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The Erosion of Operational Integrity: Why CIA “Modernization” Compromised national Security
(By[Author’sName-[Author’sName-[Author’sName-[Author’sName-Important: Replace with actual author name], Former CIA Senior Official)
For over three decades, I dedicated my career to the Central Intelligence Agency, culminating in roles as Chief of Counterintelligence and Director of the counterterrorism Center (CTC). My commitment was unwavering: to safeguard the nation through the diligent collection of human intelligence (HUMINT). It is with a heavy heart,and a sense of duty,that I speak publicly about a period of profound change within the Agency – a period I believe fundamentally weakened our ability to execute our core mission. I retired in 2015, a decision directly linked to disagreements over a sweeping reorganization plan known as ”Modernization,” and the subsequent attempts to silence dissenting voices. This is a story that needs to be told, not to settle scores, but to ensure the future effectiveness of our intelligence community.
The Disappointment and the Dissent
My aspiration to serve as the Deputy Director for Operations (DDO) was not about personal ambition. It was about the opportunity to shape the future of our clandestine service. When I was passed over for that role, I was, naturally, disappointed. However, my deeper concern stemmed from the direction the Agency was taking under the then-Director’s “modernization” initiative. I, along with then-DDO Frank Archibald, recognized the inherent dangers in diminishing the DDO’s authority.
The core of the issue wasn’t simply bureaucratic restructuring; it was a essential shift in how we conducted operations. The proposed changes sought to sever the direct chain of command between the DDO and field operatives. Instead of the DDO directly overseeing operations, the plan envisioned a system where the DDO would merely assess “the quality of operations.” This, I believed - and continue to believe - is a recipe for disaster.It introduces layers of bureaucracy, erodes operational security, and ultimately stifles the initiative and adaptability crucial for success in the complex world of intelligence.
A direct line of authority is paramount. It fosters accountability, enables rapid decision-making in crisis situations, and ensures that operatives on the ground have clear guidance and support. To suggest that “quality control” can replace the dynamic leadership of an experienced DDO is to misunderstand the very nature of clandestine operations. It’s akin to asking a surgeon to oversee operations without being present in the operating room.
The “Fighter Pilot Mentality” and the Path to Retirement
My opposition to “Modernization” wasn’t well-received. I was simultaneously removed from my positions as Chief of counterintelligence and Director of CTC - a move the then-Director characterized as an attempt to eliminate the ”fighter pilot mentality” within the Directorate of Operations. This phrase,while seemingly innocuous,was deeply troubling. It implied that a proactive, assertive, and results-oriented approach to counterterrorism and counterintelligence was somehow undesirable.
The “fighter pilot mentality” isn’t about recklessness; it’s about a relentless focus on mission accomplishment, a willingness to take calculated risks, and an unwavering commitment to protecting national security. it’s about understanding that in the world of intelligence, hesitation can be fatal. To denigrate that mindset was to undermine the very qualities that had made the Directorate of Operations successful.
However, the final catalyst for my retirement came when a representative of the then-Director informed me that continued employment at the CIA was contingent upon publicly endorsing the “Modernization” plan. I refused. I could not, in good conscience, lend my support to a reorganization I believed would irreparably damage the Agency’s ability to collect actionable human intelligence. My loyalty was, and remains, to the mission, not to any individual or political agenda.
The Bitter Vindication of Time
Sadly, events since my departure have validated my concerns. While I cannot delve into classified details, it is indeed clear that the erosion of operational integrity has had tangible consequences. The Agency has struggled to adapt to evolving threats,and the collection of critical HUMINT
