From: Michael Ravnitzky <MikeRav@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: PUB: List of Military Virtual Reality Tech Repts Available
Date: Fri, 11 Oct 1996 13:47:21 -0600
Message-ID: <325EA449.A9B@ix.netcom.com>


When I worked professionally with DTIC, I've noted many reports 
relating to VR topics that were designated limited distribution *U/L 
reports*, and some that were classified *C* reports, and some that 
were both *C/L* reports.  Only those designated originally as 
unlimited/unclassified, which DTIC calls *U/U reports*, are available 
through NTIS.  As things are now, the others *which make up 3 of the 4 
possible types of reports* are unavailable to researchers.  

I don't argue that they should be made available to the public 
immediately.  Only that they should be made available to the public 
once they no longer require specific protection.  BUT THEY'RE NOT.

The only realistic way of making your own determination regarding 
availability and utility is to request your own list, using several 
appropriate keywords, with an *OR* between each of them.

ANY DTIC report is theoretically and practially available under FOIA, 
even limited reports, even classified reports.  Because FOIA is a 
bottom up access.  Records can only be denied if they must be 
protected.  Classified reports can only be withheld if they are 
currently and properly classified.  Because some or most of the 
limited and classified documents really aren't properly and currently 
classified, they are released to requesters---and incidentally 
downgraded for release to the public.  Presumably, NTIS gets them at 
that point, at least.  Small consolation.

DTIC is struggling mightily internally with this problem.  I wish them 
luck, but I feel that some organizational flexibility and improvement 
is probably warranted.

And DTIC users must stop swallowing everything they're told as gospel.


Michael Ravnitzky
MikeRav@ix.netcom.com