Association of Former Intelligence Officers

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 AFIO Central Office
 220 Spring St
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 Herndon, VA
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 Fax: 703 991 1278
 Email: afio@afio.com

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Welcome

AFIO BulletThe Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) presents this website to serve our members and visitors as a portal to our activities and to provide word of upcoming educational events by other select intelligence groups.


Registration closes Friday, 25 April

AFIO IC National Luncheon
Fireside Chat with CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis
and Presentation by David M. Cattler, Director,
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

Friday, 2 May 2025, 10:30 am - 2 pm - McLean, VA

Morning speaker: Fireside Chat with CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis.

Afternoon speaker: David M. Cattler, Director, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

Schedule:

1030 - Check-in for preregistered attendees (no walk-ins)
1100 - CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis - fireside chat with Q&As
12-1300 - Lunch
1300 - David M. Cattler, Director, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
1400 - Event ends

     
BIO: Michael Ellis was sworn in as Deputy Director of the CIA on February 10, 2025. DD/CIA Ellis has held a variety of senior national security positions, including General Counsel of the National Security Agency and Senior Director for Intelligence Programs at the National Security Council. DD/CIA Ellis previously served in the White House Counsel's Office, providing legal advice on national security and foreign relations. Prior to the White House, he was General Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Before returning to government, DD/CIA Ellis was the General Counsel of Rumble, a publicly traded video sharing platform and cloud services provider. DD/CIA Ellis is a graduate of Yale Law School and Dartmouth College. Following law school, he served as a clerk to two federal judges.
BIO: David M. Cattler is the Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), the United States Government's premier provider of integrated security services, effective March 24, 2024. DCSA is a strategic asset to the Nation and its allies — ensuring a trusted federal and industrial workforce and enabling industry's delivery of uncompromised capabilities. DCSA uniquely blends industrial security, counterintelligence support, personnel vetting, and security training to advance and preserve America's strategic edge. He leads the agency's strategic transformation and maturation, and a workforce of approximately 12,000 federal and contract support personnel worldwide.
Before joining DCSA, Mr. Cattler served as Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and informed and protected NATO
  Registration and Cost: Registration and credit card payment required before event. Lunch is $60 (members) or $75 (guests, Subscribers). Students $30 - limited seats.
Registration opens 2 April 2025 and is available while space remains. Registration closes 1700 hours, Friday, 25 Apr 2025 or earlier when all seats taken.
 
 

Register HERE while space remains.

 
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 1960 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22102
Though we do not provide special overnight room rates, if you wish to make room reservations at the hotel, do so here.
     
Cancellations: No refund for cancellations after 21 Apr 2025. Payment for reservations canceled 22 to 30 Apr 2025 will be converted to donations to AFIO. Payments for reservations canceled after 30 Apr 2025 are forfeited; the meal will have been guaranteed at the hotel per the contract.
Attendees must be AFIO members or accompanied by a member. For security reasons, no late or last-minute substitutions.
  Please direct questions to events@afio.com  

Released to members-only 15 April 2025...

The Oligarch's Daughter

Joseph Finder,
author, Russian Studies expert, on
The Oligarch's Daughter

Interview of Tuesday, 13 March 2025 with Joseph Finder, author, Russian Studies expert, on The Oligarch's Daughter
Interviewer and Host: AFIO President James Hughes, a former senior CIA Operations Officer.
The interview runs 12 minutes.
It is a breakneck thriller that marries the dynastic opulence of Succession with the tense and disorienting spycraft of The Americans.
"This is Finder at his finest—a perfect everyman-in-peril story, first building an ominous drumbeat of menace, then exploding in action and intrigue and triumph. As good as it gets."—Lee Child
The Oligarch's Daughter can be purchased here

Access the FINDER video interview here or click above image.

Released to members-only 1 April 2025...

World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence

Nicholas Reynolds PhD,
Historian, CIA Officer, on
Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence

Interview of Tuesday, 4 March 2025 with Nicholas Reynolds PhD discussing his 2022 book "Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence"
Interviewer and Host: AFIO President James Hughes, a former senior CIA Operations Officer.
The interview runs 29 minutes.
Need to Know can be purchased here.

