Association of Former Intelligence Officers

Weekly Intelligence Notes

06 -12 November 2024
(Issue 43)

Readers who encounter problems with the email version of the WIN can
view the latest edition here.

Send submissions and comments to: winseditor@afio.com.

CONTENTS


Section I - CURRENTS

(Recent Developments)

General Interests

Special Collections

  • Counterespionage - Arrests, convictions, expulsions, and more...
  • Cyberespionage - New actors, collection and sabotage ops, countermeasures, policy, other...
  • Covert Action - Influence ops, assassinations, sabotage, intel agency paramilitary action, countermeasures, and more...


Section II - DEEP DIVES

(Research Papers, OpEds, Analysis, Podcasts)


Section III - FORMERS' FORUM

(Legacy Intel Practitioners' Informed Perspectives
and Recent Endeavors)


Section IV - BOOKS, FILM, HISTORY, POP CULTURE

Books: (Forthcoming, New Releases, Overlooked)

True Intelligence Matters on Film: Declassified: The Untold Stories of American Spies, S3 E7 - The Merchant of Death: Viktor Bout - Domini Hofmann (2017)

Intelligence in Pop Culture - Aston Martin vanquishes the ghosts of bygone spies - Popular Science, 07 Nov 24 (Member Contribution)

Intelligence in History - A Collection of Recently Released Content

Walking Tours: "The Spies of Embassy Row" and "Spies of Georgetown" - Washington, DC. (Sundays, Dates/Times Vary)



Section V - Obituaries and Classifieds

(Research Requests, Academic Opportunities, Employment)

Obituaries

  • Larry Thomas Wright — Former Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence
  • Richard Secord — US Air Force Special Operations Leader and CIA Detailee
  • Herb Tiede — Military Intelligence Officer

    • Research Requests and Academic Opportunities

    • FREE: New Online Workshop "How to Write a Killer Intelligence Report" - Grey Dynamics, released 06 Nov 24
    • Call for Collaboration: AFIO member seeks help establishing YouTube channel focused on Russian and Chinese influence operations.
    • Internship Opportunity: International private intelligence company accepting applications for analyst internship program.
    • Call for Information: Child of former CIA Commo Officer Walter E. MacLeod seeks information about father's life and work.
    • Call for Intelligence Studies Course Syllabi: Florida International University adjunct professor tasked with creating a new course is in search of existing syllabi to help build new content.
    • Call for Interviews: Documentary film executive seeking extraordinary, true story material.
    • Call for Online Survey Participants: Institution Review Board approved research project from Northeastern University on critical thinking skills for national security intelligence analysts.
    • Call for Information and Interview Subjects: In search of information on possible espionage activity in New York City in the WWII and post-war era.

    Employment

    Section VI - Events

    Upcoming AFIO Events

    • Thursday, 21 November 2024 11:30 AM MT – Colorado Springs - The AFIO Rocky Mountain Chapter hosts Dr. Jim Steiner, former CIA, on "Intelligence Support to the NSC in deciding to go to war: Kosovo, 9/11, and today"

    Events of Advertisers, Corporate Sponsors, Others

    • 21 Nov 24, 1200-1300 (ET) – Online – Inside Intelligence presents "Russia's War Against the West" – Johns Hopkins University
    • Saturday, 23 November 2024, 10 AM – Washington, DC – Members-Only Event: Virginia Hall Exhibit – In-Person International Spy Museum Program.
    • 30 Apr - 02 May 2025 – In Person – Cryptologic History Symposium - National Cryptological Foundation and NSA Center for Cryptologic History, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
    • 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.

    See the AFIO Calendar of Events for scheduling further in the future.


    *The editor thanks the following contributors of content for this issue:

    FK, JK, FR, LR, GR, EB


    DISCLAIMER


    The Weekly Intelligence Notes include a wide range of articles and commentary to inform our readers. It also includes several paid advertisements. Views expressed in articles and advertising are those of the authors and advertisers; they do not reflect AFIO's support or endorsement. Notices about non-AFIO events do not reflect AFIO endorsement or recommendation.
    AFIO does not vet or endorse research inquiries, career announcements, or job offers. Reasonable-sounding inquiries and career offerings are published as a service to readers, who should exercise caution and good judgment when responding and independently verify the source before supplying resumes, career data, or personal information.

    		     

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    - RELEASED TODAY TO MEMBERS ONLY -

    Barry Werth
    discusses his book
    Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey's Cold War

    Recorded: 01 Aug 2024
    Interviewer: AFIO President James Hughes
    Duration: 28 minutes, including Q&A

    Werth discusses the remarkable true story of the longest-held prisoner of war in American history, John Downey, Jr., a CIA officer who was captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years.

    Purchase "Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey's Cold War" here.

    Access the video interview here or click above image.


    - AFIO IN THE NEWS -

    The Observer Research Foundation on 07 October published an article that heralds AFIO and the AFIO product Studies in Intelligence. The article, titled Intelligence Studies in India Remains a Forbidden Zone, can be accessed in full here.



    AFIO Exclusive Content

    Book Review of the Month
    (November 2024)

    Baker Institute for Public Policy Non-Resident Scholar
    Richard J. Killroy, Jr., PhD.
    provides a comparative review of two works:

      

    FBI Agent’s Insider Account of the Spy Who Evaded Detection for 17 Years (Peter J. Lapp, 2023)

    Code Name Blue Wren:  The True Story of America’s Most Dangerous Female Spy and the Sister She Betrayed (Jim Popkin, 2023)

    Access review here.


    Newest AFIO Now Podcast

    AFIO Now Podcasts Presents: MG Charles Cleveland
    US Army (Ret) and former Director of Operations and Military Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

    MG Charles Cleveland, US Army (Ret) and former Director of Operations and Military Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, discusses his long and fascinating career in the intelligence community with former senior officer of NGA and ODNI, Jennifer Daniel. Ms. Daniel currently serves on AFIO's Board.

    Interview: 1 July 2024.

    The audio-only version of AFIO Now, great for listening to in your car or while accomplishing other tasks, can be downloaded or streamed on any of the following podcast platforms by searching for "AFIO":

    Podbean; iTunes; Spotify; Amazon Music; TuneIn; iHeartRadio; Pandora


    AFIO Now Archive

    AFIO Now interviews, video and audio-only forms, in 2024 and 2023, are sponsored by
    Northwest Financial Advisors

    Click here to watch interviews in the AFIO Now series released in 2024.
    View interviews from 2020 to 2023 here.
    Watch public-release interviews on our YouTube channel or listen to them in podcast form at the links in the section above.

    Log into the member-only area for member-only features.

