Shortly after World War II, government, contractor, and university personnel began creating what has become a dynamic US national reconnaissance capability. Not only did they define the concept of peacetime reconnaissance, but they also revolutionized overhead technical collection systems that extended into space. As described by NRO Historian, Cargill Hall, they collaborated closely to ". . . build, launch, and operate in space some of the most remarkable machines ever known." Mr. Keith Hall will select national reconnaissance pioneers from among those who contributed most significantly to these achievements.

The National Reconnaissance Pioneer Program is an NRO activity in which the DNRO annually will select one or more individuals who have made critical contributions to the discipline of national reconnaissance. He will designate these individuals as "national reconnaissance pioneers," and honor them by displaying a medallion on the "Pioneer Wall" at NRO Headquarters.  The medallion will name the pioneer and commemorate the pioneer’s specific contribution to the discipline of national reconnaissance.

For the first pioneer induction ceremony, which is scheduled in September 2000, Mr. Keith Hall will induct 40 national reconnaissance pioneers on NRO’s 40th anniversary. Mr. Hall will select these initial 40 pioneers based on recommendations from a special selection board that he will appoint. The board members will propose a list of recipients based upon a review of all nominations submitted.

Anyone may nominate an individual for consideration as a national reconnaissance pioneer. The nomination period is now open and will close on April 14, 2000.