OFFICE OF FIELD SERVICE I29 



"operational research," or "operational analysis." Generally operational re- 

 search included studies of the performance of equipment under operating 

 conditions and of the performance of personnel in the operation of the 

 equipment, with a view to improved training and doctrine, analysis and 

 evaluation of one's own tactics or of the enemy's tactics. Some aspects of 

 this work were a normal part of the functions of military personnel; but 

 as the techniques were perfected, there was greater need for men trained 

 in science and especially in mathematics and statistics. 



Accordingly, after discussing the matter with the Advisory Council, Bush 

 announced the creation of the Office of Field Service (OFS) on October 15, 

 1943; and on November 8, 1943, he issued Administrative Order No. 4 

 which established it as a principal subdivision of OSRD. This new unit 

 which was to be headed by a Chief to be appointed by him had its func- 

 tions defined as follows: 



Under the general supervision and direction of the Director, the Office of Field 

 Service shall direct, supervise and coordinate the rendering by the Office of 

 Scientific Research and Development or its contractors to the Armed Services of 

 the United States and its Allies of certain field services designed to (i) make the 

 most effective possible use of developments by the United States or its Allies on 

 mechanisms or devices of warfare or in military medicine, and (ii) minimize the 

 effectiveness of any such developments made by the enemy, especially those in 

 combat use. Principal among such services shall be operational research, field 

 engineering, the organization and operation of laboratories established in military 

 fields of operation, the work of ad hoc committees or missions for special study 

 of field problems, the analysis of information contained in reports or derived 

 from consultations concerning scientific problems arising in connection with 

 military combat operations, and, subject to the policies fixed by the Scientific 

 Personnel Office, the employment and training of personnel needed for such 

 activities. 



Karl T. Compton, President of M.I.T. and a member of NDRC, was 

 named Chief of OFS and Alan T. Waterman, Deputy Chief (physicist, Yale 

 University). The principal officers of OFS were the following: 



Chief: Karl T. Compton (October 11, 1943 — July 30, 1945) 



Alan T. Waterman (July 31, 1945 — December 31, 1946) 

 Deputy 



Chief: Alan T. Waterman (October 11, 1943 — July 30, 1945) 

 John E. Burchard (August i, 1945 — June 30, 1946) 

 Assistant 



Chiefs: John E. Burchard (August i, 1944 — August i, 1945) 



George R. Harrison (February 24, 1944 — January 31, 1946) 

 Paul E. Klopsteg (April 2, 1945 — January 31, 1946) 

 Philip M. Morse (February 20, 1945 — January 31, 1946) 

 John T. Tate (December 3, 1943 — January 31, 1946) 



