Commodore's Messenger Organization
| Formation | 1969 |
|---|---|
| Type | Unit in the Sea Org, the paramilitary wing of the Church of Scientology |
| Purpose | Enforcement of the Religious Technology Center |
| Headquarters | Hemet, California, United States |
| David Miscavige | |
| Website | www.scientology.org |
The Commodore's Messenger Organization (CMO) is a sub-unit of the Sea Org, a paramilitary wing of the Church of Scientology, comprising the church's most dedicated members. Its members communicate and enforce policies of the Religious Technology Center.
The first Commodore's Messengers were appointed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1968 while he was living aboard the Sea Organization ship called the Apollo. These messengers were his personal administrative assistants and operated solely under his direction, ensuring that Scientology management was following Hubbard’s policies.
The original four messengers were Janis Gillham (aged 11), Terri Gillham (12), Annie Tidman (12) and Suzette Hubbard (13), who was later replaced by Claire Popham (13). In 1975 while sailing in the Caribbean, due to the heat and humidity, the Messengers devised their uniforms themselves: white shorts, tie tops and platform shoes with knee high socks. Messengers conveyed messages from Hubbard and they were trained to mimic Hubbard's exact tone and mannerisms.
One Sea Org member recalled inquiring why Hubbard chose young girls for the role of messenger. Hubbard reported that "Hitler was a madman, but nevertheless a genius in his own right and the Nazi Youth was one of the smartest ideas he ever had. With young people you had a blank slate." Hubbard further argued that he picked girls because women were more loyal than men.'
In April 1979, Hubbard created the Watchdog Committee (WDC). In 1981, the All Clear Unit of the CMO was set up with the purpose of ensuring an "All Clear" for Hubbard to emerge from hiding. As head of the unit, David Miscavige, took orders only from Pat Broeker, who was accountable only to Hubbard.
Annie Tidman became a Messenger at age 12. She married fellow messenger Pat Broeker and they were among the few people in direct contact with L. Ron Hubbard during his final years. In November 1992, Tidman made an unannounced departure from the group, but returned after church members intercepted her at the Boston airport. She died in 2011.
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