MUFON FIELD INVESTIGATORS
One of the most important things MUFON does is accept and investigate UFO sighting reports. Over the past few years, both nationally and in Georgia, the number of reports is increasing. In September 2009, MUFON received a record number of reports in the US. Georgia witnesses now send in well over 100 sighting reports a year, and the increasing trend seems likely to continue. The reason for the increase is unknown, but we believe that part of the increase is because MUFON is seen as an organization people can trust when something unusual is observed in the sky.
“Others talk, MUFON investigates” is more than just a phrase on MUFON-logo clothing. It’s a fact. Our certified Field Investigators (FIs) review and investigate every sighting report received carefully and, to the greatest degree possible, scientifically. Experienced competent FIs are the key to determining facts about UFOs. Have you considered becoming an FI and actually investigating sightings? While you can learn about the phenomenon in other ways, direct investigation experience gives you an incomparable understanding of the raw material of the mystery: remarkable sightings, by people from all walks of life, in some cases accompanied by other witnesses or generating physical evidence. Some of these events challenge our modern view of how the world works, and MUFON FIs are on the front lines of making the best possible scientific response to this challenge.
As with many endeavors, it’s not for everyone. Case work is actual work, and there are no shortcuts. Working on your own yet also as part of the MUFON team, you will be challenged by the sightings but also rewarded, as you solve many cases and define the unexplained character of others. Experienced FIs will provide you training and support, and all cases are saved into MUFON’s excellent database, called CMS (see MUFON HQ website), an astonishing reference set of other sightings for comparison. Speaking from my own experience, there is nothing quite like the satisfaction gained from applying ourselves, our specialized skills and knowledge, in the crucial pursuit of UFO sightings and evidence.
Any Georgia citizen with a background that involves keeping an open mind and critical thinking, collection of information and evidence, weighing that evidence, and at least some use of the Internet and computers, can become an excellent FI. Take note however that, while each of us may have our own opinion about UFOs, these must be “checked at the door” when investigating. If you believe you would be interested in learning more about becoming a MUFON FI, please contact MUFON Georgia State Director Ralph Howard at rhjr@att.net.