Access the REYNOLDS video interview here or click above image.



This and other AFIO Now videos (see below) are proudly sponsored by Northwest Financial Advisors.

SEARCH the content of all publicly-released AFIO Now Interviews here. Keywords such as "careers" "operations" "MI6" "GRU"...

NOTE: Use the second search symbol (see arrow above),
not the search box at top of browser window which searches everything on YouTube.




COMING later this year...


We hope you will join us for this celebration.


Celebrate Now with Our 50th Anniversary Coin

Celebrate AFIO's 50th Anniversary with our new coin that reflects support of the Intelligence Community and highlights IC member agencies.
This commemorative coin comes with an acrylic display stand. Note: Some stands may vary in appearance.
This coin is available for purchase here. The online price is $50.00 per coin and includes display stand and shipping.


Upcoming AFIO and Intelligence Community Events
Many informative, fascinating programs are occurring in the Washington Metro Area and across the country. Find out which ones to add to your calendar to stay connected and to stay current.

Corporate
Learn how your company can make a difference with AFIO corporate memberships and marketing opportunities. Reach more than 4,800 intelligence professionals.

National Members
Join or renew your existing membership and enjoy member benefits, such as special publications, invitations to events, unique banking & investment services, scholarships, and career assistance.

Publications
As a member or subscriber you receive the popular Weekly Intelligence Notes [WINs] and the print-only academic journal: Intelligencer - Journal of U.S. Intelligence Studies for the intelligence community by intelligence professionals. AFIO also produces Intelligence As A Career - a printed and online guide to organizing your life and education to qualify for work in the intelligence community, and a Guide to the Study of Intelligence to assist college instructors, secondary school teachers of history, civics, and current events, and students, on the best readings on a wide variety of current intelligence topics.

About Us
Learn about us - our many events, publications, programs, and legislative alerts. Support AFIO with purchases and donations or meet our members at events throughout the US. Make your views known.

Chapters
Local chapters have appeal to many members, so after you have joined AFIO National, consider adding a local chapter membership to your mix.

Upcoming AFIO Events ... Full listings found here
Icon Calendar

Friday, 2 May 2025, 10:30 am to 2 pm- McLean, VA - AFIO IC National Luncheon - Fireside Chat with CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis and Presentation by David M. Cattler, Director, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.

AFIO BulletMorning speaker: Fireside Chat with CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis.
Afternoon speaker: David M. Cattler, Director, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.

Schedule:

1030 - Check-in for preregistered attendees (no walk-ins)
1100 - CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis - fireside chat with Q&As
12-1300 - Lunch

1300 - David M. Cattler, Director, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
1400 - Event ends

BIO: Michael Ellis was sworn in as Deputy Director of the CIA on February 10, 2025. DD/CIA Ellis has held a variety of senior national security positions, including General Counsel of the National Security Agency and Senior Director for Intelligence Programs at the National Security Council. DD/CIA Ellis previously served in the White House Counsel's Office, providing legal advice on national security and foreign relations. Prior to the White House, he was General Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Before returning to government, DD/CIA Ellis was the General Counsel of Rumble, a publicly traded video sharing platform and cloud services provider. DD/CIA Ellis is a graduate of Yale Law School and Dartmouth College. Following law school, he served as a clerk to two federal judges.

BIO: David M. Cattler is the Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), the United States Government's premier provider of integrated security services, effective March 24, 2024. DCSA is a strategic asset to the Nation and its allies — ensuring a trusted federal and industrial workforce and enabling industry's delivery of uncompromised capabilities. DCSA uniquely blends industrial security, counterintelligence support, personnel vetting, and security training to advance and preserve America's strategic edge. He leads the agency's strategic transformation and maturation, and a workforce of approximately 12,000 federal and contract support personnel worldwide.
Before joining DCSA, Mr. Cattler served as Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and informed and protected NATO

Registration and Cost: Registration and credit card payment required before event. Lunch is $60 (members) or $75 (guests, Subscribers). Students $30 - limited seats.
Registration opens 2 April 2025 and is available while space remains. Registration closes 1700 hours, Friday, 25 Apr 2025 or earlier when all seats taken.
Register HERE.

