Kenneth Arnold's UFO sighting in 1947 began the modern era of the UFO
phenomenon. Since Arnold's sighting the UFO has been the subject of num-
erous books, articles, debates, and controversy. We have seen stories of
trips to Mars and beyond, claims of messages from the aliens, and claims
that the UFO is nonexistent. Yet, the UFO has survived for four decades,
and we still see the whole gamut of claims associated with it. As a layman
who has observed the UFO phenomenon for over fourteen years, and who has
studied its history, a number of thoughts have come to mind. Many of them
may meet with mixed response from the UFO community, and some have been
stated before. However, as the UFO and civilian UFO investigation enter
their fifth decade, it is time that some serious attention is given to
where both stand and what direction the future holds.
Just where does the UFO phenomenon and the UFO community stand? Over forty
years a large number of unexplained cases have been collected. That the
cases defy explanation can be seen in two lights. First, some probably
have some known cause which is unforeseen because of lack of sufficient
data due to insufficient observation or investigation. Second, some defy
explanation because they either exceed our level of scientific development
to explain, or they have an explanation within our comprehension, but
which science is reluctant to accept. In a sizable portion of the unex-
plained cases which have a sufficient amount of data the logical conclu-
sion is the latter: either they defy explanation or science is unwilling
to accept the possible explanations that can be offered. The majority of
witnesses to UFOs are Joe Average, having given no attention to the sub-
ject, or having scoffed at it at best. They have seen or experienced some-
thing which they can not explain or comprehend, and which science either
cannot explain or is unwilling to. Most witnesses seek no personal gain
from their experience, although some have chosen to do so.
From the unexplained cases with sufficient data, one can extract a fair
amount of theoretical data about the UFO and its possible characteristics.
We know that it can outperform any man-made aircraft, and perform maneu-
vers which are beyond our level of technology. They can be detected by
radar, and some cases indicate an ability to elude radar. We know this is
possible by recent developments in our own technology, although whether
ours is the same as the theoretical UFO cannot be said. We also know that
they may have left physical traces, such as burned circles, radiation, and
landing gear imprints, as well as possible physical effects on witnesses.
Additional, but less reliable, speculation can be made in such areas as
human abductions, cattle mutilations, and appearance of occupants. All
such speculation is interesting, and some of it may, in time, prove to be
on the right track, or one that is close to being correct. However, it is
still only speculation, none can be proven conclusively.
The UFO has left, in forty years, a sizable number of eyewitnesses, and
some interesting, but unconfirmed, circumstantial evidence. All of it adds
up to a case which can be very convincing of the reality of the UFO phenom-
enon, if not the UFO itself. The analogy has been used, with some validi-
ty, that if an attorney were preparing a case from comparable evidence,
that they would be assured of winning their case. The evidence collected
so far is convincing, and is enough so that the case for the reality of
the UFO phenomenon would be likely to be won. However, a number of things
must be held in mind. First, even though the evidence for the validity of
the phenomenon is convincing, none of it, to date, is convincing enough to
support any theory that would explain the phenomenon. Second, although sci-
ence and law work on similar rules, science differs in how it approaches
problems, especially those which would challenge accepted concepts of the
universe and how it works. And the reality of the UFO phenomenon, and the
implications of that reality. Offer too much that would defy a number of
aspects of the current scientific model of the universe. While civilian
UFO research has produced much in the way of eyewitness and circumstantial
evidence, it has failed to produce the one thing needed to force scientif-
ic acceptance of the UFO phenomenon: hard evidence. The burden of proof of
the UFO phenomenon today rests totally in the hands of civilian research.
As the UFO phenomenon has changed, so has civilian investigation. Groups
and individuals have come and gone, with purposes as diverse as their
claims. Some told of fabulous trips to Mars and beyond, while others spoke
of all important messages from the aliens. Others sought personal gain
and/or attention. Many just wanted to find out what was going on. Although
most major groups in existence today are of a more serious nature, the
crackpot and those out for personal gain still exist. But even serious
minded research has faced many of the same problems through the years.
Although many in the field present themselves as reputable investigators,
they are anything but. Many show total disregard for even common sense
investigative procedure; one has to go no further than to scan the number
of blatant oversights readily evident in many public reports, articles,
and books put out by these investigators. Oftimes, known facts are ig-
nored, leads aren't followed up, and viable explanations ignored so that a
'valid' case can be built. Often, personal theories, reputations, and
pride override the stated purpose of the investigator. Add to this the
fact that infighting, feuds, and personal attacks are too often present.
It is sad but true that the biggest stumbling block to civilian UFO re-
search has been itself.
More important than where are we, is where are we going? Where will UFO
research be ten years from now? Will it have provided a valid case for the
UFO phenomenon. and be working with science toward a solution? Or will it
still be fighting an uphill battle? If civilian UFO research is to make
any progress, then it is going to have to take several strong steps toward
solidifying itself. It is going to have to get its act together totally. I
can not make absolute statements as what has to be done, but I can provide
what I consider to be valid recommendations. First, civilian research has
to take steps toward unity. I don't mean one organization, but rather, to-
tal cooperation among existing organizations and individuals; the sharing
of information being not the least of considerations. Second, a standard-
ized procedure for investigators, which would include a standard ratings
system, perhaps similar to the Hynek system used by ParaNet. Third, an ac-
creditation procedure for investigators to certify their competency, and a
standard of ethics. Fourth, disassociation of any investigator who fails
to live up to the code of ethics, fails to achieve accreditation, or fails
to adhere to standard investigative procedure (beyond a preset limit).
Fifth, the establishment of an information sharing network. A series of
computer based bulletin boards would be ideal for this purpose, since they
would allow access by all but would limit access according to security
clearance on the BBS.
Above all, even if none of the above is done, UFO investigation has to be-
come more reliable. Infighting must come to an end, and those seeking only
to feather their own nest must be ousted from the ranks of reputable in-
vestigators. The carelessness of the past and present only plays into the
hands of debunkers who wish to portray the civilian UFO effort as an at-
tempt to mislead the American public. Civilian UFO investigation has
gained the level of respect it has due to the efforts of APRO, NICAP,
MUFON, CAUS, and many reputable individuals who gave, and are giving, many
hours of work to the purpose of proving the case for the phenomenon. If
those in UFO investigation today would devote some of their time and ef-
fort toward rectifying the weaknesses which exist, and making certain that
the mistakes of the past don't reoccur, then the day of proving the valid-
ity of the phenomenon will be that much closer.
------------------------------------------John Aultman is ParaNet's Mississippi correspondent and a member of MUFON. Thisarticle was origin
ally submitted to the MUFON UFO Journal.
