The Master of Disguise: My Secret Life in the CIA by Mendez Antonio J

Author:Mendez, Antonio J. [Mendez, Antonio J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2009-10-13T04:00:00+00:00

DESPITE THE GLARE of unflattering public scrutiny in the mid-1970s, important members of OTS and the Agency considered the HONOR case to be a breakthrough in the evolution of the GAMBIT disguise, partly because it had served to convince a vital agent that we would spare no expense and explore technical frontiers in order to protect those like him. In addition, we soon found that there was a marked increase in the need for enhanced disguise technology in other third world capitals as we struggled to keep up with the rapid spread of Communist influence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Because of operations like the HONOR case, I was considered the de facto expert in disguise operations, which called for the invention of startling new techniques and materials, as well as the subtle perspective and touch of the artist. Even before I left Bangkok, I was keeping Headquarters apprised of how improved disguise and related tradecraft might be employed in other areas so that our case officers could conduct personal meetings with agents. Such a possibility was especially important to explore in cases where agents brought in cumbersome Soviet weapons manuals, which were most efficiently photographed with large fixed cameras best used in more secure facilities.

The traditional East-West geopolitical issues of the Cold War were merging with other global problems, such as terrorism and international narcotics trafficking. Our case officers might find themselves debriefing a Soviet GRU agent one day and a source with information on the German terrorist Bader-Meinhof gang the next. As had been the case with HONOR, all agents vacillated, fearful about the risk of compromise. Ultimately, we hoped, we could make disguises so realistic, comfortable, and easy to use that case officers worldwide would automatically turn to us for our services. I recognized, however, that this vision was very ambitious.

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