Weekly Intelligence Notes

22 - 28 January 2025
(Issue 04)

CONTENTS

Section I - CURRENTS

(Recent Developments)

General Interests

• Ex-intelligence officials warn against building new casino near US spy agencies - Intel News, 27 Jan 25
• Royal Navy Nuclear Submarine Surfaced Next To Russian Spy Ship To Send A Clear Message - The War Zone, 23 Jan 25
• Trump Ousts Biden’s Acting Director for National Intelligence Ahead of Tulsi Gabbard Confirmation Hearing - The Gateway Pundit, 25 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)
• CIA Now Favors Lab Leak Theory on Origins of Covid-19 - Wall Street Journal, 25 Jan 24 (Member Contribution)
• DNI nominee Tulsi Gabbard faces rocky road to confirmation - Jewish Insider, 22 Jan 24 (Member Contribution)
• CIA’s chatbot stands in for world leaders - The Star, 20 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)
• Donald Trump Orders Security Clearances to Be Given to Whomever He Wants - NewsWeek, 21 Jan 25

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, etcetera...

• The satellite eavesdropping stations of Russia’s intelligence services (part 1) - The Space Review, 20 Jan 25 (145 min) (Member Contribution)
• Still Work to be Done on Security Clearance Reform Efforts (28 min) - Inside the IC Podcast, 24 Jan 25
• Uncertain Times Ahead for U.S.-Mexico Intelligence Cooperation - Lawfare, 21 Jan 25
• Can Ireland handle a wave of espionage? (14 min) - NewsTalk Podcast, 21 Jan 25
• Federal Court Rules FISA Section 702 “Back Door” Searches Unconstitutional - CATO Institute, 22 Jan 25
• Shocking inside account of Chinese spy balloon fiasco and what the government didn't tell you - Daily Mail, 27 Jan 25 (Member Contribution

• Terrorism: Then and Now/Home and Abroad (37 min) - by former Acting Deputy Director of CIA for Operations Jack Devine and former NSA Analyst Julia Stone - Straight From the Shoulder Podcast, 22 Jan 25
• How Will President Trump Handle Intelligence in His Second Term (33 min) - with former PDB Briefer for POTUS Trump Beth Sanner - International Spy Museum's SpyCast Podcast, 21 Jan 25
• Ex-MI6 chief calls for MOD's hard power to be integrated with soft power of Foreign Office - with Former MI6 Chief Alex Younger - Forces News, 22 Jan 25
• Ex-British Spy Chief Raises Critical Question About Tulsi Gabbard - with Former MI6 Chief Sir John Sawyers - News Week, 25 Jan 25
• Under Trump, US Cyberdefense Loses Its Head: Chinese hacks, rampant ransomware, and Donald Trump's Budget Cuts All Threaten US Security - with Former CISA Director Jen Easterly - Wired, 23 Jan 25
• From Anthropology to Espionage and Authorship - with Former CIA Operations Officer Kit Turner - Spycraft 101 Podcast, 26 Jan 25
• Trump’s shortcutting of security vetting endangers national safety - with Former CIA Directorate of Digital Innovation Office Director Brian O'Neil - The Atlantic Journal-Constitution, 24 Jan 25

Books: (Forthcoming, New Releases, Overlooked)

• Chasing Shadows: Cyber Espionage, Subversion, and the Global Fight for Democracy by Ronald J. Deibert (04 Feb 25)


• Contemporary Intelligence Warning Cases: Learning from Successes and Failures edited by Bjørn Elias Mikalsen Grønning and Stig Stenslie (31 Dec 24)


• Spymaster: The Man Who Saved MI6 Helen Fry (30 Nov 21)

True Intelligence Matters on Film: Yuri Nosenko: Double Agent - Mick Jackson (1986)

Intelligence in Pop Culture: The Guns of 007: A License To Thrill - Guns Magazine, 21 Jan 25 (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)

Obituaries

Research Requests and Academic Opportunities

• Call for Papers: Twenty Years After the Butler Review: Have we learned anything? Oxford Intelligence Group Conference. 5-6 June 2025. 01 Apr 25 deadline for proposals.
• Academic Opportunity: The International Security & Intelligence Programmer at Emmanuel College in the University of Cambridge, Summer 2025. Residential Programmer: Cambridge, Sunday 6 July to Saturday 2 August 2025.
• Information Sought: 1969 "KGB Wanted List"
• 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 Como Officer Walter E. McLeod 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

• Assistant Professor in Intelligence and National Security Studies - University of Texas, El Paso
• 2 Assistant Professors in Intelligence and Security - Institute of Security and Global Affairs, University of Leiden, Netherlands
• Assistant Professor of Intelligence Studies - Mercyhurst University - Erie, Pennsylvania
• Associate Professor and Chair of National Security - University of New Haven, Connecticut
• Wanted: Former intelligence officers to lead spy-themed walking tours in Washington, D.C. - Spyher Tours
• Assistant Professor - Intelligence Studies - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Arizona

Upcoming AFIO Events

• Monday, 3 February 2025, noon - San Antonio, TX - San Antonio AFIO Chapter will feature Dr Lenczowski and James Hughes on "Chinese influence operations directed at the US by Chicom Party agents."
• Saturday, 8 February 2025, 11:30 a.m. - Indialantic, FL - AFIO Florida Satellite Chapter hears David Hunt, former senior CIA Operations Officer, on "Intelligence Threats from the French to the Chinese and More
• Friday, 21 February 2025, 1100 - 1400 - McLean, VA - AFIO National Spring Luncheon - Registration has Opened

Events of Advertisers, Corporate Sponsors, Others

• 29 Jan 25, 1300 (ET) – Online – How Leaderless Terrorism Led to the Attack in New Orleans - Johns Hopkins University MS In Intelligence Analysis Program
• 10 Feb 25, 1845-2000 (ET) – Washington, DC – An Evening with H.R. McMaster – Virtual and In-Person International Spy Museum Program
• 13 Feb 25, 1200-13000 (ET) – Washington, DC – Spy Chat with Special Guest Colin Clarke – Virtual International Spy Museum Program
• 27 Feb 25, 1200-13000 (ET) – Washington, DC – The Heavy Water Sabotage Raid with Mitch Utterback – A Virtual and 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.

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.

- AFIO National Spring Luncheon -

Friday, 21 February 2025, 1100 - 1400

Registration is filling quickly. Will you be joining your colleagues?

FEATURING:

The History of Intelligence - A Panel Discussion Panelists: CIA's Chief Historian David Robarge, National Cryptologic Museum curator Vincent Houghton, and OSS scholar and CIA historian Nicholas Reynolds		Joby Warrick Author and a National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post

Schedule:

1030 Check-in (preregistered attendees, no walk-ins)

1100 Panel on Intelligence History with CIA Chief Historian David Robarge, National Cryptologic Museum curator Vincent Houghton, and OSS scholar and CIA historian Nicholas Reynolds.

12-1300 Lunch

1300 Speaker Joby Warrick, Author and a National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post, discussing current events in Syria and his 2021 book "Red Line: The Unraveling of Syria and the Race to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World."