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 1960 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22102
Though we do not provide special overnight room rates, if you wish to make room reservations at the hotel, do so here.

Cancellations: No refund for cancellations after 21 Apr 2025. Payment for reservations canceled 22 to 30 Apr 2025 will be converted to donations to AFIO. Payments for reservations canceled after 30 Apr 2025 are forfeited; the meal will have been guaranteed at the hotel per the contract.
Attendees must be AFIO members or accompanied by a member. For security reasons, no late or last-minute substitutions.

Please direct questions to events@afio.com


Thu 15 May 2025, 6-8pm EDT - New York City - AFIO NY Chapter hosts Miranda Devine, NY Post's columnist and author, discussing "Confronting the Deep State"

AFIO BulletAFIO New York is honored to host renowned book author and NY Post columnist Miranda Devine as our speaker to discuss "Confronting the Deep State."
Miranda is the author of Laptop from Hell and, most recently, The Big Guy. Known for her sharp wit and incisive analyses, she exposes the truths behind some of today's most pressing political and cultural issues, captivating audiences of all persuasions.
The venue is the 3 West Club's elegant Pratt Lounge, 3 West 51st Street, 4th floor. Also enjoy tasty hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Registration fee: $60—cash or check payable to "David P. Hunt" at the door.
Please RSVP to afionyc@gmail.com ASAP, as space may be limited.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
For more information contact Chapter President David Hunt at afionyc@gmail.com.


Online version of the Guide
AFIO's Guide to the Study of Intelligence
Are You Using It?

Full no-cost, online version of Guide here.

Perfect for professors, students, those considering careers in intelligence, and current/former officers seeking to see what changes are taking place across a wide spectrum of intelligence disciplines.

AFIO's Guide to the Study of Intelligence helps instructors teach about the large variety of subjects that make up the field of intelligence. This includes secondary school teachers of American History, Civics, or current events and undergraduate and graduate professors of History, Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies, and related topics, especially those with no or limited professional experience in the field. Even those who are former practitioners are likely to have only a limited knowledge of the very broad field of intelligence, as most spend their careers in one or two agencies at most and may have focused only on collection or analysis of intelligence or support to those activities.

We regret that the printed, bound edition has sold out. No copies remain for sale.

AVAILABLE ONLINE-ONLY: As an educational service to professors and students, AFIO provides the full 788-page Guide online here for free. This was made possible through the generosity of our foundation, corporate, and institutional members, coupled with the donations we received from our many individual members. We thank all of them.



Spyher Winter Savings
Regularly scheduled spy tours are available
through Georgetown, Embassy Row, Capitol Hill, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Book now on Eventbrite

Thurs, 15 May 2025, 6p-8p - Washington, DC - The Art of Building Relationships at The Octagon Museum and oldest private residence in Washington D.C. Dolley Madison was outgoing, energetic, fun-loving, kind and a great Washington socialite. In honor of her birthday we gather to address (and practice) the art of building relationships. Intelligence officers around the world live this practice and Spyher is pleased to address the key components of relationship building in this 1-hour program, followed by a 1-hour mix-and-mingle. Join SPYHER to hear more about Trust, Communication, Empathy, Respect and more. Book your attendance here.

