If you’ve been listening to The Langley Files, you’ve heard about CIA operations, facilities, and legendary officers. But have you ever wondered—how is the gear for those operations transported? How are those facilities set up? How are those officers equipped and kept safe? And most of all—how is it all done in secret, even when CIA is operating in broad daylight? Stay tuned. Because to keep CIA’s global presence running 24/7, the Agency relies on an elite cadre of highly skilled logistics, security, medical, and other support specialists. And on this episode of The Langley Files, Dee and Walter sit down with a veteran Directorate of Support leader, to hear about what it takes to make the mission of the world’s premiere foreign intelligence agency possible. From an inside look at establishing CIA’s presence in Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks to the range of support roles available at CIA—and what it takes to join the team—this is an exclusive look at how CIA goes where others cannot go and accomplishes what others cannot accomplish. Anything, anywhere—secretly. Look Inside FILE 020:To learn more about how the Directorate of Support enables CIA’s global reach, check out this article about the DS.   Interested in joining this world class cadre of support officers? Take a peek at the different DS occupations and career opportunities here.

Join David Cohen, CIA Deputy Director, and Paul Abbate, FBI Deputy Director, as they dive into the essential collaboration between the CIA and FBI in safeguarding national security. They clarify their distinct missions, debunk media myths, and share personal anecdotes from their careers. Discover how these agencies work together to tackle real threats, from successfully intercepting illicit chemicals to the cultural quirks that define each organization. Expect insightful dialogue peppered with good-natured rivalry and humor!

To keep Americans and others around the world safe, CIA operates around the clock—and for some officers, that means overnight shifts. But when darkness falls over CIA Headquarters in Langley, some of those Agency officers have reported mysterious occurrences…things that might just be outside of traditional means of intelligence collection. Things that don’t appear on satellite imagery, or leave digital footprints….or maybe any kind of footprints. And on this Halloween bonus episode of The Langley Files, Dee and Walter take you through the halls of Langley after nightfall, to let you in on a little-known piece of Agency lore: the CIA’s ghost stories. From a secure CIA vault that shows strange signs of activity to a figure in CIA’s elevators whose tradecraft seems to involve disappearing—altogether—these are ghost stories you won’t hear told over most campfires. They’re tales—from the SCIF. Look Inside this Bonus Episode: When it comes to CIA ghost stories, what you’ve heard is just the beginning. You can read more here: Spooky Stories for Halloween - CIA—if you dare. Looking for costume tips this Halloween? CIA’s disguise experts know a thing or two about transforming appearances. Check out their tips here: Trick-or-Treat the CIA Way: Tips for a Halloween Spent Undercover - CIA, or listen to Dee and Walter’s discussion with them on FILE 012 of The Langley Files. Don’t scare easily? Ready to respond to a midnight alert on something afoot in a darkened CIA vault? A job with CIA’s Security Protective Service might just be for you. Read more here: Police Officer-Security Protective Service - CIA 

Kevin, a former CIA officer and September 11 survivor, shares his gripping journey from experiencing the Pentagon attack to tracking down Osama Bin Laden. He recounts the intense anticipation before the historic raid and vividly describes watching the operation unfold live. Kevin reflects on the emotional aftermath, balancing professional achievements with personal sacrifices. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among intelligence teams and highlights the resilience fostered through sharing stories of trauma and triumph.

PART TWO: JOINING CIA'S MANHUNT. On May 2, 2011, officials with a “need to know” monitored the highly sensitive US operation against the most wanted terrorist in the world in real time. But for a CIA officer named Kevin watching that night, the mission against Al Qaeda’s seniormost leader had a uniquely personal resonance. Because as a young Navy officer working in the Pentagon, he had nearly died on September 11th, 2001. Sustaining extensive injuries in the attack, he was rushed to Walter Reed Medical Center, where doctors were unsure whether he would survive; later, in recovery, he would flatline twice. But his story was far from over. Because Kevin would overcome his injuries, join the CIA, and ultimately take his place on the CIA team tracking down the terrorist leader who oversaw the attacks: Usama Bin Laden. And on this special, three-part episode of The Langley Files, Kevin returns to CIA Headquarters to share his incredible journey.In Part Two, Kevin recounts returning from the hospital - and what he did next. First, turn his focus to understanding the events behind the attacks, by serving as an investigator for the 9/11 Commission. Then, turn his focus to tracking down and stopping future threats - by joining the CIA. It's the chapter of his story that will see him join CIA's HVT1 Team - the CIA team tracking down High Value Target #1. If you've ever wondered what the search for Bin Laden was like inside the team spearheading it, you won't want to miss this episode.Look Inside FILE 018 – Part Two: Are you interested in a career as the kind of “high-tech CIA detective” that Kevin described? Check out the Agency’s Targeting Officer role here.  Kevin just shared with you a firsthand, insider’s account of a pivotal chapter in CIA’s search for Usama Bin Laden. You can read more about that search—and see photos of the AC1 compound for yourself—here. 