1400 Event ends

Venue:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, McLean-Tysons, VA
1960 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22102

Registration and Cost:

Registration and credit card payment required before event. Lunch is $60 (members) or $75 (guests, Subscribers).

Registration is now open. Closes 1700 hours (ET), Friday, 16 Feb 2025 or when all seats are sold.

Cancellations: No refund for cancellations after 9 Feb 2025. Payment for reservations canceled 10 to 16 Feb 2025 will be converted to donations to AFIO. Payments for reservations canceled after 16 Feb 2025 are forfeit; 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

Event-Only Initial Release
AFIO 50th Anniversary Coin

Celebrate AFIO's 50th Anniversary with a new coin that reflects support of the Intelligence Community and highlights IC member agencies. First available for purchase at the 21 February 2025 Spring Luncheon for the special "Event-Only" price of $40.00, which includes an acrylic stand. (Note: Stands may vary in appearance.)
The coin will later be available online for $50 (including stand and shipping). Availability will be announced in the Weekly Intelligence Notes in the coming weeks.

- AFIO Scholarship -

Applications Available 1 February 2025
Five Undergrad, Five Graduate Scholarships
$5,000 EACH.

Do not let budget limitations stop you from reaching your potential. Let AFIO offset some of your education costs. Applications for 2025 can be sent to us online starting 1 February 2025 until 1 June 2025. No applications will be accepted after midnight 1 June 2025.

View scholarship requirements here.

National Intelligence Summer Academy (NISA) - High School Students Grades 10-12
14-18 July 2025 - Cumming, GA

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 intelligence practitioners, University of North Georgia instructors, and highly qualified MA and Ph.D. degree holders.

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

Spyher Winter Savings
Thru 15 March 2025
$15 off and 2-for-1 deals
Book now on Eventbrite

Spyher Gift Cards
Give the Gift of an Exclusive Spy History Tour with a Former Intelligence Officer
Purchase an e-gift card online at https://spyher.co/gift-card/
For a physical gift card - a perfect stocking stuffer - contact rosanna@spyher.co

AFIO Exclusive Content

- AFIO NOW -

Jesse Fink
on his latest book:

The Eagle in the Mirror:
The Greatest Spy Story Never Told

The story of Charles Howard "Dick" Ellis,
MI6's top agent in the United States during WWII

Recorded: 01 Oct 2024
Interviewer: AFIO President James Hughes
Duration: 16 minutes

Jesse Fink's website.
Fink's full bio here
Purchase The Eagle in the Mirror here.

WIN Short-form Book Review
(January 2025)

Jennifer Ewbank
Former Deputy Director of CIA
for Digital Innovation

reviews

Subversion: From Covert
Operations to Cyber Conflict

by Lennard Matchmaker
(March 2024)

Access review here.

AFIO Now Podcasts Presents:

Patrick K. O'Donnell, military historian and author,
on his new book
"The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln's Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby's Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America's Special Operations"
released 7 May 2024.

Recorded: 3 Sep 24
Host and Interviewer: James Hughes, AFIO President and former Senior CIA Ops Officer

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":

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.

Section I - CURRENTS

(Recent Developments)

General Interests

Ex-intelligence officials warn against building new casino near US spy agencies - Intel News, 27 Jan 25

A group of former United States government officials have warned against plans to build a new casino in a part of northern Virginia that is home to several intelligence agency facilities. The proposed casino would be built in Tysons, also known as Tysons’ Corner, an unincorporated community of about 30,000 residents, located between McLean and Vienna, west of the nation’s capital. Part of the Washington metropolitan area, Tysons is adjacent to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the National Counterterrorism Center headquarters. It is also only a handful of miles from the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which is located in nearby Langley, Virginia. Several major government contractors have offices in Tysons, including BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Palantir Technologies, and Deloitte. A bipartisan group of local lawmakers, headed by State Senate Majority Leader Scott A. Surovell (D-Fairfax), have proposed a bill that seeks to examine the possibility of building a casino complex in Tysons. The casino would be part of a mixed-use development that would include upscale apartments, a luxury hotel, and a concert venue. Supporters of the bill argue that the proposed development would bring jobs to the area and would elevate the quality of life of Tysons residents. (Access here.)

Royal Navy Nuclear Submarine Surfaced Next To Russian Spy Ship To Send A Clear Message - The War Zone, 23 Jan 25

The United Kingdom has confirmed that one of its Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines surfaced close to the Yantar, a notorious Russian spy ship late last year, to make it clear it was being observed. The revelation came as the Royal Navy was once again closely tracking the Russian ship after it returned to British waters. According to the U.K. defense secretary, the Yantar has, in recent months, been “mapping the U.K.’s critical underwater infrastructure,” at a time when NATO, in general, is increasingly concerned about apparent sabotage to undersea cables. The Yantar was sailing in British waters in November last year, during which time U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said it had been “detected loitering over U.K. critical undersea infrastructure.” (Access here.)

Trump Ousts Biden’s Acting Director for National Intelligence Ahead of Tulsi Gabbard Confirmation Hearing - The Gateway Pundit, 25 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)

President Trump ousted Joe Biden’s Acting Director for National Intelligence Stacy Dixon and replaced her with Lora Shiao. Stacy Dixon was associated with DEI initiatives and she was reportedly trying to derail Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation. Trump’s DNI nominee Tulsi Gabbard is set to appear in front of the Senate Intel Committee on January 30 for a hearing. “The Trump Administration has named Lora Shiao the new acting director of national intelligence, replacing Stacy Dixon, the Biden administration’s top deputy in the office who had helped lead efforts to diversify the ranks of intelligence officers,” The New York Times reported. “Ms. Shiao had served in a senior role, chief operating officer, under Avril D. Haines, the director of national intelligence, who left her position on Monday. During the first Trump Administration, Ms. Shiao was promoted to lead the National Counterterrorism Center by Richard Grenell, who was its acting director,” The Times reported. (Access here.)

CIA Now Favors Lab Leak Theory on Origins of Covid-19 - Wall Street Journal, 25 Jan 24 (Member Contribution)

The Central Intelligence Agency has now concluded that the deadly Covid-19 pandemic most likely arose from a laboratory leak, lending credibility to a view that has been the focus of sharp debate among scientists and politicians for years. In doing so, the CIA has now joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Energy Department in identifying a laboratory mishap in Wuhan, China, as the probable source of the Covid virus. It has killed more than 1.2 million Americans and over seven million people worldwide. “CIA assesses with low confidence that a research-related origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is more likely than a natural origin based on the available body of reporting,” an agency spokesman said in a statement released Saturday. The spokesman added that the judgment was “low confidence” and that the CIA would continue to evaluate “any available credible new intelligence reporting or open-source information that could change CIA’s assessment.” The agency had previously taken the stance that it didn’t have enough information to assess whether the virus had leapt from an animal to a human or arose from a laboratory mishap. (Access here.)