Spyher Gift Cards
Give the Gift of an Exclusive Spy History Tour with a Former Intelligence Officer
Purchase an e-gift card online here.
For a physical gift card - contact rosanna@spyher.co


Icon Calendar

Wed 7 May 2025, 11:30am PDT - in-person - AFIO LA Chapter hears Adm James Stavridis, a CNN Military Analyst, on "Trump Administration Policies' Impact on International Security"

AFIO BulletThis AFIO L.A. meeting features CNN Military Analyst and Former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, Admiral James Stavridis (Ret) discussing "the Trump Administration's Policies' Impact on International Security.". Cost: $75 Buffet Lunch & Book Included. RSVP: Email your reservation request to: afio_LA@yahoo.com. Deadline for reservation: April 14, 2025. Program Details: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Check-In & Buffet Lunch; 12:10-12:25 pm: Presentation by Adm. Stavridis; 12:25-12:55 pm: Fireside chat; 12:55-1:25 pm: Q&A; 1:30-2:00 pm: Book Signing.
Location: American Legion Post 43, 2035 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068.
BIOGRAPHY: James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and Commander of U.S. Southern Command. A distinguished four-star admiral with over 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy, he commanded military forces across Latin America, Europe, and beyond. A leading global affairs expert, best-selling author, and Senior Military Analyst for CNN, Admiral Stavridis will share his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the new U.S. administration, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and the evolving geopolitical landscape with China.


Sat 10 May 2025, 11:30am EDT - Indialantic FL - AFIO Florida Satellite Chapter hears Brian Freeman on his Jason Bourne spy series

AFIO BulletThe AFIO Florida Satellite Chapter (FSC) is hosting Brian Freeman, New York Times best-selling author, who will discuss his writing career and the challenges of taking over one of the thriller world's most iconic spy series: Jason Bourne.

The event will commence at 11:30 AM, Saturday, 10 May 2025, at the Doubletree Hotel, 1665 N State Route Rt A1A, Indialantic, Florida 32903. Mr. Freeman's presentation will follow a sit-down lunch. The cost is $35.00 per person.

Questions or registrations to Larry Sanford.


Wednesday, 28 May, 2025, 11:30am no host cocktails, Noon meeting - In-Person, San Francisco CA - "The Language of War" by LTC Christopher Gin, DLI 229th Military Intelligence Battalion Commander and Visiting Scholar, Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University

AFIO BulletTopic: "The Language of War: Modern Language Training at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center"
Speaker: LTC Chris Gin, Former DLI 229th Military Intelligence Battalion Commander and Visiting Scholar, Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 11:30am no-host cocktails, 12 noon talk begins
Location: In-Person at the Basque Cultural Center, 599 Railroad Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080
RSVP required here.

LTC Christopher Gin commanded the 229th Military Intelligence Battalion at the Defense Language Institute from 2022-2024. He is currently an Army War College Fellow at the Freeman Spongli Institute for International Studies at Stanford. LTC Gin is a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a BA in English/Chinese Studies and an MA from the University of Hawai'i in Asian Studies, where he was a graduate degree fellow with the East–West Center. Throughout his career, he has held various operational intelligence leadership positions in FORSCOM, SOCOM, and TRADOC, and will continue his service this summer with the US Army Pacific in Hawai'i.

Questions? Contact Mariko Kawaguchi, Board Secretary, AFIO SF Chapter at afiosf@aol.com.


Be informed on career opportunities in the U.S. Intelligence Community
  

Intelligence as a Career - with updated listings of colleges teaching intelligence courses, and Q&As on needed foreign languages, as well as the courses, grades, extracurricular activities, and behavioral characteristics and life experiences sought by modern U.S. intelligence agencies.

AFIO's popular 47-page booklet reaches thousands of high school, college students, university guidance offices, and distributed in classes teaching intelligence, to help those considering careers in the U.S. Intelligence Community.

This is the all new fifth edition.
The publication is also popular with University Career Guidance Centers, professors and academic departments specializing in national security, and parents assisting children or grandchildren in choosing meaningful, public service careers.
This booklet is provided online as a public service from the generosity and efforts of AFIO board, volunteer editors/writers, donors, and members. We thank all for their support which makes this publication available.

Careers Booklet (2023 Fifth Edition) can be read or downloaded here

AFIO STORE GIFT ITEMS

Gray long-sleeved polo shirts with embroidered AFIO logo. Men's sizes only.
Show your support for AFIO with our new Gray Long-sleeve Polo Shirts. Shirts are shrink and wrinkle resistant of fine cotton with a soft, "well-worn, comfy" yet substantial feel. They feature a detailed embroidered AFIO seal. Get a shirt for yourself and consider as gifts for colleagues, family, and friends. Only $60 each including shipping.
Sizes for men, only: Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL, and XXXL.  $60 per shirt. Order this and other store items online here.