    Espionage-themed Walking Tours
    in Washington D.C. and New York City
    by Spyher Tours and Events

    Spyher walking tours in Washington D.C. and New York City offered Wednesday - Sunday and available to book on Eventbrite: Georgetown Spy Tour, Embassy Row Spy Tour, Capitol Hill Spy Tour, Arlington National Cemetery CIA Memorial Wall Tour, SpyKids Mission Training, and The Spies of Wall Street. Visit Spyher to read more about our hosts and tours. Contact us to schedule a private event. Use promo code AFIOSPYTOUR for a 15% discount.

    Visit Spyher


    THE MARKETPLACE


    THE AFIO STORE

    Special Gifts for Colleagues, Self, or Others

    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 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.



    CIA's In-house Gift Shop



    One special benefit of AFIO membership is access to CIA's EAA Store.

    After completing the required, quick pre-approval process for all AFIO members described here, you can purchase directly from the EAA online store their unusual logo'd gift items for self or colleagues. EAA on 2 November 2024 released the photo above, which features some of their newest CIA items and other gift suggestions.

    Section I - CURRENTS

    (Recent Developments)

    General Interests

    A Xi Enforcer Is Revving Up China’s Spy Machine—and Alarming the West - Wall Street Journal, 09 Nov 24 (Member Contribution)

    The Chinese intelligence agency accused of likely steering vast cyberattacks on the U.S. has made rapid gains in power and profile, driven by leader Xi Jinping and the protégé he put in charge of China’s espionage efforts against the West. In the two years since Xi installed Chen Yixin at the helm of the Ministry of State Security, a secretive organization whose mandate includes intelligence gathering and counterespionage, Chinese spying has swelled to what Western officials describe as a formidable threat. The expansive effort, officials say, has mobilized security agencies, private firms and civilians to amass troves of information. Chen brought the spy agency into the spotlight with a crackdown on perceived security threats from foreign firms, a social-media campaign urging vigilance against alleged U.S. efforts to subvert China and, American officials believe, an increasingly sophisticated hacking enterprise that included the recently discovered attacks linked to a group known as Salt Typhoon. (Read more here.)

    Watch out for spies, European Commission tells its staff - Politico, 08 Nov 24 (Member Contribution)

    Brussels is crawling with spies, the European Commission warned its staff Thursday in an internal memo. European Commission officials received an email telling them the threat of espionage is “real” from spooks wanting to steal the EU executive’s secrets. “Brussels is one of the world’s biggest spy hubs, with hundreds of active intelligence officers who target our institution,” the warning reads. Anyone can be a target, no matter how junior, the email adds, with “common covers” including “diplomats, journalists, lobbyists, scientists or PhD students.” Belgian security officials estimate that, in some embassies, between 10 and 20 percent of the diplomats are intelligence officers, while as many as one in five of the Chinese journalists working in Brussels are suspected to be intelligence officers. (Full article here.)

    EP-3E Aries II Spy Plane Has Flown Its Last Operational Mission - Station HYPO, 08 Nov 24

    Current tensions in the Middle East prolonged the final deployment of the EP-3E Aries II intelligence-gathering aircraft. By Thomas Newdick Another long-serving U.S. military aircraft has completed its final operational deployment, with the return of the U.S. Navy’s EP-3E Aries II surveillance platform from the 5th Fleet area of operations. The countdown to the spy plane’s final retirement is now on, which will see its vital intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission handed over to the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane, the MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance drone, and other assets, including ones in space. The last EP-3E deployed on operations was Bureau Number, or BuNo 159893, which completed its final flight in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations on October 29. The aircraft then made a homecoming to its base at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, according to the Facebook account of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VQ-1), the “World Watchers,” which posted photos of the event yesterday. (Full article here.)

    NGA’s new artificial intelligence chief previews near-term priorities - Defense Scoop, 05 Nov 24

    In his early months as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s first-ever chief AI officer, Mark Munsell is determined to refresh that spy hub’s existing AI strategy to cover emerging and powerful frontier models, and inventory all of the programs and initiatives that should be under his team’s purview. During an interview with DefenseScoop on Tuesday, Munsell reflected on his motivation for taking on this nascent role, and discussed those and other key priorities on his near-term agenda as NGA’s newly named CAIO. “I think you’ll see a lot more energy around implementing generative AI in the analytic workflow,” he said. Historically considered America’s super-secret mapping agency, NGA is the Defense Department’s functional manager for geospatial intelligence, or GEOINT. That discipline involves the capture of imagery and data from satellites, radar, drones and other means — paired with expert analyses to visually display and monitor physical objects and geographically referenced activities on Earth. (Full article here.)

    NSA Inducts Five Innovators into Cryptologic Hall of Honor - NSA, 07 Nov 24

    The National Security Agency's (NSA) Center for Cryptologic History is pleased to announce the induction of five major cryptologic figures into the Cryptologic Hall of Honor. The 2024 inductees are: Francis N. Allen, Joanne B. Perriens, James R. Child, Patrick R. Gallagher, Jr., Theodore Eric Nave, CAPT, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy, OBE. (Access here.)

    ASIO chief reveals inner workings of anti-terrorism efforts - SBS News, 05 Nov 24

    Australia's intelligence head says none of the nine terror attacks, disruptions, or incidents this year have been directly inspired by the conflict in the Middle East. After raising Australia's terror threat level earlier this year over concerns of a destablising security environment, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation says those concerns have now been proven correct. (Access here.)

    UN accuses Turkish Intelligence of serious human rights violations and abuse of power - Nordic Monitor, 08 Nov 24

    The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) has raised serious concerns in its latest observations following Turkey’s second periodic report, highlighting critical human rights challenges that remain despite legislative progress. The UNHRC emphasized the urgent need for reforms to strengthen judicial independence, protect freedom of expression, prevent discrimination and ensure fair trials. The report also addressed the expanding powers of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT), which have been implicated in human rights violations, such as extraterritorial abductions, enforced disappearances and invasive surveillance. The issues mentioned in the report were compounded by a controversial law granting MİT agents immunity from prosecution, which led the UN to urge Turkey to introduce greater judicial oversight and accountability. (Access here.)

    Germany's top court curbs spy agency's powers to monitor international telecos  - Capacity, 09 Nov 24

    Germany’s Constitutional Court has ruled that the country’s security agency’s surveillance of international telecom operators to try and detect cyber threats was unconstitutional. The court found that the Federal Intelligence Service (BSD)’s surveillance powers were partially unconstitutional, ruling that a balance was needed to better protect the privacy of communications while still allowing for important national security measures. Section 5(1) of the G-10 Act, which regulates the surveillance powers of Germany's intelligence agencies, authorises the BSD to collect and process personal data to conduct surveillance on global providers to identify potential cyberattacks, espionage or cyber sabotage. The Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) found that while the powers granted to the BSD were in the public interest, the laws did not comply with proportionality. Although the court declared the powers unconstitutional, it acknowledged their significance for the country's safety and ordered that it to remain in place until lawmakers introduced new provisions or until December 31 2026 — whichever comes first. (Access here.)

