DNRO Teets Writes Letter to U.S. News and World Report

15 August 2003

To the Editor, USN & WR:

Doug Pasternak's inflammatory article about the National Reconnaissance Office in your Aug. 11 edition was far below your usual standards. As director of the NRO, I'm extremely proud of our success in providing our Nation with critical, innovative, often unprecedented intelligence capabilities. And I'm extremely fortunate to work with some of the most talented and dedicated people - military and civilian - who have ever devoted themselves to public service.

Our people pursue previously unimaginable technological feats, in space and on earth, developing, utilizing and maintaining some of the world's most sophisticated reconnaissance systems. And, contrary to the article, these highly advanced systems have an outstanding record of achievement once in orbit. Most important, as elected representatives and professional staff on six Congressional oversight committees can attest, the nation's civilian leaders and military commanders have better intelligence information than ever before. That awareness helps win wars and save lives.

Sure, like any ambitious undertaking pushing technological boundaries, we've had our share of missteps, and we must be ever vigilant when spending taxpayer dollars. And yes, because of the need to protect information about breakthrough capabilities, we often must limit our public response to even the most irresponsible attacks. But in trivializing the good work the NRO does, Mr. Pasternak has done an injustice to our people and a disservice to your readers. I believe both groups deserve better from your magazine.

Peter B. Teets
Director, National Reconnaissance Office
Under Secretary of the Air Force