Related note: I was doing some research at the National Library of Australia the other day and came across a publication (a 12 page pamphlet or thereabouts) titled "Careers for Mathematicians and Engineers at the National Security Agency". It's dated about 1976, and describes what engineers, physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists can engage in at NSA.
There is a similar information brochure for the DSD, available at most career advisory services in Australian Universities.
The people in the pictures look like they had been rescued from a 70's low budget CIA or Police TV flick. As for equipment, there were pictures of oscilloscopes, `computers' with LEDs and switches on the front and other stuff as well (and neat labels on the switches too).
The DSD brochure is interestingly sanitized too. The surprise was their acknowledgement that they own a Cray, although the pictured model is an X-MP (which I know has been subsequently decommissioned, cut in half, and now graces the CRI foyer in Melbourne and, it is rumored, the DSD foyer in their HQ at Russell, ACT). DSD have a more recent model now. Amusingly, it was not up until recently that they were admitting that they HAD a Cray, and the current model is still confidential. The picture also shows some fairly hackerish looking people pointing logic probes into circuitry, and viewing the output of programs on what look like 3270 terminals! On closer inspection, these boards appear to be domestic modems (Dataplex models, by the look of them). There is one fairly interesting looking board, which appears to be covered in ceramic- packaged custom chips, but it looks circa 1975 or so and ancient. I went through the document as closely, but could not get much out of it. The sanitisation was quite competent, which is no surprise for that organisation.
Some of the claims are down right funny. For instance, it is stated that "To assure maximum opportunity for achievement, the Agency provides a high degree of personal freedom to pursue individual interests in an atmosphere conducive to scholary achievement". Sure!
*ROTFL!!!!* Does this include left-wing political interests?! Ian.