National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP)

Summary

NICAP was a fairly loose but efficient organization led by Stuart Nixon, an investigative journalist. Nixon, along with John Acuff and Charles Miller, formed the Editorial Review Board responsible for policy, newsletters, press relations, and special reports. The organization relied on an advisory group of experts in various fields, including physics, astronomy, anthropology, medicine, and psychology. Some members had backgrounds in intelligence, offering advice on investigative techniques and government relations. While there was no formal selection process for advisors, individuals could simply offer their services through Nixon or the board.

The investigator system was robust. Nixon divided the country into regions and appointed investigators in each. NICAP members could apply for the role, provided they met requirements such as being at least 25 years old, having scientific training or relevant experience, and the ability to cover a 50-mile radius. As of a few months ago, NICAP had around 35 investigators across the country, with more in the process of being added. These investigators included physical scientists, engineers, university professors, and specialists such as doctors, technicians, and computer programmers. Many were pilots and had assistants to support their fieldwork.