    Counterespionage - Recent arrests, convictions, expulsions, and more...

    Cyberespionage - Newly identified actors, collection and sabotage ops, countermeasures, policy, other...

    Covert Action - Influence ops, assassinations, sabotage, intel agency paramilitary action, countermeasures, and more...

    Section II - DEEP DIVES

    (Research Papers, OpEds, Analysis, Podcasts)

    “The Skinny on Cuban Intelligence” – with Counterintelligence expert Ean Forsythe (70 mins) - Spy Cast Podcast, 31 Oct 24

    This week, Andrew was joined by Ean Forsythe, a counterintelligence expert with over 25 years of experience in the intelligence field. Over the course of his career, Ean has had the unique opportunity to sit across the table debriefing some of Cuba’s most damaging spies, including Ana Belen Montes. Now, Ean serves as the Counterintelligence and Security Center chair at the National Intelligence University here in Washington, DC, teaching the next generation of intelligence professionals. Today, he joined us in the studio to share insights on the fascinating yet often overlooked world of Cuban intelligence. And… The CIA reportedly came up with some very creative plots to kill Fidel Castro – Hundreds of them, in fact! Read about a couple of the Castro Assassination Plots here, in a document released under the JFK Assassination Records Collection Act. (Access here.)

    German Intelligence Community: An Overview - Grey Dynamics, 03 Nov 24

    The German Intelligence Community plays a crucial role in safeguarding Germany’s political, military, and economic interests. It is composed of 3 federal and 16 state agencies. Together, they are responsible for collecting and analyzing foreign and domestic intelligence and informing political and military decision-makers. 1. History post WWII 1.1 East and West Germany. After World War II, Germany was divided into the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). West Germany aligned closely with the US and became a NATO member, while East Germany became a Soviet satellite state and joined the Warsaw Pact. (Access here.)

    Ocean Intelligence: A Decisive Factor for Defending Taiwan - US Naval Institute, 10 Nov 24

    Earlier this year, the trailer for a government-backed Taiwanese TV show depicting a Chinese invasion sparked worldwide attention. The ten-part series Zero Day opens by identifying China’s two primary considerations to move on the island nation. The first involves a political power vacuum following an election loss by an incumbent U.S. President. The second is a geophysical consideration and might surprise the average American as being important enough to include in the introduction—the suitability of the ocean currents in the Taiwan Strait for a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) landing. The Zero Day producers likely took their cue from the Allied landings at Normandy during World War II. Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower timed the invasion around ocean tide levels, currents, and wave heights. The landing craft required a low tide and favorable sea state to avoid the beach obstacles and safely deliver Allied troops ashore. Because he had better ocean intelligence than the Germans, Ike was able to exploit a brief break in wind-generated waves to successfully launch the invasion on 6 June 1944, catching the opposing forces off guard. (Access here.)

    Intelligence and Securitization: AMAN 2023’s Failed Conception - International Journal of Intelligence and National Intelligence, 05 Nov 24

    Abstract: Using the Israeli case study of the Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN), this article presents the unique role of intelligence organizations in securitization processes, in which security threats are defined as such. Similar to the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War, using its epistemic authority to define what are security threats and what are not, AMAN had a central and decisive role in shaping the concept, according to which Hamas is deterred from a war with Israel. Based on AMAN's failed conception, Israel did not perceive Hamas as an existential threat and did not securitize it before 7 October 2023. The study of intelligence aids intelligence practice; thus, scholarship should reflect that practice. Intelligence studies should take inspiration from the critical turn taken by security studies along the lines suggested by critical intelligence scholars.Footnote1 While scholars are yet to agree on the best way to define intelligence, some approach the task through the lens of intelligence as a process, while others focus on intelligence’s purpose. Underpinning both of these approaches, though, is the link between intelligence and security, even though this link is not often asserted directly despite it being relatively uncontentious, or perhaps even because of that. In a European context, the United Kingdom’s Security Service Act 1989 acknowledges this link when it describes MI5’s function as “the protection of national security.”Footnote2 The Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) describes its purpose as to “make the UK safer and more prosperous”; the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency aims to “leverage the power of information to keep our Nation [sic] safe.”Footnote3 U.S. intelligence agencies describe their collective mission as “to collect, analyze, and deliver foreign intelligence and counterintelligence information to America’s leaders so they can make sound decisions to protect our country.”Footnote4 Safety and protection are the results of security, and it is, therefore, uncontroversial to assert that security is the overarching purpose of state intelligence agencies. Also evident here is a focus on the security of the state to which they belong and, therefore, on national security rather than other forms. When intelligence is described as existing to support government or state decisionmakers, the state is necessarily central. This type of intelligence exists to help protect the state against threats. Intelligence practice, therefore, focuses on threats that can be considered dangerous to states. Intelligence studies scholars have acknowledged that the type of threats considered should be broadened either in intelligence practice, in (critical) intelligence studies scholarship, or in both. Intelligence and National Security’s 2020 special issue on health intelligence demonstrates that this broadening of scholarship has begun.Footnote5 Securitization, the product of critical scholarship initiated by the Copenhagen School, has been one of the most successful outcomes: a speech act whereby an actor presents an issue as an existential threat to justify extraordinary measures to deal with the threat.Footnote6 This framework has expanded to include routines, practices of security professionals, as well as new political issues, such as migration, asylum, health, or other “soft security” issues. While some have criticized this approach recently, it is a good starting point for such a research endeavor to bring the debate on critical security and on critical intelligence explicitly together, as such an approach will contribute to the analysis of intelligence. Intelligence organizations perform a unique role in securitization processes, in which security threats are defined as such. Using the Israeli case study of the Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN), the body that, more than any intelligence agency in the country, such as Mossad and Shin-Bet, is responsible for assessing security threats, this article illustrates the importance of intelligence organizations in securitization processes. Using its epistemic authority as a central part of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)’s role as a securitization actor, AMAN led a securitization policy before the Six-Day War in 1967, which greatly influenced the Israeli government to launch a preemptive attack against the Egyptian army. In other cases, such as before the Yom Kippur War in 1973, AMAN had a central and decisive role in why Israel did not securitize the Egyptian army. This article will mainly focus on the contemporary case study of the terrorist attack by Hamas in October 2023, in which AMAN had a central and decisive role in shaping the concept, according to which Hamas is deterred from a war with Israel. Based on AMAN’s failed conception, Israel did not perceive Hamas as an existential threat and did not securitize it before 7 October 2023. This case study of a Western country struggling against radical Islamist terrorist organizations calling for the destruction of Western civilization may contribute, among other things, to the way Western intelligence organizations in Europe need to challenge similar threats. (Full article here.)