 20 oz ceramic Mug with color glazed logo. Made in America.

Check out our new tapered, sleek AFIO coffee mug!! This handsome 20 oz. ceramic mug is made in the USA, has a white matte exterior, sports a beautiful navy-blue interior, and is dishwasher safe.  Order yours today!

$35 per mug includes shipping to a CONUS address. [includes shipping to U.S. based address, only. For foreign shipments, we will contact you with a quote.] 

SHIPPING: For shipment to a U.S.-based CONUS address, shipping is included in price. For purchases going to AK, HI, other US territories, Canada, or other foreign countries the shipping fees need to be calculated, so please call our office M-F 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET at 703-790-0320 or email afio@afio.com providing following information: 1) your name, 2) mailing address (or addresses where each gift item will be shipped), 3) name of the AFIO store items you wish to purchase, 4) quantity of each, 5) your credit card number and expiration date, 6) amount (except for additional of shipping fees) authorized to charge, and 7) your phone number and email should we have questions. Foreign shipments fees will be calculated and estimates emailed to you, awaiting your approval.  Order this and other store items online here.

Still available - Black short-sleeved polo shirts with embroidered AFIO logo. Men's only.

Show your support for AFIO with our new Black Short-sleeve Polo Shirts. Shirts are shrink and wrinkle resistant of fine cotton with a soft, "well-worn, comfy" yet substantial feel. They feature a detailed embroidered AFIO seal. Get a shirt for yourself and consider as gifts for colleagues, family, and friends. Only $50 each including shipping.
Sizes for (M) men, only; Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL, and XXXL. $50 per shirt.
You may pay by check or credit card. Complete your order online here or mail an order along with payment to: AFIO, 220 Spring St Suite 220, Herndon, VA 20170. Phone orders at 703-790-0320. Questions? Contact Annette at: annettej@afio.com. Order this and other store items online here.

Also available are our popular Intelligence Community Mousepad AFIO Mousepad

Full color seals of all 18 members of the U.S. Intelligence Community on this 8" round, slick surface, nonskid, rubber-backed mouse pad. Price still only $20.00 for 2 pads [includes shipping to U.S. based address, only. For foreign shipments, we will contact you with a quote.] Great gift for colleagues and self. Click image above for larger image. Now with dark navy background, brighter, updated seals of member agencies. And now MADE IN USA. Order MOUSEPADS here.

Other Upcoming Educational Events....includes selection of events from advertisers, corporate sponsors, and others—

14-18 July 2025 - Cumming, GA - National Intelligence Summer Academy (NISA) - For High School Students Grades 10-12 - at The University of North Georgia, Cumming Campus, 300 Aquatic Circle Cumming, GA 30040

Are you thrilled or fascinated by the field of intelligence – spying and counter spying?

Are you considering a career in the U.S. Intelligence Community? Did you know that the U.S. Intelligence Community is made up of 18 separate agencies? Sign up for an intense and exciting five days of learning from highly qualified Master's and Ph.D. University of North Georgia instructors and practitioners from July 14-18, 2025.

This Academy will: Lift the veil of secrecy on the hidden world of intelligence, exploring the history, challenges, and controversies; Provide a context for understanding the important role intelligence has played in our nation's history and continues to play today; Provide foundational knowledge of intelligence, setting the stage for possible careers in the field; Provide opportunities to learn from the Academy's instructors include academia, practitioners, and guest speakers.
Hear from experts that have worked with the CIA, FBI, and the former Soviet Union KGB.
Explore, Apply, Learn more


Tuesday, 26 August - Friday, 29 August 2025 - Copenhagen, Denmark - The Practice of Situational Awareness sponsored by Spyher

Spyher founder Rosanna Minchew delivers this 4-day course in situational awareness, practical training that reinforces classroom instruction with on-the-streets exercises. Designed for professionals in law enforcement, security and investigations. You will learn to:
• Identify risk and potential threats to your safety
• Develop strategies to reduce those risks and threats
• Respond to unexpected situations or emergencies
• Make decisions under pressure
Register for Situational Awareness Course

Additional Events:


30 Aug - 8 Sep 2025 - Mediterranean Cruise - Spies, Lies & Nukes announce Espionage on the High Seas! Plan NOW to join the late-summer 2025 cruise.

