Byesville Rotary learns NRO works 24/7 to protect nation

Pictured: Oziel Jeffries, Speaker Host; Major J. Russ Jeffries; and Chuck Fair; President.

 

Major J. Russ Jeffries spoke to the Byesville Rotary about his job in the National Reconnaissance Organization (NRO). A naval officer, Major Jeffries recently retired after 23 years of service in the Navy. He began his naval career 23 years ago as an intelligence analyst. At his retirement on August 15, he was serving as Chief Engineer for Signals Intelligence Systems Acquisition.

NRO stands for National Reconnaissance Organization. Maj. Jeffries explained that his job was to insure that the United States had eyes and ears in space. He was involved in designing and building equipment that was both durable and redundant as well as cutting edge. He explained that there have many changes in reconnaissance methods in the years he has served. Early on high altitude planes and cameras loaded with film were used. Unfortunately, even very high altitude planes can be identified and eliminated.

The next step was into space. Satellites were developed to collect data. Film was used to record the information. The film had to be returned to earth where it was captured in mid-air by a plane. Maj. Jeffries pointed out that evaluating film took weeks. Once the NRO began capturing information digitally, evaluation of the data became faster and more timely. Maj. Jeffries explained that today ground troops and pilots can be immediately linked with data streamed from a satellite.

Maj. Jeffries stated that the war on terror requires new thinking and new ways of collecting data so that the US can track lower signature targets such as small groups working under cover of forests or towns. This type of group is more difficult to track than armies which are accompanied with large pieces of equipment and supply lines.

Maj. Jeffries recommended that a young person wanting an exciting and challenging job needs to prepare him-/herself by taking science and business courses. His/her goal should be to get a degree in at least one of the hard sciences such as chemistry, physics mechanical, chemical, aero- or astro- engineering or a business degree.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Call Membership Chair Jim Vaughan, 740-432-5605, to learn more about how to join.