Marc Polymeropoulos gives great insight of what a career from start to finish at CIA would be like. We discuss how he was recruited, his training at the farm, and his deployments killing bad guys. Marc then discusses his trauma from Havana syndrome. Believed to be caused by microwave weapons. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website - https://www.shawnryanshow.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawnryan762 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The speaker shares about his new addition to his morning ritual, Mud Water, and its advocacy for mental health. The talk also touches on the CIA recruitment and operative experience.
The speaker reflects on how their perspective towards experimental military technology has shifted over the years and how they remain open-minded about the possibilities.
The speaker discusses the importance of writing skills in their former role as an intelligence analyst and the responsibilities of an operations officer, including collecting information, handling and recruiting spies, and the history of foreign involvement in Afghanistan.
The speaker describes the monotonous training at the CIA farm and how it is not as mentally or physically challenging as other training courses such as BUD/S. He also mentions how some young case officers find their assignments to be similar to the training at the farm.
The speaker explains the importance of cultural preparation in CI operations to ensure proper understanding of local languages, cultures, and religions. It sets the difference between a CI operations officer and a State Department or military officer who is not accustomed to being out in the field.
Mark recalls a conversation he had with a local contact about who US journalists were asking to be the smartest person in their country, while also discussing American viewing habits and Armed Forces Network.
The podcast highlights the paramount importance of establishing individual relationships with individuals as a case officer, who are often at risk when in operation, therefore demanding better responsibility.
The speaker shares about their experiences in public service and national security, including failures and successes, and advocates for more people to join these fields.
Former CIA official, Mike Morell, talks about the agency's mission to track down, capture and kill everyone involved in the 9/11 attacks and discusses his experiences across the U.S.
A former police officer discusses the challenge of transitioning from military to law enforcement and adapting to different types of environments.
The speaker suggests having a member from the special activities center as a chief paramilitary advisor in a paramilitary base for an efficient back and forth with security personnel during attacks.
The emotional reactions to killing bad guys vary between military personnel and agency personnel, with the agency personnel being more emotionally invested.
The former CIA employee expresses his lack of sympathy for those defending senior AQ members who were subject to enhanced interrogation and discusses the mixed opinions within the agency on the legitimacy of the targeted killing program.
Former CIA analyst discusses tracking capabilities and expresses pride in the ability to track individuals who may be a threat to American safety.
A story is shared by an unknown speaker about a mission where they apprehended a prisoner who later turned out to have a weapon on him. The speaker suggests that the prisoner wasn't searched well enough and now a former sniper from their team may come after them.
The podcast host recounts a story of a trip to Moscow to visit the US Ambassador, John Huntsman, as a part of his job as a Senior Intelligence Service officer and the irony of the lack of action in the aftermath of the Cuban embassy incident in 2016 that led to the debilitating injuries of US intelligence officers and diplomats.
A senior operations manager recounts his experience of having to give up his job due to illness after returning from a business trip to Russia.
A former CIA officer shares his experience with traumatic brain injury and the lack of proper care and support he received from the agency. He highlights the need for better care for agency professionals and the potential consequences if this issue is not addressed.
Law enforcement officers have been suffering from permanent traumatic brain injuries caused by such attacks, which could be prevented by the use of body worn detectors according to a former DOJ official.
The Havana Act, which provides compensation for veterans who suffered from brain injuries, was passed after former Navy SEAL Branden Wenthold became vocal about the issue. Wenthold reflects on the challenges of going public after serving in the military, citing Rob O'Neill's interview as a relevant example.
US intelligence officers have been targeted with the Havana Syndrome, causing dissension and taking quality intelligence officers out of the game.
Walter Reed doctors are using VR therapy to help Havana Syndrome victims who are experiencing PTSD from their traumatic experiences. The therapy was originally designed for patients with autism or PTSD, and is part of a new age approach to medicine.
The concept of clarity in crisis is not only applicable to baseball teams but also to life's challenges. When you form a strong team with shared values and the right processes, you can lead through difficult times with confidence.
The key to successful teamwork is building camaraderie and identifying processes, says the speaker in this podcast transcript. By doing so, one can feel reassured when difficult situations, as the current pandemic, arise.
The guest talks about how being a perfectionist can lead to negative self-talk and a focus on the negative aspects of one's work. They also mention the importance of having an air of assurance and authority when speaking in public or media.
A former embassy official describes the chaos and violence he experienced during an attack on an embassy in the Middle East, where he and his colleagues had to try and hold off attackers while also protecting their own lives.
An anonymous support app on phones is being created for active members of Special Operations and veterans struggling with mental health issues, supported by nonprofit organizations such as Navy SEAL foundation and unit foundation. The app addresses the problem of shame and loss of status, as it provides a safe space for individuals to talk about their experiences.
The high rates of suicide among military operatives are concerning, with two TF orange operatives and a Philadelphia police department cop having committed suicide just last year. Former operators have mentioned that seeking help can be life-saving, citing their own experiences at Walter Reed.
Katie Halper and Aaron Monte of Useful Idiots discuss an alleged story brought to light by a wedding planner, Georgia Mitchell, involving catching a partner being breastfed by their mother and the implications it may have on a relationship.