CIA seal in entrance of the CIA headquarters lobby.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) seal is one of the most recognizable symbols of American intelligence. Featured prominently on the floor of the CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, the seal represents the Agency’s mission and values. However, the path to its creation was far from straightforward.
The CIA was officially established with the signing of the National Security Act of 1947. This act authorized the agency to carry out its mission of gathering and analyzing intelligence to protect national security. However, the creation of an official seal was not initially addressed. The absence of a seal raised concerns among CIA executives, who feared that other government organizations might question the legitimacy of documents lacking an official emblem.
The Search for a Seal
In response to these concerns, the CIA Act of 1949 was signed, which provided for the creation of an official seal. On July 1, 1949, the CIA issued a notice to all employees, inviting submissions for a “suitable design” for the seal. The criteria for judging were originality and appropriateness, rather than artistic talent. Employees had just two weeks to submit their designs.
After reviewing around a dozen submissions from agency employees, it was determined that none met the leaders’ expectations. Consequently, the CIA turned to professionals for assistance. Meetings with the U.S. Army Heraldic Branch (now the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry) began in late July 1949. By December 1949, the Heraldic Branch had completed the design process and presented the CIA with several options.
The final design was selected by then-Director of Central Intelligence Roscoe Hillenkoetter. On February 17, 1950, President Harry S. Truman gave the final approval, signing several copies of the seal, including one that is displayed at CIA Headquarters.
Design Elements
The CIA seal features three main elements:
- The Eagle: The eagle, the national bird of the United States, symbolizes strength and alertness. It represents the Agency’s vigilance in protecting national security.
- The Shield: The shield is a standard symbol of defense. It signifies the role of intelligence in defending the nation and supporting policymakers in making informed decisions.
- The Compass Rose: The 16-point compass rose symbolizes the collection of intelligence from around the globe to a central location. It represents the Agency’s global reach and its mission to gather and analyze information from all corners of the world.
The Seal’s Legacy
Since its creation, the CIA seal has become an iconic symbol of the agency. It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and documentaries, further cementing its place in popular culture. The seal’s design elements continue to reflect the core values and mission of the CIA, serving as a reminder of the agency’s commitment to protecting national security.
From its inception in 1949 to its final approval in 1950, the seal has become an enduring emblem of strength, intelligence, and vigilance. As the CIA continues to evolve, the seal remains a powerful symbol of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation.
Resource
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov