At the close of [1955] the Administrator summarized the Agency's position and progress as follows: Some of the important components of the national security policy of the United Statews are: skillful diplomacy, a high degree of military preparedness, and a civil defense program for every segment of our population, from the residents of the Capital City to the citizens of the smallest township. The civil defense role in national security planning is indispensable. In this age of terrible new weapons, a major deterrent to a potential aggressor will be precisely those programs that this Nation develops to defned its populatin. It seems logical that an ememy's temptation to attack the United States will shrink in proportion to the advance measures the Nation adopts to keep the greater part of its population alive during and after an attack. The FCDA is working to develop a civil defense program so capable of protecting millions of people in time of danger that it will also help to convince a potential aggressor of the futility of attempting to destroy the Nation. (FCDA, 1955 Annual Report, 1956, p. 1). Civil defense has helped to combat natural disasters since 1953, but in 1955 we faced our biggest challenge. Operations were better organized and more effective than at any time in the past. Assignments to other Federal agencies worked more smoothly. Coordination with the work of the Red Cross was excellent. Through these experiences our ability to provide speedy assistance was greatly improved. The spirit and enterprise of the untrained volunteers who invariably are willing to help their unfortunate neighbors in time of disaster was most impressive. The volunteer spirit, however, is not always enough. There were repeated demonstrations of the need for some civil defense training for everyone. People so trained must supplement the activities of a Federal civil defense agency in emergency rehabilitation. FCDA training has produced greater civil defense efficiency in combatting disaster and the experience gained should help materially in dealing with conditons resulting from enemy attack the Administrator made on-the-scene inspection of the floods in the east last summer and fall, and those in Nevada and California in December. (FCDA, 1955 Annual Report, 1956, 10)