Instead of their traditional Spies, Lies & Nukes conference in 2024, Valerie Plame and other intelligence colleagues are thrilled to introduce an exciting variation for 2025: Spies at Sea. A combined cruise and conference through the breathtaking Mediterranean, from August 30 to September 8, 2025! See brochure here.

What to Expect:
•Intimate Conference Setting: Enjoy the same close-knit, engaging environment you've come to expect, with unparalleled access to our expert speakers.
• Exclusive Shore Excursions: Explore clandestine meeting spots, delve into espionage history, and more on excursions EXCLUSIVE TO OUR GROUP.
• Seminars at Sea: Participate in lectures and presentations led by Valerie Plame and other top intelligence professionals, all the while cruising through some of the Mediterranean's most iconic destinations.
• Special Events: Enjoy exclusive cocktail receptions, surprise activities, and one-on-one conversation time.

Exclusive Spies, Lies & Nukes Itinerary Highlights:
Barcelona, Spain: Begin your adventure in this vibrant city.
Valletta, Malta: Walk through history with guided tours led by espionage experts who will lift the veil on area spy stories and meeting sites.
Mykonos, Greece: Discover the charm and beauty of this picturesque island.
Ephesus, Turkey: Explore ancient ruins with a private guide and enjoy a unique group lunch, all while learning about intelligence activities that took place at each spot.
Santorini, Greece: Experience the iconic beauty of Santorini with endless photographic opportunities.
Naples, Italy: Enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant and an exclusive walking tour with a private guide while learning a few spy secrets from Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.

We've secured a discounted rate that includes your stateroom, meals, classic beverage package, wi-fi, exclusive excursions, and all conference activities. These cabins will get booked quickly, so don't wait—book now and get $100 off!

This is your chance to combine professional enrichment with an unforgettable travel experience. Network with like-minded professionals, gain exclusive insights, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Secure Your Spot Today


MORE about the "AFIO Now" Video Series....

To view publicly-released videos released in 2024 and earlier visit our YouTube page here
To see all videos released in 2025, log into Member-Only area here.
To see videos released in 2020 to 2024, log into Member-Only area here.
To explore podcasts, see links in table below or visit main podcast page.

"AFIO Now" Interviews and Podcasts are proudly sponsored by

Northwest Financial Advisors



Below are the Videos and Podcasts released in 2025 in our popular "AFIO Now" Series.
View publicly-released videos from 2024 and earlier here YouTube page
[2024 interviews are here, 2023 here, and 2022 here.]


The Turbulent Life and Times of
CIA Pioneer Frank Wisner

Douglas Waller,
Historian, Author, Foreign Correspondent, on
"The Determined Spy: The Turbulent Life and Times of CIA Pioneer Frank Wisner"

Interview of Monday, 31 March 2025 with Douglas Waller, Historian, Author, Foreign Correspondent, on "The Determined Spy: The Turbulent Life and Times of CIA Pioneer Frank Wisner"
Interviewer and Host: AFIO President James Hughes, a former senior CIA Operations Officer.
Frank Wisner was one of the most powerful men in 1950s Washington, though few knew it. Reporting directly to senior U.S. officials--his work largely hidden from Congress and the public--Wisner masterminded some of the CIA's most controversial operations in the early years of the Cold War, commanding thousands of clandestine agents around the world.
Following an early career as a key OSS operative under General William "Wild Bill" Donovan, Wisner rose through the postwar intelligence ranks to lead a newly created top-secret unit tasked--under little oversight--with overseeing massive propaganda, economic warfare, sabotage, subversion, and guerrilla operations all over the world, including such daring initiatives as the CIA-backed coups in Iran and Guatemala overthrowing their elected leaders.
But Wisner faced a demon of his own: bipolar disorder. When the disease resurfaced numerous times during his career, it led to time at a mental hospital. And eventually to his suicide.
Wisner was a national figure who inspired a cadre of future CIA operations officers.
The interview runs 30 minutes with many Q&As.
"The Determined Spy" can be purchased here.

