James Powell - Author at SOFREP
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James Powell

    was, until recently, an intelligence officer with the US government. During his time, Powell focused on full spectrum intelligence operations related to the Middle East, South America and Africa, as well as liaison duties with foreign and US intelligence partners. In a past life, Powell was a 10 year United States Marine, and also worked in the nuclear security industry. He currently holds a dual BA in History and Political Science, and despite being a world class IO, he failed miserably in his last mission to steal the secret recipe for KFC's 11 Herbs and Spices chicken. His posts are his own opinions and do NOT reflect those of, nor are they in any way endorsed by, the U.S. government.

    James Powell Articles

    8 Attributes of an Effective CIA Intel Officer

    Back in November 2014, SOFREP writer Frumentarius wrote an excellent piece titled Top 5 Qualifications for CIA’s Clandestine Service, which outlined the checklist of resume items for aspiring spies. The list included background prerequisites such as military experience, language, experience abroad, higher education, and life experience. In this article, I will discuss some of … [Read more...] about 8 Attributes of an Effective CIA Intel Officer

    by · · Expert Analysis

    History of intelligence gathering: The Cold War

    On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of Great Britain rose to give a speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, a grim look on his face and an even grimmer message in his heart. His speech began with praise for his staunch ally and friend, President Harry S. Truman and the United States, and as the speech progressed, the reason for his concern … [Read more...] about History of intelligence gathering: The Cold War

    by · · Expert Analysis

    Intelligence gathering during World War II

    The years between 1918 and 1939 were marked by intense turmoil for much of the world, as Europe, ravaged by World War I, struggled to rebuild and recover, while the U.S. brought home her late-to-the-war troops and once again downsized its military. In the Pacific, the Japanese military, who had played a limited role in the war on the side of the Entente, took advantage of … [Read more...] about Intelligence gathering during World War II

    by · · Military History

    Historical view of intelligence gathering: Europe, Civil War, and Gray Ghosts

    By the early to mid-1800s, the world was coming into its own, with many nations having shaken off (or were in the process of shaking off) tyrants and monarchies. Governments and militaries were re-shaped and reformed, but the age-old art of intelligence gathering remained a mainstay of both. Those nations ruled by kings, queens, and dictators needed to know what the people were … [Read more...] about Historical view of intelligence gathering: Europe, Civil War, and Gray Ghosts

    by · · Europe

    A historical view of intelligence gathering: The spies of the American Revolution

    The American general was desperate. The last time he had faced his enemy counterpart, who considered one the best tacticians in the world, he and his men had barely escaped with their lives and had given up crucial territory during the withdrawal. He knew that he could be engaging in a second battle at any time and that if he were to be victorious, he needed crucial information … [Read more...] about A historical view of intelligence gathering: The spies of the American Revolution

    by · · Expert Analysis