On the roof gang
The On the Roof Gang (sometimes written On-the-Roof-Gang and abbreviated OTRG) was a group of United States Navy cryptologists and radiomen during World War II who are seen as the forerunners of U.S. Navy cryptology and cryptanalysis. One hundred fifty Sailors and 26 Marines worked on the roof of the Navy Department building in Washington, D.C. from 1928 to 1941.[1]
History
The On the Roof Gang was a school for radiomen and
In 1928 the Chief of Naval Operations understood that a group of formally trained operators was needed in the Pacific Fleet to monitor Japanese naval communications. There existed a small cadre of self-taught operators in the Pacific theater, and two of them were selected to become instructors in the "On the Roof Gang." Chief Radioman Harry Kidder and Chief Radioman Dorman Chauncey instructed the early classes.[2]
Initial graduates were sent to ground stations in the Pacific to monitor the Japanese. Later the cryptologists eventually began to serve on board ships.[3]
Modern Impact
Naval
Part of the area formerly occupied by the Naval Building is now home to the
See also
- Defense Language Aptitude Battery (The test taken to become a CTI)
- Defense Language Proficiency Tests (The tests taken to assess the skill level of CTIs)
References
- ^ "The "On-The-Roof" Gang". September 20, 2010. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
- ^ "Pearl Harbor Review - The On-The-Roof Gang". January 15, 2009. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
- ^ Whitlock, Duane L. (1995). "The Silent War against the Japanese Navy". Naval War College Review. XLVIII (4).