DNI nominee Tulsi Gabbard faces rocky road to confirmation - Jewish Insider, 22 Jan 24 (Member Contribution)

Republicans are acknowledging that former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is facing challenges for her confirmation as director of national intelligence, but maintain she still has a viable path despite concerns about her readiness for the job and amid new revelations about her controversial meetings with former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. “Let’s put it this way: I do a lot of boating. There’s a lot of barnacles that need to be scraped off that hull because it’s starting to create a drag. It’s not sinking, it’s not taking on water, but it’s definitely slowing down,” one Republican senator told Jewish Insider of the status of Gabbard’s nomination as of Tuesday. Even if Gabbard wins enough support from Republicans to get confirmed, few GOP senators are offering her a fulsome endorsement. Some senators have said Gabbard’s conversations with senators lately have been better than their impressions following an initial round of meetings. Others have mulled backing her despite serious reservations, concluding the Office of the Director of National Intelligence is not as significant a position as it once was. (Access here.)

CIA’s chatbot stands in for world leaders - The Star, 20 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)

Understanding leaders around the world is one of the CIA’s most important jobs. Teams of analysts comb through intelligence collected by spies and publicly available information to create profiles of leaders that can predict behaviours. A chatbot powered by artificial intelligence now helps do that work. Over the past two years, the Central Intelligence Agency has developed a tool that allows analysts to talk to virtual versions of foreign presidents and prime ministers, who answer back. “It is a fantastic example of an app that we were able to rapidly deploy and get out to production in a cheaper, faster fashion,” said Nand Mulchandani, the CIA’s chief technology officer. The chatbot is part of the spy agency’s drive to improve the tools available to CIA analysts and its officers in the field, and to better understand adversaries’ technical advances. Core to the effort is to make it easier for companies to work with the most secretive agency. (Access here.)

Donald Trump Orders Security Clearances to Be Given to Whomever He Wants - NewsWeek, 21 Jan 25

In one of his first acts as president, Donald Trump has chosen to grant immediate Top Secret security clearances to several people, intended to amend a "backlog" created under the Biden administration. According to the announcement, Trump ordered his White House counsel, the president's top legal adviser, to craft a list of personnel who will be "immediately granted" access to Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) for a period of six months. These people are also set to receive "access to the facilities and technology necessary to perform the duties of the office to which they have been hired." "The Executive Office of the President requires qualified and trusted personnel to execute its mandate on behalf of the American people," Trump said in Monday's memorandum to the White House Counsel. "There is a backlog created by the Biden Administration in the processing of security clearances of individuals hired to work in the Executive Office of the President." The announcement did not list the people in question, and Newsweek has contacted the White House to inquire who may be granted clearance under this order. (Access here.)

Special Collections

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

• Israeli reservists ‘caught spying for Iran’ - The Times, 28 Jan 25
• Protecting Biotechnologies: The Risks of Chinese Industrial Espionage - The Spy Hunter, 23 Jan 25
• UK's 'H6' Chinese spy case once again highlights CCP's overseas espionage activities - China Daily UK, 21 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)
• Philippines’ arrest of Chinese ‘sleeper agent’ sparks fears of widespread spying - South China Morning Post, 21 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)
• Is Chinese Intelligence Really Subverting TikTok? (47 min) - SpyTalk Podcast, 24 Jan 25
• Man accused of spying for Russia 'spoke to MI5' - BBC, 21 Jan 25
• Liberian NSA agent sent to court for allegedly leaking classified information - Liberian Investigator, 21 Jan 25

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

• DHS Disbands Cyber Safety Review Board, Ending One of CISA’s Few Bright Spots - Security Week, 22 Jan 25
• China’s cyber spies are targeting Russia’s aerospace and defense firms - Politico, 22 Jan 25
• Defense Intelligence’s cyber specialists attack Russian MegaFon company: many Russians left without mobile communications and Internet - Ukrainian News, 25 Jan 25
• Chinese Hackers Breach Philippine Government Systems, Stealing Sensitive Data - Republic World, 21 Jan 25
• New Chinese cyberespionage campaign targeted South Korean VPN service - SCWorld, 23 Jan 24

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

• Russia's continued attempts to manipulate the information environment - Global Security, 23 Jan 25
• Democrats worry over Trump funding priorities for CISA’s disinfo efforts - NextGov, 23 Jan 25
• Iranian Regime Denies Trump Assassination Plot Amid Ongoing Threats of Retribution for Soleimani Killing - Semper Incolulmem, 20 Jan 25
• Another undersea cable damaged in Baltic Sea, Sweden launches probe, seizes suspected ship - France24, 26 Jan 25
• U.K. Ships Track Russian Surveillance Ship Loitering Near Underwater Cables - US Naval Institute News, 22 Jan 25

Section II - DEEP DIVES

(Research Papers, OpEds, Analysis, Podcasts)

The satellite eavesdropping stations of Russia’s intelligence services (part 1) - The Space Review, 20 Jan 25 (145 min) (Member Contribution)

Russia’s intelligence services operate an impressive series of ground stations to eavesdrop on foreign satellites. Most, if not all, of the targets are communications satellites. There are two separate networks, one operated by the GRU (the country’s military intelligence agency) and the other by the FSB (one of the descendants of the KGB). Most of these facilities were set up back in the days of the Soviet Union and have since been modernized. Several stations located in former Soviet republics had to be abandoned after the collapse of the USSR, but this loss has at least partially been compensated by the establishment of new sites on the Russian mainland and in the annexed Crimean peninsula. Some have been targets of Ukrainian drone attacks in recent months, a clear sign that they are believed to play a considerable role in Russia’s intelligence collection efforts. Russia's satellite eavesdropping stations are largely shrouded in secrecy. Some details can be found in declassified CIA reports dating back to the Soviet era. However, most of the information in this article has been gathered from a variety of Russian sources, including online forums and social media sites, which will not be individually referenced. (Access here.)

Still Work to be Done on Security Clearance Reform Efforts (28 min) - Inside the IC Podcast, 24 Jan 25

The Intelligence and National Security Alliance has a slate of recommendations for the incoming Trump administration. They touch on how the IC could make progress on hiring, personnel vetting (security clearances), AI skills and open source intelligence, among other areas. Inside the IC spoke with John Doyon, INSA's executive vice president, to dig into the suggestions ahead of the Jan. 20 transition of power. (Access here.)

Uncertain Times Ahead for U.S.-Mexico Intelligence Cooperation - Lawfare, 21 Jan 25

Intelligence cooperation between Mexico and the United States is critical to managing shared challenges. Joint intelligence operations brought dangerous cartel leaders like Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman to justice and helped officials track undocumented mass migration, weapon trafficking, bulk cash flows, and human smuggling. As Mexico sees a new president come to power and the United States prepares for a new administration, there is significant uncertainty about this essential relationship. When and how intelligence officials cooperate is key to understanding hot-button issues like guns, drugs, crime, and migration in both countries. How will U.S.-Mexico intelligence relations evolve over the next five years, and how will changes in the relationship impact the security of both countries? To chart future scenarios, we spoke with former U.S. and Mexican officials as well as academic experts. From our discussions—and using a simple forecasting technique—we project three potential scenarios: status quo, most dangerous, and least likely. We conclude that the status quo—the current tepid, transactional relationship—is the most probable outcome. However, the reelection of former President Trump, whose rhetoric about border issues has often been volatile and heavily charged, creates an elevated level of uncertainty and, with it, the possibility the two countries might enter a more perilous scenario if the new administration engages in aggressive measures south of the border. (Access here.)

