NatSec Matters
'By All Means Available': Inside the CIA & Special Ops with Mike Vickers
Nov 29, 2023
Mike Vickers, former Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, talks about his career in the intelligence community and special operations. He discusses his journey from being a Special Forces soldier to a national security policy maker. He highlights his experiences as a CIA operations officer during the invasion of Grenada and the role of the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan in the collapse of the Soviet Union. He also reflects on a career decision and discusses the rebuilding of al-Qaeda after 9/11 and the shift in strategies.
43:07
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Quick takeaways
- Utilizing all available means is crucial for accomplishing objectives in intelligence and special operations.
- Success in countering al-Qaeda was achieved through a combination of factors, including increased funding, expanded coalition support, and targeted strategies.
Deep dives
Mike Vickers' book traces his evolution from operator to national security policy maker
Mike Vickers discusses his book 'By All Means Available, Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy'. His book covers his journey from being a Special Forces soldier to a CIA officer and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations. Vickers highlights successful strategies like defeating the Soviets in Afghanistan and dismantling Al Qaeda, as well as the importance of bringing all available means to accomplish objectives.
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