Former Special Forces and CIA case officer James Stejskal and Jeff Stein delve into Green Beret missions in Berlin, covert CIA operations, recruitment challenges in Russia, the conflict in Ukraine, and thrilling espionage fiction.
Special Forces in Berlin aimed to disrupt Russian reinforcements during a potential invasion with sabotage operations.
NOC officers operate without diplomatic cover, risking severe consequences if caught, emphasizing the dangers of clandestine work.
Deep dives
The Role of Army Special Forces in Cold War Berlin
Army Special Forces deployed in West Berlin during the Cold War were tasked with sabotaging railway lines in East Germany in case of a Soviet invasion. Their mission included disrupting communication centers and leadership targets to impede Russian reinforcements from moving efficiently. Despite the odds, with around 100 Americans against millions of Russians, the Special Forces were prepared to slow down any potential invasion to buy time for the Allies in Western Europe.
The Operation and Role of Non-Official Cover Officers
Non-Official Cover (NOC) officers are CIA agents who operate in foreign territories without the protection of a diplomatic cover, making their work high-risk. Unlike embassy-based officers with official covers, NOCs assume roles like businessmen, archaeologists, or humanitarians to gather intelligence. If caught engaging in covert activities, NOCs face greater consequences like imprisonment, highlighting the intense challenges of their clandestine operations.
Implications of Russian-Ukrainian Conflict and US Involvement
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine showcases the Ukrainians' strategic resilience against Russian aggression, slowing down and countering invasion attempts with Western support and advanced equipment. The novel 'Dead Hand' explores a scenario where a Russian victory in Ukraine triggers broader global repercussions, potentially leading to a loss of Western confidence in Ukraine and enabling further Russian expansionist ambitions beyond Ukraine, raising concerns about Putin's territorial ambitions across neighboring regions.