Can Ireland handle a wave of espionage? (14 min) - NewsTalk Podcast, 21 Jan 25

In the past, Ireland as a country has assumed a certain level of immunity from espionage. It perhaps comes from our neutrality, our geographical location or our alliances, but in recent times, not only is Ireland not without espionage, it is in fact a major target in the 21st century. So, how prepared are we to deal with this threat? Dr Edward Burke is Assistant Professor in the History of War since 1945 at University College Dublin. He joins Seán to discuss. (Access here.)

Federal Court Rules FISA Section 702 “Back Door” Searches Unconstitutional - CATO Institute, 22 Jan 25

Sometimes when “secret law” is involved—and that is always the case with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)—it takes some time before the public learns how badly the government has violated someone’s constitutional rights via the FISA Section 702 program. U.S. v. Hasbajrami is a perfect example of the phenomenon. Although Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall of the Eastern District of New York issued her ruling against the Biden administration on December 2, 2024, the actual decision in the case was not released until late yesterday, January 21, 2025. In brief, defendant Agron Hasbajrami was arrested on September 6, 2011, before boarding a flight to Turkey to, according to the federal prosecutors, “travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Area of Pakistan, where he expected to join a terrorist organization, receive training, and ultimately fight against U.S. forces and others in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” (Access here.)

Shocking inside account of Chinese spy balloon fiasco and what the government didn't tell you - Daily Mail, 27 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)

The shocking truth about a Chinese spy balloon that entered US airspace last year has finally been revealed. Panic swept the nation when officials spotted a massive, white balloon float over the Canadian border in February 2023. While the Chinese government insisted it was a civilian meteorological device that had blown off course, it floated near Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, home to some of America's intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The mysterious trajectory led to officials ordering it be shot down, sending an Air Force F-22 Raptor over the Atlantic Ocean to get the job done. Glen VanHerck, retired Air Force general who led the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) told the National Post that officials only contacted him when the balloon was nearly over Alaska - two weeks before it crossed into the Lower 48. He immediately scrambled two Raptor stealth fighters and two armed F-16s to deal with the balloon, but due to it not posing a physical threat the jets had to stand down until President Joe Biden gave the greenlight. Now, more than a year later, VanHerck said he should have been warned about the spy balloon in advance. Reports have since suggested that U.S. intelligence may have been aware of the balloon from the moment it launched from Hainan Island in China. (Access here.)

Section III - FORMERS' FORUM

(Legacy Intel Practitioners' Informed Perspectives
and Recent Endeavors)

Terrorism: Then and Now/Home and Abroad (37 min) - by former Acting Deputy Director of CIA for Operations Jack Devine and former NSA Analyst Julia Stone - Straight From the Shoulder Podcast, 22 Jan 25

2025 began with a tragic, ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans that serves as a disturbing reminder of the enduring terrorism threat both at home and abroad. Join Jack and Julia as we discuss the evolution of terrorism over the past several decades, and what we should be watching out for today. On this episode, we’ll consider: How the threat to the homeland has evolved since 9/11, and the role of US agencies and citizens in advancing our collective security; The rise and threat of ISIS-K-- the ISIS affiliate group based in Afghanistan that was responsible for the most significant terrorist attacks of 2024; The differences between lone wolf and coordinated attacks and how the two are connected through global events and borderless ideologies (Access here.)

How Will President Trump Handle Intelligence in His Second Term (33 min) - with former PDB Briefer for POTUS Trump Beth Sanner - International Spy Museum's SpyCast Podcast, 21 Jan 25

Now that President Trump has been inaugurated, what can we expect for the intelligence community? On his first full day in his first term, he visited the CIA to voice support. But he has also displayed deep skepticism and accused spy agencies of undermining him. Beth Sanner is a highly decorated, retired career intelligence officer who briefed Trump with the President’s Daily Brief, a highly classified summary of the US most critical national security threats. She shares her thoughts on what lies ahead. (Access here.)

Ex-MI6 chief calls for MOD's hard power to be integrated with soft power of Foreign Office - with Former MI6 Chief Alex Younger - Forces News, 22 Jan 25

The former head of MI6 has described the MOD as the Ministry for War and the Foreign Office as the Ministry for Peace. Sir Alex Younger, who ran the Secret Intelligence Service between 2014 and 2020, was giving evidence to the Defence Committee in Parliament as it discussed Defence in the Grey Zone and hybrid threats. He told MPs: "I worry a lot about the fact we have got a Ministry for War and a Ministry for Peace effectively in the MOD and the Foreign Office." "We lapsed recently into a very uncomfortable paradigm where the MOD did hard power and the FCO did soft power and I think that was nonsense. "Everyone should do both – and it's got to be integrated." Sir Alex added: "This Government, certainly in opposition, talked a lot about the need to solve that and bring it together, and if that's happening then I think that would be good. "I think the club should be broadened of course to include my former community, the UK intelligence community. (Access here.)

Ex-British Spy Chief Raises Critical Question About Tulsi Gabbard - with Former MI6 Chief Sir John Sawyers - News Week, 25 Jan 25

Former British spy chief Sir John Sawers has called Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as President Donald Trump's pick for director of national intelligence (DNI) "difficult" due to her "pro-Russian" stances while also saying he sees no "overall global plan" for Trump's foreign policy. Newsweek reached out to the White House, the State Department and Tulsi Gabbard for comment by email on Saturday afternoon. Why It Matters: Sawers has extensive foreign policy experience, having served as the British ambassador the United Nations, political director of the Foreign Office and a foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair. Sawers' career culminated in his appointment to the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) from November 2009 to November 2014, having previously served as an intelligence officer for the agency.  (Access here.)

Under Trump, US Cyberdefense Loses Its Head: Chinese hacks, rampant ransomware, and Donald Trump's Budget Cuts All Threaten US Security - with Former CISA Director Jen Easterly - Wired, 23 Jan 25

When I walk into Jen Easterly's office on a bright January day in Arlington, Virginia, I'm greeted by a giant shark head lurking on the floor. I instantly spot a Rubik's Cube- an Easterly hallmark-emblazoned with the logo of the organization she's run for the past three and a half years- the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, which President Donald Trump created during his first term. Easterly, who is 56 years old, jumps to her feet to greet me. The first thing that hits me is her denim pants, which have a dragon on one leg and a serpent on the other. Then she launches into updates on CISA's animated "Secure Our World" video series and, in the same breath, laments that she hasn't had time for a private guitar lesson in weeks. Seemingly a regular day on the job for her, except for one thing. As of January 20, Inauguration Day, Easterly's time at CISA would be over. Trump had fired the agency's first director, Chris Krebs, after CISA refused to question the integrity of the 2020 election, and Easterly now says she wasn't asked to stay. Rumors are swirling that CISA programs-or even the entire agency—may soon be on Trump's chopping block. (Access here.)

