Why Have a CIA?

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) isn't America's only intelligence service--there are 15 others. It isn't even the largest--the NSA employs more people and consumes more cash. Yet it's supposed to be the central one. At least, that's the reason it was created.

Legally, the CIA is a product of the National Security Act of 1947. Historically, it grew out of a previous intelligence agency, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). President Franklin Roosevelt established the OSS in 1942 as part of the U.S. effort in World War II. Before then, the United States had no centralized intelligence service. The FBI collected information. So did the Army and Navy. But there was no systematic intelligence oversight, and the separate agencies often refused to share information (they still do).

Members, read this article now

Get it as an easy-print PDF