    Evolution of OSINT: From Coup Crisis to Cutting-Edge Advancements with Social Media, AI, and Data Analytics - Homeland Security Today, 07 Nov 24

    Open-source intelligence (OSINT), as defined by the SANS Institute, refers to the process of producing intelligence through collecting, evaluating and analyzing publicly available information. This is done with the purpose of answering specific intelligence questions. Its origins trace back to just before World War II, when monitoring radio broadcasts and news outlets was crucial for military and political decision-making. Over time, OSINT has evolved in scope and complexity and is now an integral part of intelligence operations across government, military, and private sectors. In November 1989, Mark Schwalm, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Babel Street, was an Air Force Special Operations intelligence officer stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. His story in this Q&A highlights two pivotal moments in the use of OSINT and its evolution. In the late 1980s, OSINT was still manual and rudimentary, relying on physical documents, such as maps, hotel brochures, and reports from the Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS). During the November 1989 coup attempt in Manila, these basic tools helped then Captain Schwalm and other military personnel assess the situation and plan for the possible evacuation of Americans. (Access here.)

    Global Intelligence Leader Lewis Sage-Passant on the Private Intelligence Industry (63 mins) - Grey Dynamics Podcast, 08 Nov 24

    Welcome back to the Grey Dynamics podcast. This week we are talking to Lewis Sage-Passant about the obscure and understudied world of private sector intelligence. Lewis is the Global Head of Intelligence at a major pharmaceutical company and an Adjunct Professor at Science Po. Previously, Lewis served in the British Armed Forces and worked in private intelligence roles in the energy, banking and software sectors. His new book, “Beyond States and Spies: The Security Intelligence Services of the Private Sector” provides an overview of corporate intelligence structures and functions. We discussed how intelligence interacts with different industries, industrial espionage, controversial firms and much more. (Access here.)

    Norwegian Intelligence Assessment on Russian Interference - Jamestown Foundation, 08 Nov 24

    In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, security considerations for Norway have changed significantly. Norway is the only European country still allowing Russian fishing vessels to dock, now with increased control, and on November 1, Russia and Norway announced their fishery agreement for 2025, demonstrating the two countries’ continued cooperation (Fish.gov.ru; Kystogfjord.no, November 1). Despite this cooperation, Russia has been accused of using fishing travelers as spying vessels to research sensitive facilities along the Norwegian coast and has even (TV2, May 13). Russia is openly more hostile to Norway with the occurrence of several well-known incidents, such as an attempt at spying (NRK, December 13, 2023; see EDM, April 18). Russia has established cabins close to Norway’s largest military installations (TV2, April 4). As well as incidents involving drones crossing into the vicinity of Norwegian power plants (Nettavisen, September 9, 2022). As recently as September 2024, a jamming test at Andøya Air Force base, a base possessing large quantities of intelligence technology, was postponed due to suspected sabotage of the power line (Forsvaretsforum, September 12). (Access here.)

    Section III - FORMERS' FORUM

    (Legacy Intel Practitioners' Informed Perspectives
    and Recent Endeavors)

    David Bickford, former Legal Director of MI5 & MI6 turned author (62 mins) - Secrets and Spies Podcast, 01 Nov 24

    In this conversation, David Bickford shares his fascinating journey from a unique childhood to a distinguished career in the intelligence services, specifically as a legal director for MI5 and MI6. He discusses the complexities of balancing national security with legality, the current threats posed by Russia and China, and the evolving landscape of intelligence work. Transitioning into a novelist, Bickford reflects on the inspiration behind his books, the writing process he shares with his wife, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers and those considering a career in intelligence. (Access here.)

    In Michigan, the CIA Beat the FBI - about former CIA Analyst Eliss Slotkin and former House Intelligence Committee Chair and former FBI Agent Mike Rogers- Reason, 06 Nov 24

    Whichever way the elections in Michigan swung, the intelligence community would have gained a new ally. Retired CIA analyst and incumbent Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, was running for a promotion to the Senate, facing off against retired FBI agent and former Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican. In the end, the former CIA officer prevailed. Slotkin has won her race, according to the Associated Press, becoming the first CIA veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate. Michigan's elections were not just about Michigan. They were about the place of the American national security state in the world. In the presidential race, local Muslim and Arab-American communities became an unexpected swing demographic when they peeled off in protest of the Biden administration's support for wars in the Middle East. And the Senate race between two hawkish intelligence veterans attracted a lot of out-of-state donations, many of them linked to the Washington, D.C., beltway. (Access here.)

    How To Think in—and About—a Post-Analytic World by Former CIA, DIA, ONI, ODNI Analyst Josh Kerbel - Cipher Brief, 08 Nov 24

    In 1990, the world was on the cusp of a major transformation. The bifurcated, static and hierarchical Cold War era was giving way to the entangled, dynamic and networked world of today. This emerging—complex—environment and the conundrums it posed was of the sort that had long been a theme of author Michael Crichton’s work. And in November of that year, he published what might be his most enduring comment on the subject: Jurassic Park. There’s a key moment in Jurassic Park when the mathematician/chaotician, Ian Malcolm, refers disparagingly to the scientists who have—too assuredly in his view—cloned the dinosaurs: “They don’t have intelligence. They have what I call ‘thintelligence.’ They see the immediate situation. They think narrowly and they call it ‘being focused.’ They don’t see the surround. They don’t see the consequences.” As a long-time intelligence analyst who spends a lot of time thinking and writing about the craft, that passage has long resonated with me. The way it characterizes the scientists’ thinking sounds alarmingly similar to how the Intelligence Community (IC)—and for that matter the larger national security enterprise—tends to think. What Crichton called “thinking narrowly” and “being focused,” we call “analysis.” It’s a wonderfully apt term for characterizing the IC’s default cognitive mode as it derives from the Greek analyein, meaning to loosen, undo, dissolve, or resolve into constituent elements. As such, “analysis” perfectly embodies the highly reductive way in which the IC habitually thinks about the world. (Access here.)

    Former intelligence officials worry Trump will try to politicize and weaponize CIA - NBC News, 08 Nov 24

    At the end of his first term in office, then-President Donald Trump sought to install Kash Patel, a hard-line MAGA loyalist, as deputy CIA director. But the head of the agency at the time, Gina Haspel, a career intelligence officer, threatened to resign in protest, and the appointment was scuttled. Now, four years later, Patel is considered a possible pick for CIA director or another high-level national security post in a second Trump administration. And there likely will be no one to stand in his way this time. Patel is one of several fiercely loyal political allies who President-elect Trump is considering to oversee the country’s national security. In his first term in office, Trump frequently clashed with his deputies and top officials, who he came to view as insufficiently loyal to his agenda. (Access here.)