From Anthropology to Espionage and Authorship - with Former CIA Operations Officer Kit Turner - Spycraft 101 Podcast, 26 Jan 25

Today's guest is Kit Turner. Kit has worked as an anthropologist and archaeologist in the U. S., Polynesia, and Southwest Asia. He later joined the Central Intelligence Agency where he spent 25 years working in East Asia, South Asia, and Europe, running sensitive operations against high priority objectives. He's been awarded the Intelligence Star, a commendation for valor after a dangerous deployment. He's also the author of a nonfiction book, four novels, and has published articles on intelligence activities which have appeared in The Journal of Intelligence, Propaganda, and Security Studies and The Cypher Brief. He's even been featured in an article from Watches of Espionage, one of my own favorite newsletters.  I invited Kit onto the podcast to discuss his career along with his newest novel on the Cuban revolution. (Access here.)

Trump’s shortcutting of security vetting endangers national safety - with Former CIA Directorate of Digital Innovation Office Director Brian O'Neil - The Atlantic Journal-Constitution, 24 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)

The system for security clearances has always been a cornerstone of our national defense. These safeguards ensure that individuals entrusted with roles requiring access to the nation’s most sensitive information undergo rigorous vetting to confirm they are trustworthy, reliable and free of vulnerabilities. Yet, on his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed a memorandum to “resolve the backlog” of security clearances for personnel in the Executive Office of the President. This executive order bypasses the standard clearance process, granting appointees interim Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) access for up to six months. The stated justification was to address delays allegedly created by the Biden administration. (Access here.)

Section IV - BOOKS, FILM, HISTORY, POP CULTURE

Chasing Shadows: Cyber Espionage, Subversion, and the Global Fight for Democracy
by Ronald J. Deibert
(Simon and Schuster, 04 Feb 25)

In this real-life spy thriller, cyber security expert Ronald Deibert details the unseemly marketplace for high-tech surveillance, professional disinformation, and computerized malfeasance. He reveals how his team of digital sleuths at the Citizen Lab have lifted the lid on dozens of covert operations targeting innocent citizens everywhere. Chasing Shadows provides a front-row seat to a dark underworld of digital espionage, disinformation, and subversion. There, autocrats and dictators peer into their targets’ lives with the mere press of a button, spreading their tentacles of authoritarianism through a digital ecosystem that is insecure, poorly regulated, and prone to abuse. The activists, opposition figures, and journalists who dare to advocate for basic political rights and freedoms are hounded, arrested, tortured, and sometimes murdered. From the gritty streets of Guatemala City to the corridors of power in the White House, this compelling narrative traces the journey of the Citizen Lab as it evolved into a globally renowned source of counterintelligence for civil society. As this small team of investigators disarmed cyber mercenaries and helped to improve the digital security of billions of people worldwide, their success brought them, too, into the same sinister crosshairs that plagued the victims they worked to protect. Deibert recounts how the Lab exposed the world’s pre-eminent cyber-mercenary firm, Israel-based NSO Group—the creators of the phone-hacking marvel Pegasus—in a series of human rights abuses, from domestic spying scandals in Spain, Poland, Hungary, and Greece to its implication in the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Order book here.

Contemporary Intelligence Warning Cases: Learning from Successes and Failures
edited by Bjørn Elias Mikalsen Grønning and Stig Stenslie
(Edinburgh University Press, 31 Dec 24)

Contemporary Intelligence Warning Cases presents lessons learned and recommendations for producers and users of intelligence warning in their joint venture to anticipate, prepare for, mitigate, and prevent future threats to national security. It presents and synthesizes the findings of 16 contemporary intelligence warning case studies undertaken by leading intelligence scholars and former intelligence practitioners. It is the first multi-case study of intelligence warning and adopts a uniquely broad and contemporary approach to the phenomenon, featuring both successful and failed cases. Consistent with the increasing complexity of intelligence problems and scope of intelligence services, it ranges from traditional warning problems such as invasions and wars, through terrorist attacks, to threats that lie beyond the traditional core scope of intelligence services such as pandemics, financial crises, climate change, strategic acquisitions and attacks on cultural heritage.

Order book here.

Spymaster: The Man Who Saved MI6
by Helen Fry
(Yale University Press, 30 Nov 21)

Thomas Kendrick (1881–1972) was central to the British Secret Service from its beginnings through to the Second World War. Under the guise of “British Passport Officer,” he ran spy networks across Europe, facilitated the escape of Austrian Jews, and later went on to set up the “M Room,” a listening operation which elicited information of the same significance and scope as Bletchley Park. Yet the work of Kendrick, and its full significance, remained largely unknown. Helen Fry draws on extensive original research to tell the story of this remarkable British intelligence officer. Kendrick’s life sheds light on the development of MI6 itself—he was one of the few men to serve Britain across three wars, two of which while working for the British Secret Service. Fry explores the private and public sides of Kendrick, revealing him to be the epitome of the “English gent”—easily able to charm those around him and scrupulously secretive.

Order book here.

True Intelligence Matters on Film - Yuri Nosenko: Double Agent - Mick Jackson (1986)

This American–British television drama, produced by the BBC, tells the true-life story of Yuri Nosenko, a top Soviet KGB agent who defected to the West at the height of the Cold War in 1964. Three months after the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Soviet KGB officer Yuri Nosenko defected to the CIA claiming to have been Lee Harvey Oswald's case officer, handler or contact. It resulted in a 3-year battle of wits between Nosenko and high-flying career US Government agent Steve Daley with the power politics inside the CIA.

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

Intelligence in Pop Culture - The Guns of 007: A License To Thrill - Guns Magazine, 21 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)

James Bond. 007 — License to kill. Women want him. Men want to be him. Ian Fleming’s fictional super spy has captured the imagination of generations around the globe. Something about the guy just strikes a primal chord. I freely admit to having drunk that Kool-Aid myself. Monty Norman’s inimitable guitar riffing Bond theme is the ringtone on my smartphone. Sometimes when I’m just driving to work and feeling extra awesome, it plays uninvited in my mind. If I could pick one movie character to be in real life — and Superman was already taken — it would be James Bond. And what’s not to like? The guy drives the coolest cars, wears the sharpest clothes and hangs out with the hottest babes on Planet Earth. He is ever-traveling the globe on critical missions, personally saving the world every few years. Lamentably, real life is nothing like that. If 007 was a real guy, he most likely would have been tortured to death by his 23rd birthday. Even if he somehow survived the operational demands of his job, he would have no doubt succumbed to cirrhosis of the liver and venereal disease long before reaching mandatory MI6 retirement age. Regardless, I like my fantasy world. Despite being happily married for 37 years and already having what is arguably the coolest job in the universe, I still enjoy visualizing myself as a suave British secret agent. And, a big part of that James Bond mystique is the hardware. (Access here.)

