The CIA director responsible for creating spy devices (217)

Jan 15, 2022

01:07:26

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After service in the US Army during the Vietnam War Bob Wallace was recruited into the CIA.

In the CIA his initial assignments were as a field case officer. He rose through the ranks at the agency and was Chief of Station in three locations where he directed the full range of CIA activities.

In 1995 Bob became deputy director of the Office of Technical Service and in 1998 was appointed its director responsible for creating spy devices and capabilities necessary to conduct clandestine operations with safety and security. In other words, Bob was the "Q" of the CIA.

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I am delighted to welcome Bob Wallace to our Cold War conversation…

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0:00 Introduction and Bob's journey to the CIA

7:00 The professional career training program at the CIA

14:21 Use of technology in clandestine operations in the 1970s

20:07 Development of devices for espionage operations

42:04 Role as Director of The CIA's Office of Technical Service

48:41 The science of disguise and examples of successful disguises

54:31 The role of Hollywood in disguise techniques

58:31 Reflections on the Cold War era and thoughts on the future of espionage