    From Espionage to Leadership: Role of Women in Intelligence Agencies (41 mins) with Former CIA Officer Lindsay Moran - Space, Defense, and Security Podcast, 07 Nov 24

    In this episode, we delve into the intriguing world of espionage, exploring the crucial yet often overlooked role of women in intelligence agencies around the globe. From covert operations to high-stakes decision-making, women have made significant contributions to national security and intelligence, frequently navigating complex challenges and breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated field. Join us for a deep dive into the clandestine careers of women in espionage, the shifting dynamics within intelligence communities, and how these remarkable women are leading the way in safeguarding national interests in the modern era. About the guest speaker: Lindsay Moran is an expert on human intelligence, espionage, and national security. A former CIA operative, she has over 20 years’ experience across a broad professional spectrum that includes covert operations, investigation, social impact, and communications. She is a national spokesperson and part of the development team at DeliverFund, a nonprofit intelligence organization that leverages cutting-edge technology in its mission to eradicate and end human trafficking.  (Access here.)

    'The Axis of Upheaval' (57 mins) with Former CIA Analyst and Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration Beth Sanner - Intelligence Matters Podcast, 31 Oct 24

    Michael and Andy speak with Beth Sanner, former CIA analyst and Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration, about the national security challenges facing the next U.S. president. They explore the complex relationships between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, rising tensions in the South China Sea, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They also examine how these geopolitical dynamics impact global stability and discuss the fine line between geopolitical and cyber threats. (Access here.)

    An Inside Look Into the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Analysis Directorate (29 mins) with Former CIA Deputy Director of Intelligence Carmen Medina - Cleared Cast Podcast, 11 Nov 24

    Carmen Medina is a distinguished figure in the U.S. intelligence community, known for her innovative thinking and transformative impact. Her career in the IC spanned over three decades, during which she challenged conventional practices and advocated for critical changes that have left a lasting legacy. She joins the podcast to talk about being a Latina woman at a time when the agency hallways were filled with men. (Access here.)


    Section IV - BOOKS, FILM, HISTORY, POP CULTURE

    Propaganda
    by Lukasz Olejnik
    (02 Oct 24)

    The book is a modern primer on propaganda―aspects like disinformation, trolls, bots, information influence, psychological operations, information operations, and information warfare. Propaganda: From Disinformation and Influence to Operations and Information Warfare offers a contemporary model for thinking about the subject. The first two decades of the 21st century have brought qualitative and quantitative technological and societal changes, and the subject of information influence needs to be re-ordered. Now is the time. The book explains the origins of the meaning and phenomenon of propaganda―where it came from and how it has changed over the centuries. The book also covers modern methods, including artificial intelligence (AI) and advertising technologies. Legal, political, diplomatic, and military considerations ensure that the material is covered in depth. The book is recommended for security and cybersecurity professionals (both technical and non-technical), government officials, politicians, corporate executives, academics, and students of technical and social sciences. Adepts with an interest in the subject will read it with interest.

    Order book here.

    The Business of Secrets: Adventures In Selling Encryption Around The World
    by Fred Kinch
    (24 May 24)

    What was it like to sell cryptographic equipment post WWII, after the era of Alan Turing and the Enigma machine? Join the author as he markets more modern equipment to the “CIA’s” and “NSA’s” of some 80 countries around the world; gaining trust where the first instinct is to trust no one, especially someone from the U.S. In this intriguing world, learn about the relationships between intelligence organizations and who they “really” consider a trustworthy ally and friend. Walk beside him as he faces challenges and adventures that are sometimes dangerous and scary and sometimes humorous and fun, such as: Supporting the Omani Armed Forces as they fought the Yemini and Red Chinese backed rebels and helping Oman win. Driving through war torn Beirut in the middle of the night. Defeating a Peruvian company sponsored by their Navy that tried to copy and reverse engineer his company’s equipment. Handling the disaster when one of his company’s products was cryptographically broken by a slightly deaf army sergeant. And more….. Laugh, cry, and experience fear as the author navigates his way through these situations, eventually overcoming the odds to make his company successful.

    Order book here.

    The Walls Have Ears: The Greatest Intelligence Operation of World War II
    by Helen Fry
    (Yale University Press, 10 Sep 19)

    At the outbreak of World War II, MI6 spymaster Thomas Kendrick arrived at the Tower of London to set up a top secret operation: German prisoners’ cells were to be bugged and listeners installed behind the walls to record and transcribe their private conversations. This mission proved so effective that it would go on to be set up at three further sites—and provide the Allies with crucial insight into new technology being developed by the Nazis. In this astonishing history, Helen Fry uncovers the inner workings of the bugging operation. On arrival at stately-homes-turned-prisons like Trent Park, high-ranking German generals and commanders were given a "phony" interrogation, then treated as "guests," wined and dined at exclusive clubs, and encouraged to talk. And so it was that the Allies got access to some of Hitler’s most closely guarded secrets—and from those most entrusted to protect them.

    Order book here.

    True Intelligence Matters on Film - Declassified: The Untold Stories of American Spies, S3 E7 - The Merchant of Death: Viktor Bout - Domini Hofmann (2017)

    With the help of an undercover source, the DEA's Special Operation Division launches an international manhunt to capture one of the most prolific Russian arms dealers in the world, Viktor Bout.

    More on this based-on-true-events production here.




    Intelligence in Pop Culture - Aston Martin vanquishes the ghosts of bygone spies - Popular Science, 07 Nov 24 (Member Contribution)

    Storied British sports car maker Aston Martin’s move into Formula 1 racing has released the brand from the nostalgic niche that had the company pigeonholed as an accessory to a fictional British action hero. Now that it is aligned with real-life Formula 1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll and the high-tech machines they pilot 24 Sundays a year, Aston is seen as a true peer of its famous scarlet rival from Maranello. This brings the benefit of added attention and credibility for Aston’s products, but it also brings higher expectations. “Quirky” won’t cut it anymore, and neither will anachronistic features that Aston has recently banished from its products, like its push-button shift selector or its obsolete infotainment system. (Read more here.)