Intelligence in History - A Collection of Recently Released Content

• Titan’s spinners: the FARRAH satellites - The Space Review, 25 Jan 24 (Member Contribution)
• How Vatican’s secret spy service ‘The Entity’ trained priests in dark arts, infiltrated USSR & helped Pole become Pope - The Sun, 23 Jan 24 (Member Contribution)
• U.S. pilot who vanished during Vietnam War spy mission finally accounted for - CBS News, 21 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)
• Exploits of Michael Loewe, China scholar who at Bletchley Park helped to crack Japanese naval codes - The Telegraph, 21 Jan 25 (Member Contribution)
• The Spy Who Infiltrated Auschwitz (54 min) - The Spy Who Podcast, 25 Jan 25
• The Extraordinary Life of Iosif Grigulevich: Spy, Assassin, Scholar - Shadows and Secrets, 24 Jan 25
• Breaking the Code: How the VENONA Project Exposed Soviet Spies - SpotterUp, 24 Jan 25

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

Thomas Braman — 40-Year Veteran of CIA Analysis and Operations

Dr. Thomas Chapin Braman, a resident of Palm Coast, Florida for more than twenty years passed away on January 18, 2025. He was born in Princeton, New Jersey, but grew up in Ephrata, a small town in central Pennsylvania and maintained strong ties there. He left Ephrata in his high school junior year to attend The Gunnery, (now the Frederick Gunn School) a college preparatory school located in Washington, Connecticut that was founded by his great, great grandfather, Frederick William Gunn, in 1850. He represents one of six generations of extended family who graduated from the school. He recently was inducted into the school's Arts and Letters Hall of Fame. He won an athletics scholarship to Princeton University, but a senior year knee injury had already ended his athletic career. He transferred to Franklin and Marshall College where he earned a BA Degree in History. He went on to the University of Florida earning an MA Degree in Latin American Studies and a PhD in Latin American History. Dr. Braman began a more than 40-year career in analysis and operations with the Central Intelligence Agency in 1964. He has often described his career as "relatively inconsequential, but eventful" and has echoed the words of a friend and colleague who said, "With what other organization could two small town boys from Pennsylvania see so much of the world?" Indeed, during his career he lived in, had temporary assignments in, or visited more than fifty countries. Of course, he always said, "There are more than a million stories in the Naked City," and, after a few wee drams of Johnny Walker, he could tell at least a hundred of them. (And, then there were the single malts.) As he said, "Some of the stories might even be true." While he enjoyed all of his CIA assignments, he frequently reminisced about meeting his future wife in South America, writing his PhD dissertation in post-coup Chile, being captured by insurgents during the first attack on the US Embassy in Tehran during the 1979 revolution, representing US intelligence liaison in the UK during the Falklands War, sleeping in former KGB Chief Lavrentiy Beria's bed in Moscow, traveling to Asia and Africa with the White House Drug Czar, being expelled from Sri Lanka during a political dispute between the President and Prime Minister of the country, and, during his first retirement, meeting, greeting and escorting friends and colleagues in Belgium. His favorite spots were Bruges and the battlefield at Waterloo. After the terrorist attack on 9/11, Dr. Braman, like many colleagues, returned to the Agency and served overseas as a trainer, analysis instructor, and military liaison officer in various countries in the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia. He had six assignments in Iraq and is one of the few CIA officers to have served in both Iran and Iraq.

Michael Jacobs — Career NSA Officer, Co-Founder and Inductee of National Cyber Security Hall of Fame

Michael Joseph Jacobs passed away peacefully on Monday January 13, 2025. Michael was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He graduated from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He served in the Army National Guard and was assigned to defend our nation’s capital. He spent most of his professional career working for the United States Government for 38 years with the National Security Agency and for close to 20 years as a local elected Councilman and 4 years as Mayor of College Park, MD. It was at NSA where he met the love of his life Ethel, they celebrated 58 wonderful years of marriage raising their 5 children: Thad, Terry, Mike, Megan, and Matt. In his spare time, he was active in his Church, Holy Redeemer of College Park, The Boy Scouts and other community organizations. In retirement, Michael enjoyed spending soaking up the sun on his boat and having picnics with Ethel watching the beautiful sunsets. He loved boat rides with family and friends and loved fishing. He also spent time as an active member of the Sons of Italy, and traveling the world as well as visiting many of the National Parks in the US and visiting their friends and family. He also continued to do some consulting work for several companies, sat on several Boards of Directors, and was the Co-Founder of the National Cyber Security Hall of Fame which he was inducted into on November 16, 2023. He was a former Phoenix Society Member.

Francis Beverly — Former NSA Senior Analyst and Manager

Julius Francis Beverly, better known as J. Francis Beverly or Francis Beverly, a retired Senior Intelligence Analyst and Manager with the National Security Agency, breathed his last on May 11, 2024 at Nicole’s home in Oxon Hill due to cardiac arrest. He was 86. He began life's chronological experience in Lusby, Calvert County, Maryland. After completing his education at the William Sampson Brooks High School, The Academic Course, in 1955, Francis furthered his education in electronics technology. He graduated with high honors receiving certification in "Practical Electronics and Television Servicing" from Test College of Technology in Baltimore, Maryland, in February 1959. He serviced TV’s throughout the community until his induction into the United States Army in 1963. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army, Francis furthered advanced studies in electronics technology at Test College of Technology in 1973 under the Veterans Education Program. He graduated with honors receiving certification as an Electronics Servicing Specialist in 1975. Francis received diplomas, certifications, and Continuing Education Units for Management and Intelligence from various other institutions of higher learning: The National Cryptologic School; The Defense Intelligence School; The National Defense University Institute of Higher Defense Studies; Bowie State University; The University of Maryland University College; Anne Arundel Community College; and Baltimore Community College. Upon returning home from the U.S. Army in 1965, Francis his home in Baltimore. The United States Government called Julius Francis Beverly to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in July 1963. He served 2 years active duty from July 1963 to July 1965 and 4 years of reserve, receiving an Honorable Discharge as Specialist/4 from the United States Army in June 1969. Entering the Armed Forces highlighted the beginning of his traveling experiences. He was inducted at Ft. Hollabird, Baltimore, Maryland; received 2 months basic training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina; subsequently, served 2 months Advanced Individualized Training in heavy artillery at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma; and was assigned to foreign duty with the United States Army Europe for 18 months in Nurnberg, Germany. During that time, he served in Intelligence and Communications with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3d Battalion, 17th Artillery. After serving in the United States Army, (Julius) J. Francis was employed as a civilian with the Department of Defense for 30 years. He began employment with the National Security Agency in February 1966. Francis served in various positions within the Cryptologic arena, including analyst, supervisor, manager, mentor, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Counselor. After successfully completing the required journalism courses at the National Cryptologic School, as well as practical reporting experience, Francis earned certification as a professional Senior Intelligence Analyst by the Federal Government in July 1981. During his career, Francis experienced global travels for the United States Government. Before retiring he taught Intelligence reporting for 15 years at various Federal Government Intelligence Schools, including the National Cryptologic School, Maryland; Ft. Huachuca, Arizona; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Seoul, South Korea, just to name a few. To ensure equal recognition for advancement of high achievers, high level management appointed Francis to serve on as many as 13 different Agency Promotion Boards at one time, across several organizations, to select candidates for promotion to GG-14 and below. Francis retired as a Certified Senior Intelligence Analyst and Manager, Grade GG-14, in December 1995. Julius Francis also received various awards for loyal and faithful service from the National level experience. For example, he received a Joint Meritorious Unit Award from the Secretary of Defense. This award praised Julius Francis and other reporters for providing critical intelligence products and analyses to the Nation’s leadership, federal organizations, military commanders, and allied partners during Desert Shield/Storm from June 1, 1991 to June 1, 1995. Further, the reading stated that “This outstanding intelligence support permitted those authorities to conduct their responsibilities flawlessly.” Julius Francis also received other awards, such as, the American Flag flown over the National Security Agency in October 1995 upon his retirement in December 1995; and the National Security Agency’s 10-year, 20-year, and 30-year Cryptologic Service Awards for loyal and faithful Cryptologic Service. Moreover, he received from the United States Army the Good Conduct Medal; the French Fourragere; Marksman’s (Rifle M-14) Medal, and several Letters of Appreciation for outstanding service as a soldier in United States Army. In addition, in 2008 Julius Francis received the Freedom Team Salute Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service to the Nation as a soldier of the United States Army. The Certificate was signed by the United States Army Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Army. Beverly was a member of the Phoenix Society.