Access the WALLER video interview here or click above image

Podcast here.

The Untold Story of a Spy
and Spy Hunter in Pearl Harbor

Leon Carroll Jr, co-author (with Mark Harmon)
on "Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor"

Interview of Thursday, 6 February 2025 with Leon Carroll Jr, co-author (with Mark Harmon) on "Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor" A U.S. naval counterintelligence officer working to safeguard Pearl Harbor; a Japanese spy ordered to Hawaii to gather information on the American fleet. On December 7, 1941, their hidden stories are exposed by a morning of bloodshed that would change the world forever. Scrutinizing long-buried historical documents, NCIS star Mark Harmon and co-author Leon Carroll, a former NCIS Special Agent, have brought forth a true-life NCIS story of deception, discovery, and danger.
Interviewer and Host: AFIO President James Hughes, a former senior CIA Operations Officer.
The interview runs 33 minutes.
"Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor" can be purchased here.

Access the CARROLL video interview here or click above image

Podcast here.

The Unraveling of Syria and America's Race
to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World

Joby Warrick on
"Red Line:
The Unraveling of Syria and America's Race to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World"

Interview of Monday, 27 January 2025 with Joby Warrick, best-selling author and a national security correspondent for The Washington Post, discussing his 2020 book RED LINE on The Unraveling of Syria and America's Race to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World.
Interviewer and Host: AFIO President James Hughes, a former senior CIA Operations Officer.
The interview runs 36 minutes.
"Red Line" can be purchased here.

Access the WARRICK video interview here or click above image.

Podcast here.

The Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror

James M. Scott
on the Carr-Scott book
"Targeted: Beirut
The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing
and the Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror"

Interview of Thursday, 12 Dec 2024 with James M. Scott, co-author with Jack Carr, of Targeted: Beirut: The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing and the Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror. Host and Interviewer: AFIO President James Hughes, a former senior CIA Operations Officer.
A behind-the-scenes account of a mission and a fight that changed America. It was the event that ushered in the War on Terror. And it shows the pitfalls of American hubris, overreach, and irresponsible military intervention. Paints the entire picture of mind-boggling events before, during, and after the Beirut Bombing, from ancient history to present day. The authors tell the story through voices of Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers who endured the two-year "peacekeeping" operation. We also experience the tragedy through the president, generals, and policymakers back in Washington. Another sad chapter in the Middle East's centuries old internecine struggle among its inhabitants and the price America pays for problematic policies despite history and seemingly dismissed lessons owing as much to hubris and breathtaking naivete.

Targeted: Beirut can be purchased here.
More information about other James Scott books.
For information on Jack Carr, his bio and links here.
The interview runs 27 minutes with several Q&As.

Access the SCOTT video interview here or click above image.

Podcast here.

High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad

Mickey Bergman,
author,
"In the Shadows:
True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad

Interview of Thursday, 26 Nov 2024 with Michael "Mickey" Bergman, the CEO of Global Reach and the Vice President and Executive Director of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. He is also the author (with Ellis Henican) of "In the Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad."
Host and Interviewer: AFIO President James Hughes, a former senior CIA Operations Officer.
Bergman is responsible for the negotiations that brought many high-profile prisoners home, including Brittney Griner, Danny Fenster, Otto Warmbier, and Trevor Reed. In the Shadows details his never-before-told stories inside the secret negotiations to free Americans from some of the world's most repressive countries, including North Korea, Russia, Hamas, and more.
In the Shadows can be purchased here.
The interview runs 57 minutes with several Q&As.

Access the BERGMAN video interview here or click above image.