Kevin, a CIA officer and 9/11 survivor, shares his gripping journey from surviving the Pentagon attack to tracking Usama Bin Laden. He recounts his transformation after sustaining life-threatening injuries and how a stranger’s help saved him that day. The emotional weight of his recovery and a memorable visit from President Bush highlight his resilience. Kevin also reflects on his pivotal role in military operations post-9/11, emphasizing the personal stakes intertwined with national responsibility in the fight against terrorism.

Jennifer Link, the Chief Information Security Officer for the CIA, shares her cybersecurity expertise and personal journey in this engaging discussion. She highlights essential tips for everyday tech users, including the importance of changing default passwords and understanding privacy policies for smart devices. The impact of AI-driven scams on personal relationships is explored, along with strategies to navigate digital parenting. With insights into keeping your online presence secure, Link empowers listeners to take charge of their cyber safety.

PART TWO: CIA OPERATIONS. In Part One of this special two-part episode, George E. Hocker, Jr.—the trailblazing Black CIA operations officer who joined the Agency in the 1950s and ultimately rose to its seniormost ranks—shared with Dee and Walter the trials and triumphs of undergoing CIA operations, paramilitary, and survival training—and doing so as the only Black officer in his class. But George’s career with the Agency was just getting started—and only going to get more intense. In Part Two, you’ll hear about the CIA operations George led overseas—directly from this legendary CIA officer himself. Tune in to learn how George ended up on the wrong end of an AK-47 rifle, in the middle of a mystery that had beguiled the local CIA station for years, and tasked with getting a key Soviet officer sharing information with CIA to safety under cover of darkness. It’s a journey that’ll see George overcome discrimination and break down barriers at Langley, serve as a trusted advisor to not one but two Directors of Central Intelligence, and ultimately achieve a feat still considered a Cold War espionage first.   Look Inside FILE 016:Want to dive deeper into today’s episode? Here's a look into more of Langley's (unclassified) files: Read more about George E. Hocker, Jr.’s remarkable career—and see photos from his time at CIA, including his original Agency job offer letter—here.Want to follow in George’s footsteps and become one of the CIA operations officers gathering intelligence across the globe to keep Americans and others around the world safe? Apply here.  Interested in the other high-impact CIA Directorate of Operations jobs? Check out the Collection Management Officer, Targeting Officer, Staff Operations Officer, Directorate of Operations Language Officer positions.Does this episode’s trivia have you curious about the adventures of Mischief the Fox and Secret Squirrel? Check out this article.

PART ONE: CIA TRAINING. George E. Hocker, Jr. joined CIA in the 1950s, as one of just a few Black employees in the Agency’s records office. Over three decades later, he retired from CIA’s senior ranks as a veteran clandestine operations officer with a series of intelligence successes to his name—including a Cold War espionage history first. Now, for the first time ever, hear about those espionage feats—and the barriers George broke as he rose through the Agency’s ranks back home—directly from the CIA officer who lived them. In part one of this special two-part episode, George returns to Langley to share with Dee and Walter the path that led him from a childhood in a still-segregated Washington, DC, to the CIA; what inspired him to apply for the Agency’s clandestine service; and the challenges and triumphs he experienced as the only Black officer in his CIA operations training class. From a moment of revelation watching Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech to overcoming the elements in some of CIA’s toughest trainings, this is a story you won’t want to miss.Look Inside FILE 016:Want to dive deeper into today’s episode? Here's a look into more of Langley's (unclassified) files: Read more about George E. Hocker, Jr.’s remarkable career—and see photos from his time at CIA, including his original Agency job offer letter—here.Want to follow in George’s footsteps and become one of the CIA operations officers gathering intelligence across the globe to keep Americans and others around the world safe? Apply here.  Interested in the other high-impact CIA Directorate of Operations jobs? Check out the Collection Management Officer, Targeting Officer, Staff Operations Officer, Directorate of Operations Language Officer positions.

Deputy Director for Digital Innovation and Chief AI Officer from CIA discuss how technology is shaping espionage in the 21st century. They delve into AI strategies, ethical considerations, leadership in national security, and collaborations for AI innovation. They also explore spy themes, CIA traditions, and recruitment efforts at events like South by Southwest.