    Intelligence in History - A Collection of Recently Released Content

    Walking Tours - "Spies of Embassy Row" and "Spies of Georgetown" - Washington, DC - Sundays (Dates/Times Vary)

    Former intelligence officers guide visitors on two morning and afternoon espionage-themed walking tours: "Spies of Embassy Row" and "Spies of Georgetown." For more information and booking, click here or contact rosanna@spyher.co

    Section V - Obituaries and Classifieds

    (Research Requests, Academic Opportunities, Employment)

    Obituaries

    Larry Thomas Wright — Former Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence

    On May 4, 2024, Lawrence (Larry) Thomas Wright died at the age of 87. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Larry left law school to serve his nation. He enjoyed the mission and the camaraderie of military intelligence, where he had a very successful career. Larry rose through the ranks with remarkable speed, and he achieved the rank of Captain. Larry served in a number of pivotal roles including the Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, the Director of the Naval Intelligence Processing Systems Support Activity and The Director of Naval Intelligence for the Pacific Fleet. Member of Defense Science Board for several years. Following his travel career, Larry transitioned into the private sector, where his leadership and strategic vision made a profound impact as Vice President of BTG, Inc. and later as a Partner at Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH). Larry played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the intelligence business. Larry grew the sector at BAH from a few million dollars in annual revenue when he was hired as an entry level partner to over half a billion in annual revenue when he retired as a Senior Vice President. More importantly, Larry built a strong, cohesive team and created a very positive work environment. He enthusiastically mentored junior staff members as well as promoted a record number of women to partner positions, a legacy that resonates within Booz Allen to this day.

    Richard Secord — US Air Force Special Operations Leader and CIA Detailee

    Major General Richard Vernon Secord, a legendary combat aviator, distinguished leader, and brilliant military strategist, passed away on October 15, 2024, at the age of 92. General Secord’s military career spanned more than three decades and included pivotal roles in the Vietnam War, Laos, Central Intelligence Agency, and U.S. strategic efforts in pre-revolution Iran. Known for his leadership and innovation in special operations, he was an early member of the Air Commandos, the U.S. Air Force's elite special operations unit. He was subsequently awarded the Air Commando Association’s US Special Operations Command Medal in 2007 for his outstanding contributions to, and in support of, special operations. Born in 1932 in LaRue, Ohio, General Secord graduated from The United States Military Academy at West Point in 1955. Upon graduation, General Secord was sworn in as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force by then Captain Alexander Haig. General Secord began a remarkable career that would span over the next three decades and was involved in some of the most challenging and high-stakes operations of the 20th century. His introduction into special operations began when 1st Lieutenant Secord volunteered as a member of the famed 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron executing Operation Jungle Jim in Vietnam. Later, he led air operations in support of the Ban Naden raid, the only successful POW rescue during the war. As a Colonel, he developed plans for the famous Vietnam air campaign later designated Operation Linebacker II, the largest US bombing campaign since World War II which arguably forced North Vietnamese officials back into peace talks in 1972. Most notably, General Secord’s involvement in Iran is where he gained the most notoriety. In 1963, General Secord was sent to Iran for the first of many assignments there to assist Shah Mohammad Rezi Pahlavi secure the northwestern border against a Kurdish insurrection. His final tour in Iran was in 1975 for three years where he paved the way for Iranian I-Hawk and F-14 procurement and development. He departed Iran with his family in 1978 before the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Major General Secord’s retirement was in May 1983, and was officiated by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. He was presented a Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the highest non-combat related military award and the highest joint service decoration. The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is normally awarded to the most senior officers such as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or Chiefs of military services. This was General Secord’s second. Major General Richard Secord’s 32 years of faithful and dedicated service came to an end. However, his actions and involvement in many world events continue to resonate and exist today on the modern battlefield and in global affairs.

    Herb Tiede Military Intelligence Officer

    Colonel Herb Tiede, USMC (Ret.), passed away on September 5, 2024 in Woodbridge, VA. He was 94 years old. He was born in New Britian, CT. In high school, he excelled in math and sports. He enlisted in the Navy and after certifying as an electrician, he attended Naval Academy Prep School for a year. At Annapolis, he was a good football player and student in math and Russian language. Upon graduation in 1953, he was commissioned as a Marine Corps second lieutenant. With the Corps, Herb's first duty station took him to Korea where he patrolled the DMZ. Herb excelled as a Marine, using his curiosity, enthusiasm, and persistence to solve problems and make the world better and safer for everyone. Over his 30-year career Herb learned Russian and French, and traveled to Garmisch, Germany, Headquarters, USMC, Baltimore, MD, Okinawa, Japan, Quantico, VA (several times), Vietnam, Moscow, Russia for 3 years (then Soviet Union), Camp Lejeune, NC, and Beirut, Lebanon. As an intelligence officer, his work supported national defense and relationship building at strategic levels. He led a battalion of motor transport Marines and ignited his passion for having quality preventive maintenance and logistic products. In life, his goal was to prevent problems, fix what was broken, and keep learning, repeating the cycle as often as needed.

    Research Requests and Academic Opportunities

    • FREE - New Online Intelligence Reports Workshop Grey Dynamics in November launched a free online workshop on writing intelligence reports. Led by a former DIA and J2 analsyt. Advance Your Intelligence Skills? The Intelligence Cycle Fundamentals course equips you with the tools, techniques, and hands-on experience to turn raw data into meaningful insights. Whether you’re just starting out or advancing your expertise, this course gives you everything you need to produce solid finished intelligence products. More information and registration here.
    • Call for Collaboration: AFIO member seeks a collaborator with YouTube technical expertise to launch a channel that will highlight specific examples of Russian and Chinese misinformation. Please contact Greg Rushford at gregrushford@gmail.com.
    • Internship Opportunity: U.K.-based private intelligence company Grey Dynamics is accepting applications for its analyst internship program. Excellent resume building experience for aspiring intel analysts and, for intelligence studies students (and graduates) who are interested in analysis and writing, a great entry-level opportunity to exercise your skills in a real editorial and publication setting. See full details and application instructions here.

    • Call for Information: Child of former CIA Commo Officer Walter E. MacLeod seeks information on her father's life and work to help build a better understanding of the family's history. MacLeod EODed in 1951 and served in Saipan, Havana, WTC, Caracas, Jakarta, Saigon, Paris, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, and Bangkok. He retired in 1975. If you have information to share, contact Kathy MacLeod katherinemacleod@gmail.com.

    • Call for Intelligence Studies Course Syllabi: An adjunct professor in the criminology department at Florida International University in Miami is developing a course in intelligence studies for the school and would welcome the opportunity to review syllabi used by other intel studies teachers. If you have a syllabus that you are willing to share, contact Salvador Rivas at salvador.rivas@fiu.edu or (786) 547-0428.

    • Call for Interviews: Kingston Trinder is a Los Angeles-based nonfiction author and documentary film and television executive who is seeking extraordinary true, untold, stories featuring unforgettable characters, and unbelievable narrative arcs. He develops compelling factual storytelling with a variety of international publishing houses and television networks, and is in search of primary source material from former intelligence officers about their lives, specific cases or projects that they can get cleared for discussion, or other aspects of working in the shadows that would be informative and entertaining for readers who live outside of that world. Please email hello@kingstontrinder.com or call (323) 570-5715.