Podcasthere.

The Greatest Spy Story Never Told

Jesse Fink
on MI6's Dick Ellis in Fink's latest book
"The Eagle in the Mirror: The Greatest Spy Story Never Told"

Interview of Tuesday, 1 Oct 2024 with Jesse Fink, on his new book "The Eagle in the Mirror: The Greatest Spy Story Never Told" on Charles Howard "Dick" Ellis, MI6's Top Agent in America During World War II. In search of war hero, master spy, and alleged traitor Charles Howard "Dick" Ellis.
Interviewer and Host: AFIO President James Hughes, a former senior CIA Operations Officer.
The interview runs 16 minutes.
Jesse Fink's website.
A full bio of Jesse Fink here
Purchase The Eagle in the Mirror here.

Access the FINK video interview here or click above image.

Podcast here.


Above are the Videos and Podcasts released in 2025 in our popular "AFIO Now" Series.
View publicly-released videos from 2024 and earlier at our YouTube page here
View released and member-only pre-2024 videos here.


NOTE: ABOUT THE SPEAKERS — Full bios appear below each video either using the "SHOW MORE" or the caron (down caret symbol) under image or at far right on mobile devices. Closed Captioning is available with each video. Click CC button at bottom right of video viewing window. If viewing on a mobile browser or device, click video while running and three dots will appear at top right edge to turn CC on or off.
PODCASTS: Too busy to sit and watch an entire "AFIO Now" episode above on YouTube? Would you rather listen in your car or while accomplishing other tasks? Now you can quickly download or stream episodes on your favorite podcasting platform. AFIO Now interviews are available on 8 podcasting platforms. Search for 'AFIO Podcast' for a selection of the interviews above (public released ones) or click on any of these podcast links: Podbean; iTunes; Google; Spotify; Amazon Music; Amazon TuneIn + Alexa; iHeartRadio; and Pandora.


NOW AVAILABLE

Getting a Security Clearance: Questions and Answers about what they are, how they are conducted,
how you can qualify, how long they take, and what can put them in jeopardy.

Two valuable booklets are available

The Security Clearance Process: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions - by the Congressional Research Service, Sept 2013
[PDF]

Security Clearances - FAQs - ClearanceJobs.com / DICE
[PDF]


Intelligence Community - Fourteenth Year in a Row
One of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government
and now ranked at #4 in 2024

For the 16th consecutive year, the Intelligence Community (IC) has been named as one of the "Best Places to Work in the Federal Government." The IC ranked fourth overall among large federal agencies with more than 15,000 full-time permanent employees. The Partnership for Public Service (PPS) compiled the 2024 rankings and presented the awards during a ceremony today in Washington, D.C. Dustin Gard-Weiss, Deputy DNI for Policy and Capabilities, and Sherry Van Sloun, Assistant DNI for Human Capital, accepted the award on behalf of the IC.

"What makes the IC the Best Place to Work from my perspective, is the extraordinary people who show up every day, ready to solve some of the most vexing and important challenges we face in the world," said Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. "I also realize, however, that we need to support those extraordinary people and we will continue to work to make their lives and the environment that they work in one that allows them to realize their enormous potential." The "Best Places to Work" rankings provide insight into employee satisfaction across several key workplace categories including innovation, recognition, and work-life balance. The results are based on data from the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, as well as responses collected by several federal agencies that surveyed their employees during the same time period last year. PPS is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that aims to revitalize the federal government by transforming the way government works and inspiring a new generation to serve. For more details, visit: bestplacestowork.org.


Gifts appropriate for intelligence officers, colleagues, recruitments, agents, advisors, and family.
The AFIO Store has following new items ready for quick shipment.

Visit our store page to see these new items — Polo Shirts, Duffle, Cap, and PopSocket:

   

The above items and other gifts may be viewed here.

You may pay by check or credit card. Complete your order online here or mail an order along with payment to: AFIO, 220 Spring St, Ste 220, Herndon, VA 20170. Phone orders at 703-790-0320 or contact Annette at annettej@afio.com.



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