Soviet troops were seen on the streets in greater numbers than American tourists were at the height of the tourist season in the days before Castro. Yet. the intelligence community apparently discounted these reports. because it was not until October 25 that the technicians became combat troops. Months later. the intelligence community reevaluated its data on Soviet troop strength in Cuba. and agreed with the refugee reports that there were 22.000 Soviet combat troops in Cuba during the crisis. Early this year the intelligence community adhered to an estimate of 17.500 Russian troops in Cuba. while exile organizations were stating that there were 35.000. Obviously. a head count throughout the entire island is impossible. and highaltitude reconnaissance is least effective in determining numbers and nationalities of persons on the ground.