    • Call for Online Survey Participants: Northeastern University is conducting an Institution Review Board approved research project on critical thinking skills for national security intelligence analysts and welcomes the input, via online survey, of AFIO members. Access survey here.

    • Call for Information and Interview Subjects: In search of information on possible espionage activity in New York City in the WWII and post-war era to help a family investigating their heritage. Specifically looking at The Plaza (1955), Hotel Pierre (1935 through 1970), and Hotel Delmonico (1945) (now Trump Park Avenue) as well as "Office of 39" Room 3603, and the OWI (Office of War Information) (1945). Details on the Grand Central Station underground and Waldorf Astoria Secret Elevator are also of interest. Other areas of interest for any information on the following people or more generally who may be able to speak to the climate include Swiss involvement in the Abwehr, The Nestle Company 1935-1945, Reinhard Gehlen, German Soldier Thilo Von Trotha in Addis Ababa in 1948-53, Michael Wardell in London, John B. McNair, Canada, Lord Beaverbrook in Cromarty 1948-49. Contact Rosanna Minchew at Rosanna@spyher.co.

    Jobs

    • Assistant Professor in Intelligence and National Security Studies - University of Texas, El Paso

      • The University of Texas at El Paso invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Intelligence Studies in the Department of Criminal Justice and Security Studies. We seek applicants with demonstrated research expertise in one or more of these areas: Open-Source Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cyberwarfare, or Intelligence Analysis. Successful candidates will indicate how they can contribute to establishing and growing UTEP's Open-Source Intelligence Center. More information about our program and dynamic campus, as well as application materials, can be found here.

    • 2 Assistant Professors in Intelligence and Security - Institute of Security and Global Affairs, University of Leiden - Netherlands

      • The successful candidates will have demonstrable research records in themes related to the vacancy and strong teaching background in intelligence and security, or a related field, as well as in topics related to the Institute's Bachelor's and Master's programme offerings. The candidate will be expected to teach across several programmes in the Institute, notably the master's programme Crisis and Security Management and the bachelor programme Security Studies, and our minor in Intelligence Studies. The positions are aimed at strengthening the Institute's teaching, research and grant-acquisition capacities in a phase of growth and exciting interdisciplinary research opportunities. Full details on qualifications, duties, and application here.

    • Assistant Professor of Intelligence Studies - Mercyhurst University - Erie, Pennsylvania

      • Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Intelligence Studies in the School of Intelligence, Computing and Global Politics. The position is at the Erie campus and begins Fall Semester 2024. Successful candidates will teach introductory and applied courses in Crime and Law Enforcement intelligence analysis at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in addition to the ability to teach undergraduate or graduate courses in: Leadership in Intelligence; Advanced Analytic Techniques; Intelligence Collection and Analysis. Additional information and application instructions here.

    • Associate Professor and Chair of National Security - University of New Haven, Connecticut

      • The Department of National Security invites nominations and applications for a tenured Full/Associate Professor and Chair of National Security. The department includes a dynamic undergraduate program encompassing four distinct bachelor's degrees (Security & Defense Policy, Intelligence Analysis, Homeland Security, and International Affairs), a robust master's degree program, and several practitioner-oriented certificates. Qualifications: A terminal degree in national security, public policy, political science, or related field is required; Ph.D. preferred. The successful applicant will have a record of teaching excellence at the university level, established catalog of academic publications, and an innovative research agenda. Applicants should also possess experience in university-level service and leadership. The department is particularly interested in candidates with policymaking experience in national security at either the federal, state, or local level. Tenurable Assistant Professors may also be considered in accordance with the aforementioned qualifications. Application Instructions: Please submit a brief cover letter explaining teaching experience and philosophy, publication record, practitioner-oriented experience (if applicable), CV, and the name and contact information for three references. Applicants may also include up to 3 artifacts of teaching ability (examples include syllabi, student evaluations, learning exercises, assignments, or other feedback) that illustrate teaching experience. More information and application here or contact Search Committee Chair, Dr. Jeffrey Treistman at jtreistman@newhaven.edu.

    • Wanted: Former intelligence officers to lead spy-themed walking tours in Washington D.C. - Spyher Tours

      • These are 90-120 minute historical tours with an interactive "operational" component. Most tours start at 10am on select Thursdays-Sundays. The immediate opportunity is for dates in March, but additional opportunities are available through June, and new opportunities are likely to become available throughout the year. This is a fun way to get back out on the streets, engage/educate the public on the world of espionage, and make some extra cash. The next opportunities to see a tour in action (and train before the Spring rush) are Sunday 2/18 and Sunday 3/3. Please contact Rosanna at 571-236-9052 or rosanna@spyher.co. Visit https://spyher.co.

    • Wanted: Retired Federal Government Employees - NSA - Fort Meade, Maryland

      • The National Security Agency (NSA) may occasionally need skilled civilian retirees to augment the existing work force on high priority projects or programs. In order to fill these temporary positions quickly, we need to know who may be interested and available to return to work with us on a short notice basis as well as their skills. Retired federal government employees at NSA provide expertise and corporate knowledge to temporarily support mission requirements, manpower shortfalls, and/or mentor the next generation of Agency employees. Applications accepted until 30 September 2024.

      Additional information and application here.

    • Assistant/Associate Professor of Intelligence Studies (Global Security and Intelligence Studies) - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott, Arizona

      • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott, Arizona campus is accepting applications for a tenure-track assistant or associate-level professor of intelligence studies to teach intelligence courses to students in the Global Security and Intelligence program. The successful candidate will teach students about the intelligence community, strategic intelligence, the intelligence cycle and intelligence analysis, writing, and briefing. Prior experience working in the intelligence community is strongly preferred. We are interested in candidates with teaching acumen in intelligence analysis and writing using structured analytical techniques.

      Additional information and application here.

