‘When possible, refer all matters to committees, for “further study and consideration.” Attempt to make the committees as large as possible—never less than five.’


The Simple Sabotage Field Manual was a top secret document written in 1944 by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Created during World War II, the manual was for operatives in Europe who were trying to recruit civilians to carry out sabotage in occupied countries. The manual was eventually declassified in 2008 and is now a document of historical interest giving insights into spycraft during World War II. The manual is also useful for the insights it gives into organizational behaviour.


Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was the intelligence agency of the United States during World War II. It is the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).