Walter Kolon — Former U.S. Army Intelligence and Special Operations Officer, AFIO Member

Walter Kolon passed on 03 May 2024. Born in San Francisco, Walter was a US Army Lieutenant Colonel and had an illustrious career beginning with engagement in the Korean War. His experience and heritage made him a great asset to various aspects of the armed services. When he left the services, Walter set up his own business advising commercial businesses on security. He was an expert in martial arts. Overall, Walter had a long and interesting life before finally settling in Portencross, given that he could have settled in many other places in the world.

Harry Ruth — Decorated Career CIA Communications Officer

Harry Nevin Ruth Jr., 84 of The Villages Florida died on January 21, 2025. He was born in Reading Pennsylvania and attended the following: Lower Heldelberg Grade School, Berks County, PA; Wilson High School, West Lawn, PA; International Correspondence School (Business Management), while serving in the US. Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand; Northern Virginia Community College (Management); U.S. Navy Communications School; CIA Communication School; American University (Business management); IBM Computer Science Curriculum; University of Virginia (Business management); and the Defense Systems Management College (Program Management). Harry, served in the U.S. Navy at the Naval Security Station at the Pentagon (Washington D.C.) focusing on various intelligence matters affecting the security of our armed forces and nation. Retired from Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) after 33 years of service to our country. Specialized in worldwide communications, Computer Sciences software, and hardware development. Received the Central Intelligence Agency Career Intelligence Medal, from the Director of CIA.

Bud Kohout — Career NSA Officer

On Jan. 17, 2025, Bernard "Bud" Francis Kohout, 102, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Bud was born Dec. 1, 1922, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. An avid learner, he attended Sacred Heart School in Fort Dodge and became the first in his family to attend college. Bud discovered a talent for linguistics, mastering three languages and graduating from the University of Iowa in 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before spending the rest of his career with the National Security Agency (NSA). Bud’s love for tennis, his favorite pastime, and other hobbies such as skiing, travel and bridge fostered many friendships over the years. After retiring, he fully enjoyed his golden years, pursuing his educational, religious, and athletic passions. The family then moved to the Newfound Lake area, with Bud wintering in Hilton Head, South Carolina. He spent much of his later life combining his academic mind and love of research with his strong Roman Catholic faith. He stayed active late in life, walking and golfing into his 90s.

Research Requests and Academic Opportunities

• Call for Papers: Twenty Years After the Butler Review: Have we learned anything? Oxford Intelligence Group Conference. 5-6 June 2025. 01 Apr 25 deadline for proposals. See flier with full details here.
• Academic Opportunity: The International Security & Intelligence Programmer at Emmanuel College in the University of Cambridge, Summer 2025. Residential Programmer: Cambridge, Sunday 6 July to Saturday 2 August 2025. See flier with full details here.
• Information Sought: Researcher is seeking information about the document known in the West as the “KGB Wanted List,” the 1969 version of which was brought to the West by a KGB defector in 1972. Vladislav Krasnov analysed a portion of the list in his 1986 book titled “Soviet Defectors.” Both CIA and the FBI responded to FOIA requests indicating that they cannot find the 1969 list (although both CIA and NACIC have cited it in various forums). If you have a copy of the 1969 list, suggestions where it might be found in its entirety, or knowledge of any earlier lists in the series, please contact Kevin Riehle at kevin.riehle@brunel.ac.uk.
• 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 Como Officer Walter E. McLeod seeks information on her father's life and work to help build a better understanding of the family's history. McLeod 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 McLeod 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.

• 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

Monday, 3 February 2025, noon - San Antonio, TX - San Antonio AFIO Chapter will feature Dr Lenczowski and James Hughes on "Chinese influence operations directed at the US by Chicom Party agents."
The Communist Chinese Party (CCP) considers the United States to be the most serious adversary to Communists Party goals for world domination. This 3 February 2025 San Antonio Chapter of AFIO program will be a presentation on Chinese influence operations directed at the United States by the Communist Chinese Party's agents. The CCP have very bold cyber attacks and misinformation programs coupled with an aggressive spying program. The February 3 program will be an interview by Jim Hughes, AFIO President, of John Lenczowski PhD, an expert on China and a former National Security Council advisor on Chinese influence operations. The presentation starts at noon in the Roadrunner Meeting Room. AFIO Members attending should identify themselves to the gate guard as coming for the intelligence meeting in the Roadrunner Lounge at The Towers. Blue Skies Texas West is located at 5100 John D Ryan Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78245. AFIO members attending should park in front of The Towers. You may come early and have lunch in the dining room adjacent to the Roadrunner Lounge. Please pay for lunch with a credit card. Questions/Registrations to John Franklin, President, AFIO San Antonio Chapter, at SATXAFIO@gmail.com, or call 210 863-0430.