    Section VI - Events

    AFIO Events

    Thursday, 21 November 2024 11:30 AM MT – Colorado Springs - The AFIO Rocky Mountain Chapter hosts Dr. Jim Steiner, former CIA, on "Intelligence Support to the NSC in deciding to go to war: Kosovo, 9/11, and today"
    Abstract: A brief overview of the NSC process and the traditional approach to intelligence support to the President within this process. Kosovo case study. How 9/11 changed everything. The 9/15 NSC meeting at Camp David. Intelligence support to the NSC today. What current threats could lead us into combat and the role of intelligence.
    Bio: Jim Steiner has over 50 years of experience conducting, leading, managing, evaluating, and teaching intelligence. Following an overseas tour as a naval intelligence officer, Dr. Steiner joined the CIA in 1972 and served there for more than 33 years. For the first two decades, he focused on Soviet defense and economic issues, rising through the analytic and management ranks. He was promoted into the Senior Intelligence Service in 1992.
    After the fall of the Soviet Union, Dr. Steiner moved to the Department of State as Special Advisor to the Ambassador at Large for Russia where he provided intelligence support and was the Ambassador's Deputy for defense conversion and crime and corruption.
    Dr. Steiner then returned to CIA Headquarters where he took on a series of increasingly senior line and staff positions, including Deputy Director for Crime and Narcotics. In his final line position, he was Director of the Office of Transnational Issues which covers global energy and economic security, corruption, illicit migration, illicit financial activity, foreign denial and deception programs, societal and humanitarian conflicts, and the medical and psychiatric analysis of foreign leaders. His office also conducted long-term analyses on key issues including the future of warfare, globalization, terrorism, democracy, and demographics.
    Dr. Steiner completed his CIA career as the Agency's Officer in Residence at Georgetown University. He was awarded the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal upon his retirement in 2006. Dr. Steiner taught intelligence analysis at the FBI Academy before moving to Albany and then taught graduate courses in intelligence at SUNY for fifteen years.
    Jim attended Georgetown University from 1964-1968 earning a B.S. Foreign Service with a concentration in International Economics. He received an M.A. in Economics in 1969 and a Ph.D. in Economics in 1977. After college, Jim served as an intelligence officer in the US Navy at SOUTHCOM in Panama. For location and other information, contact Anthony Leto at rmcafio@gmail.com.

    Events of Advertisers, Corporate Sponsors, Others

    21 Nov 24, 1200-1300 (ET) – Online – Inside Intelligence presents "Russia's War Against the West" – Johns Hopkins University. Join host Michael Ard for a curated discussion with Ambassador John J. Sullivan, former U.S. deputy secretary of state and former U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation, on “Russia’s War Against the West.” Ambassador John J. Sullivan is the former U.S. deputy secretary of state and former U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation. He is also a Distinguished Scholar at the School of Foreign Service of Georgetown University and a Distinguished Fellow at the School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University. He serves as a contributor to CBS News, is quoted frequently in international media as a leading authority on foreign affairs, and has authored a book on his experiences as ambassador, Midnight in Moscow, which was published by Little, Brown and Company in August 2024. Ambassador Sullivan is a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace, after his nomination by President Biden and unanimous confirmation by the Senate. He is a congressional appointee who serves as a member of the bipartisan Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State. Free registration www.spymuseum.org.

    Saturday, 23 November 2024, 10 AM – Washington, DC – Members-Only Event: Virginia Hall Exhibit – In-Person International Spy Museum Program. Among the many women who served in the SOE & OSS, Virginia Hall stands out as one of the most distinguished. She not only created a sophisticated spy network but also organized and armed French commandos deep behind enemy lines. We've recently redesigned a key exhibit in our "Spies & Spymasters" gallery to showcase Hall's incredible story with compelling artifacts from our collection. Members can join for this exclusive look at Virginia Hall and the process of how updates are made to our permanent exhibit. Hannah Saloio, SPY's Exhibits Developer, will lead a formal discussion in the Museum's Theater from 10 to 10:30 AM that will then be followed by coffee and pastries and an opportunity to chat with members of the Spy Museum team. This event is free of charge and open exclusively to Spy Museum members. You can join SPY as a member online or by calling 202.654.2840. Visit www.spymuseum.org.

    30 Apr - 02 May 2025 – In Person – Cryptologic History Symposium - National Cryptological Foundation and NSA Center for Cryptologic History, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland

    Since 1990, the Cryptologic History Symposium has served as an opportunity to present historical scholarship found in unclassified and declassified cryptologic records and engage in discussion about their significance to history. The event is an occasion for historians and those interested in history to gather for reflection and debate on relevant and important topics from the cryptologic past. Regular speakers include historians from CCH, the Intelligence Community, the defense establishment, the military services, scholars from American and international academic institutions, veterans of the cryptologic profession, graduate and undergraduate students, and noted authors. Past symposia have featured scholarship that set out new ways to consider our cryptologic heritage. The conference provides many opportunities to interact with leading historians and other experts. The mix of practitioners, scholars, and interested observers guarantees a lively debate that promotes an enhanced appreciation for past events and their applicability to current and future issues. More information and registration here.

    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.

    Gifts for Friends, Colleagues, Self

    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.

    Black short-sleeved polo shirts with Embroidered AFIO logo
    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, 7600 Leesburg Pike, Ste 470 East, Falls Church, VA 22043-2004. Phone orders at 703-790-0320. Questions? Contact Annette at: annettej@afio.com.





    PopSocket for cellphones or tablets
    Show your support to AFIO while enjoying the convenience offered by our AFIO Logo PopSocket. The PopSocket is most commonly used as a stand and as a grip for your mobile phone or tablet; handy for taking selfies, watching videos, and for texting. The PopSocket looks like a small button or sticker which, when closed, sticks flat to your mobile device. However, its accordion-like design enables it to pop open for use. The benefits of using a PopSocket make it a must-have accessory for your mobile phone or tablet. It also aids in keeping your phone from slipping off your hand during use, falling, or breaking.
    Price: $15. Order this and other store items online here.







    Duffel Bags - Royal Blue and Black with Full Color AFIO Logo This duffel has it all when it comes to value, style and organization.
    600 denier polyester canvas with polyester double contrast; D-shaped zippered entry for easy access. Front pocket with hook and loop closure. End mesh pocket Easy-access end pockets. Four durable, protective feet and built-in bottom board for added strength. Web handles with padded grip. Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap.
    Dimensions: 11"h x 19.75"w x 9.75"d; Approx. 2,118 cubic inches
    Price: $50. Order this and other store items online here.




    Caps - Dark Navy with Navy AFIO Logo
     An authentic silhouette with the comfort of an unstructured, adjustable fit. Fabric: 100% cotton. Unstructured. Fabric strap closure with adjustable D-clip. Price: $30. Order this and other store items online here.




    AFIO's Guide to the Study of Intelligence...and...When Intelligence Made a Difference

    "AFIO's Guide to the AFIO's Guide to the Study of Intelligence has sold out in hard-copy.
    It is available in digital form in its entirety on the AFIO website here.
    Also available on the website here are the individual articles of AFIO's history project "When Intelligence Made a Difference" that have been published to date in The Intelligencer journal. More articles will be appear in future editions.



    PUBLISHED IN 2023—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 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 of AFIO board, volunteer editors/writers, donors, and members.
    We thank all for their support which makes this educational effort possible.
    Careers Booklet (2023 Fifth Edition) can be read or downloaded here

    Address Technical Issues Or Unsubscribe

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