(U) Deep in the Heart of Texas with Cindy Farkus and 'Party'
FROM: Cindy Farkus
Assistant Deputy Director for Analysis & Production (S2)
Run Date: 06/20/2006
(U//FOUO) On 23-25 May I had the opportunity to visit NSA/CSS Texas in San Antonio.
Traveling with me was my Executive Assistant,
(i.e. "party").
(U//FOUO) I spent four years at "MRSOC"* in the late nineties, so I definitely feel a sense of
pride when I see how far the MRSOC has come in its transformation into a Cryptologic Center
(CC). And, I was certainly reminded on our first afternoon just how warm it can get in San
Antonio in May! (It got up to about 96 degrees F.)
(U//FOUO) We were welcomed by
, Texas S2 Chief of Staff and
,
NSA/CSS TX protocol officer. Seeing
(and her smile) made me feel as though I were
coming home! MAJ
Deputy Director of Texas Security Operations Center (TSOC their extension of NSOC) gave us an executive overview and update of all the changes at Texas.
During our courtesy call, Col Jim Marrs, Commander of NSA/CSS TX, teed up issues to discuss
over lunch. Topics included:
the Strategic Future Mission List and how we respond as an enterprise, to include the
best use of the 10% of resources left to the discretion of each mission manager,
the GCM (Global Capabilities Manager) role in mission governance, and
the strategic theme for NSA/CSS TX.
(U//FOUO) I met with the SID Leadership, Col Rick Marcinowski (TX SID), Bill Edinger (TX
D/SID),
(TX Homeland Security Director), and
(TX SID Chief of
Staff) to discuss the latest information on Transformation 3.0, the on-going budget planning
cycle and potential implications for NSA/CSS Texas. They share the same concerns and face the
same challenges as we do.
(U//FOUO) I spent some time with
, Acting NSA/CSS TX S2 and newly
designated Assistant Intelligence Authority (AIA) for Texas. Topics included current S2 missions
and personnel assignments, the hiring program, the IADP* and opportunities for professional
development of his current analytic workforce.
will take the knowledge he's gained
throughout this military and civilian career, and in particular what he has learned in his time in
Texas, to establish the AIA/TX structure. While the acronym AIA means something else to many
in San Antonio -- Air Intelligence Agency -- I am confident
will make his mark with an
additional meaning for AIA.
(U//FOUO) Texas took me up on my offer to hold a town meeting with the SID workforce. You
never quite know how these sessions will go or where the questions will take you; however, I
always learn something. This time was no exception. Questions focused on:
Homeland Security/Defense and the role for NSA HQ and NSA/CSS Texas;
the meaning of governance for an S2 site;
Human Resources processes and how it effects the enterprise with regard to assignments
and home basing;
the hiring situation, budget/resource impacts of Transformation 3.0, what it means to
plans already in progress and what it means to the enterprise, mission build-out and to
Texas in particular.
We have several initiatives under way to address these and other items of interest to all of us
and we'll be getting details out on them in the near future.
(U//FOUO) That evening, a social at Mi Tierra Restaurant and Bakery gave us a flavor of Texas
hospitality and delicious Tex/Mex cuisine! It offered me a chance to catch up with folks I've
known for a long time as well as to make new friends.
(U//FOUO) Left side of table (L-R):
LACN IMT* member at TX;
Exec Assistant for A/DDAP;
, Chief S2 for NSA/CSS TX and Associate
Intelligence Authority; Capt
, S2 Operations Officer, NSA/CSS TX;
, Chief
of Staff, S2, NSA/CSS TX; Right side (L-R):
,
s spouse; Cindy Farkus,
A/DDAP, Senior Intelligence Authority;
, NSA retiree, formerly stationed at NSA/CSS TX
(U//FOUO) Our second day began with an S2 Leadership roundtable discussion. Topics included:
Budget - current and future - what it will be at Headquarters and what it will be on site;
build-out preparation, including fit up and training funds;
the definition of metadata;
what it means to be part of "Big A - little P";
ongoing challenges in developing the governance structure, and progress that has been
made;
the possibility of a GCM at Texas in the future; and
an idea for an advocate for the CCs at HQ.
We'll be following up on these and will keep you informed as things progress.
(U//FOUO) Col Jim Marrs, NSA/CSS TX Commander, invited me to attend his prep session for
the HIGHCASTLE deployment acceptance "outbrief." (For more info on HIGHCASTLE type " go
highcastle " in your browser). Texas wanted to address some requirements, potential mission
impact and the way ahead. The team worked with site personnel and resolved many of the
items. You'll be hearing more from the HIGHCASTLE team soon.
(U//FOUO) I met with
, Chief of TX SIGDEV and
, TX ADET* in
particular to ensure we are in sync and linked on key areas being worked at Headquarters.
was concerned about metadata and determining priorities for mission in such a way that all are
aware.
and I focused on how we bring the right training throughout the enterprise to
A&P military and civilian personnel, at all career levels.
(U//FOUO)
, new TX SID Technical Director, had only arrived in town a few weeks
ago. We discussed the challenges ahead as we determine what Transformation 3.0 means to
A&P and the broader SID workforce.
(U//FOUO) The best part of the visit is where I get to recognize outstanding work being done by
folks in TX. These individuals, selected by the Group Chiefs, Global Capabilities Managers,
Primary Production Center Managers, and the MARSOC PMO* are making their mark in TX.
Personnel from across their SID and Information Technology organizations were recognized.
Accomplishments covered mission transfers from TX to AMOC* and MOC*, operational and
training successes and systems development and installation. They can be very proud of the
work they and their teams are performing. Those receiving coins included:
SGT
SPC
CTI2
SSgt
PO2
CTICS
SFC
Maj.
SCPO
MSgt
(U//FOUO) No trip to San Antonio is complete without fresh-made tortillas. We managed to stop
by "Alamo Café" on the way to the airport, and I know I made some people very happy with my
4-dozen tortillas!
(U//FOUO) When in San Antonio you can't help but think of history - Spanish missions are
located throughout the city. Our hotel was situated right next to the Alamo...
San Antonio and the Alamo played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. We're confident that
NSA/CSS TX will play as critical a role in the mission build-out "revolution" and how we adapt
and change to meet the challenges of the future.
Hasta luego!
Cindy
(U//FOUO) Aerial view of NSA/CSS Texas
*(U//FOUO) Notes:
MRSOC = Medina Regional Security Operations Center (the old name for NSA/CSS Texas)
IADP = Intelligence Analysis Development Program
LACN IMT = Latin America/International Crime and Narcotics Issue Manager Team
ADET = Associate Directorate for Education & Training
MARSOC PMO = Mission Alignment & RSOC Build-Out Program Management Office
AMOC = the Alaska Mission Operations Center
MOC = Meade Operations Center
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid_comms)."
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TOP SECRET // SI / TK // REL TO USA AUS CAN GBR NZL
DERIVED FROM: NSA/CSSM 1-52, DATED 08 JAN 2007 DECLASSIFY ON: 20320108