Saturday, 8 February 2025, 11:30 a.m. - Indialantic, FL - AFIO Florida Satellite Chapter hears David Hunt, former senior CIA Operations Officer, on "Intelligence Threats from the French to the Chinese and More" AFIO Florida Satellite Chapter hears from David Hunt, former senior CIA Operations Officer, on "Intelligence Threats from the French to the Chinese and More." The event commences at 11:30 AM, Saturday, 8 February 2025, at the Doubletree Hotel, Rt A1A, Indialantic, Florida.
Mr. Hunt's presentation follows a sit-down lunch.
The cost is $35.00. Reservations received by February 3 are required.
Questions? Reservations? Contact: Larry Sanford, President AFIO-FSC at afiofloridasatellitechapter@gmail.com

Friday, 21 February 2025, 1100 - 1400 - McLean, VA - AFIO National Spring Luncheon - Registration has Opened.
Event features: The History of Intelligence - A Panel Discussion. Panelists: CIA's Chief Historian David Robarge, National Cryptologic Museum curator Vincent Houghton, and OSS scholar and CIA historian Nicholas Reynolds. And Joby Warrick, Author and a National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post.
Schedule: 1030 - Check-in for preregistered attendees (no walk-ins); 1100 - Panel on Intelligence History. Panelists: CIA's Chief Historian David Robarge, National Cryptologic Museum curator Vincent Houghton, and OSS scholar and CIA historian Nicholas Reynolds. 12-1300 - Lunch; 1300 - Joby Warrick, Author and a National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post, discussing current events in Syria and his 2021 book "Red Line: The Unraveling of Syria and the Race to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World." 1400 - Event ends
Registration and Fee: Registration and credit card payment required before event. Lunch is $60 (members) or $75 (guests, Subscribers).

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, McLean-Tysons, VA
1960 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22102
Registration has opened here and available while space remains. Registration closes 1700 hours, Friday, 16 Feb 2025 or earlier when all seats taken. Attendees must be AFIO members or accompanied by a member. For security reasons, no late or last-minute substitutions. Please direct any questions to events@afio.com.

Events of Advertisers, Corporate Sponsors, Others

29 Jan 25, 1300 (ET) – Online – How Leaderless Terrorism Led to the Attack in New Orleans - Johns Hopkins University MS In Intelligence Analysis Program

Join MS in Intelligence Analysis Program Director Michael Ard as he welcomes seasoned protective intelligence practitioner Scott Stewart for a discussion on How Leaderless Terrorism Led to the Attack in New Orleans as part of the program’s Inside Intelligence webinar series. Stewart, current Vice President of Intelligence at TorchStone Global, has amassed four decades of analytical, investigative, and security experience including through his former role as leader of global analysis on terrorism and security topics at Stratfor (2004-2020). He previously spent 10 years as a special agent involved with hundreds of investigations with the U.S. State Department. The lead State Department investigator assigned to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the follow up New York City bomb plot, Stewart also led American agents in the Argentine investigation of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. He also served among an investigative team following a series of attacks and attempted attacks against U.S. diplomatic targets by the Iraqi intelligence service during the first Gulf War. Stewart formerly was responsible for embassy and diplomatic security in Guatemala City and Belize City. At Dell Technologies, Inc., he served as a member of Michael Dell’s executive protective team. Stewart also served as a terrorism consultant with the Texas Department of Public Safety and has been recognized as a "protective intelligence pioneer" by Ontic's Center for Protective Intelligence. A regularly featured media contributor, Stewart’s insights have been shared in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, CNN International, NPR, Reuters, USA Today, The Associated Press, World Magazine, Fox News, Discovery Channel and Time magazine. He was one of the DSS Special Agents profiled in the book Relentless Pursuit: The DSS and the Manhunt for the Al-Qaeda Terrorists by Samuel M Katz. He was also one of the investigators featured in the Fox Nation series "The Rising Crescent." More information and registration here.

10 Feb 2025, 1845-2000 (ET) - Washington, DC – An Evening with H.R. McMaster – Virtual and In-Person International Spy Museum Program

Join International Spy Museum Executive Director Chris Costa in conversation with Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster (US Army, Ret.), former National Security Advisor. McMaster has recently written At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House. The book is a riveting account of McMaster's 13 months in this position and his own assessment of how he did. Costa, a past special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism on the National Security Council during the Trump administration, and McMaster will discuss the General's tenure as National Security Advisor and the challenges of maintaining focus on the mission despite external and internal pressures. He'll share how he drew on his background to help drive shifts in US foreign policy at a critical point in history. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, McMaster served as a US Army officer for 34 years and retired as a lieutenant general in 2018. He remained on active duty while serving as the National Security Advisor. His service and education—he holds a PhD in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—have informed his leadership in both the government and the military. Visit www.spymuseum.org.

13 Feb 2025, 1200-1300 (ET) - Washington, DC – Spy Chat with Special Guest Colin Clarke – Virtual International Spy Museum Program

Join us for an online discussion of the latest intelligence, national security, and terrorism issues in the news. Spy Museum Executive Director Chris Costa, a former intelligence officer of 34 years, will be joined by Colin P. Clarke, Senior Research Fellow at The Soufan Center. At The Soufan Group, Clarke's research focuses on domestic and transnational terrorism, international security, and geopolitics. Prior to joining The Soufan Group, Clarke was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and a senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation, where he spent a decade researching terrorism, insurgency, and criminal networks. At RAND, Clarke led studies on ISIS financing, the future of terrorism and transnational crime, and lessons learned from all insurgencies since the end of World War II. Clarke is also an Associate Fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism – The Hague, a non-resident Senior Fellow in the Program on National Security at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, an Associate Fellow at the Global Network on Extremism and Technology, and a member of the "Network of Experts" at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. In 2011, he spent several months as an analyst with Combined Joint Interagency Task Force-Shafafiyat at ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, working for General H.R. McMaster, the former U.S. National Security Advisor, where he was responsible for analyzing criminal patronage networks in Afghanistan and how these networks fueled the insurgency. He has published several books on terrorism, including his most recent, After the Caliphate: The Islamic State and the Future Terrorist Diaspora. Visit www.spymuseum.org.

27 Feb 2025, 1200-1300 (ET) Washington, DC – The Heavy Water Sabotage Raid with Mitch Utterback – A Virtual and In-Person International Spy Museum Program

Join us for an intense exploration of Operation Gunnerside on the 82nd anniversary of the mission. One of the Allies' most dramatic sabotage missions of WWII, Gunnerside was a daring plan to derail the Nazis' scheme to build an atomic bomb. A key component of their bomb recipe was heavy water—deuterium oxide. When Germany occupied Norway, the remote Vemork Norsk Hydro plant, which produced heavy water, came under Nazi control. The Allies, desperate to prevent a nuclear-armed Germany, devised the daring Operation Gunnerside to disable the plant. The epic tale of the Norwegian commandos who parachuted onto the Vidda (mountain plateau) in the winter and skied, climbed, and clawed their way to the plant to blow up the heavy water reserves, sounds like a movie, and did become one starring Kirk Douglas. Retired US Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel Mitch Utterback was drawn to the famous World War II sabotage mission and recently retraced the ski tracks of the Heroes of Telemark. In 2023, for the 80th anniversary, Utterback and a team of 11 other military veterans recreated the perilous journey that the saboteurs took across the Vidda. Their expedition was captured in the short documentary film Hardangerfolk which brings the danger and intensity of the mission to life. Utterback's background in special forces and his experience of the conditions that the saboteurs endured has given him a unique perspective on this epic mission which the Spy Museum features in our Covert Action gallery. 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—

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

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