SECTION I - CURRENT INTELLIGENCE

TROUBLING INATTENTION TO SMALL DEVICES FOR FILCHING DATA:  U.S. Military Secrets for Sale - BAGRAM, Afghanistan. No more than 200 yards from the main gate of the sprawling U.S. base here, stolen computer drives containing classified military assessments of enemy targets, names of corrupt Afghan officials and descriptions of American defenses are on sale in the local bazaar.  [by journalist by Paul Watson, Times Staff Writer, April 10, 2006]
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-disks10apr10,0,7789909.story?coll=la-home-headlines 
A seasoned intelligence official/AFIO member quips in his forwarding email: "Comment: Isn't the behavior described in the article carrying DOD's mantra of "need to share" a bit far?

SECTION II -- BOOKS, SOURCES, AND ISSUES

Books

Class 11: Inside the CIA�s First Post-9/11 Spy Class by T. J. Waters Dutton. [Apr. 2006. c.301p. ISBN 0-525-94929-1. $24.95].  9/11 attacks spurred thousands of Americans to apply to CIA. Waters, who had worked in a private firm specializing in intelligence collection and training, was one of the chosen few accepted into the Agency's clandestine services. His class, dubbed "Class 11," reflected an assortment of individuals--pilots, bankers, single mothers, and others from backgrounds not usually associated with the spy game. Waters recounts his days as a student learning the espionage trade and provides fascinating details about how contemporary spies are trained. Since the CIA had appropriate review by the Publications Review Board, certain even more fascinating aspects of the training had to be left out of the writing, or redacted. [LJ]
 

The Jasons: The Secret History of Science�s Postwar Elite by Ann Finkbeiner. [Viking. Apr. 2006. c.290p. index. ISBN 0-670-03489-4. $27.95].  The Jasons are named after the hero of Greek mythology (Jason and the Argonauts), and today are a group of U.S. scientists supposedly advising various units of the U.S. government since 1960. (During the Vietnam War, they were subjected to considerable public criticism for some of their advice relating to that conflict.) Originally, all Jasons were male physicists, and their sole advisee was DARPA. Over the years, membership broadened to include a few women and to extend over a wide variety of scientific fields. The Jasons have reviewed mainly classified military projects, including nuclear warfare and, later, nuclear disarmament plans and proposals. Finkbeiner (science writing, Johns Hopkins) interviewed those Jasons past and current willing to talk to her--not always for attribution--and read a wide range of relevant publications.
 

Space Race: The Epic Battle Between America and the Soviet Union for Dominion of Space by Deborah Cadbury. [HarperCollins. May 2006. c.372p. ISBN 0-06-084553-8  $24.95]. To be a four-part National Geographic series, this captivating account by Emmy Award--winning BBC producer and historian Cadbury (Dreams of Iron and Steel) describes how two brilliant scientists, former Gulag inmate Sergei Korolev and V-2 rocket program designer Wernher von Braun, were cynically controlled by the USSR and America, respectively, as indispensable tools during the Cold War. Cadbury�s villains emerge as Soviet and U.S. political/military leaders who viewed missile research solely as the means to deliver weapons of mass destruction, to spy on the enemy, and to order impossible propaganda coups in space at the expense of their astronauts and cosmonauts [and won the Cold War as a result of some of the bluffs]. Through the constant frustrations of Korolev and von Braun, she demonstrates how both governments wasted time and resources by dividing their space initiatives into competing factions led by fractious personalities. Documented with newly released records from Russian archives, including Korolev�s personal papers, this study allows us to comprehend fully just how close the Soviets came to winning the space race. Publishers Weekly writes: "Cadbury�s book is an excellent example of sound research, superb writing, and accomplished storytelling all rolled into one masterly effort. Highly recommended for all aerospace collections at both public and academic libraries."
 

Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad by Matthew Levitt.  [Yale University Press, $26.00, ISBN: 0300110537]. Levitt, a former senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and now deputy assistant secretary in Treasury, presents an assessment of one of the world's most prolific terrorist organizations. As Hamas wields increasing power within the Palestinian Authority, Levitt offers a sobering analysis of the group's likely priorities and of the quickly dimming prospects for peace in this intractable conflict. Probably the most comprehensive study of the tactics, finances and structures of the Islamic resistance movement ever published, many of the details will primarily interest the specialist. In nine heavily annotated chapters, Levitt explores Hamas's infrastructure, laying out detailed blueprints for indoctrination, money laundering, public outreach and militant activities, charting the anatomy of a typical attack down to the cost of each bullet. Levitt's well-documented assertion that there is essentially no separation between Hamas's military wing and its myriad charitable activities leaves him less sanguine than many commentators in the wake of the recent legislative elections. Levitt is likely to gain some enemies with evidence that, for instance, the Council on American-Islamic Relations is implicated in fund-raising for Hamas, but all his information is impeccably researched and compellingly presented. -- [PW]

SECTION III -- CAREERS, NOTES, LETTERS, QUERIES AND AUTHORS SEEKING ASSISTANCE, CORRECTIONS, OBITUARIES, COMING EVENTS

[IMPORTANT: AFIO does not "vet" nor endorse these research inquiries or announcements. Reasonable-sounding inquiries are published as a service to members. Exercise your usual caution and good judgment when responding or supplying any information or making referrals to colleagues. Members should obtain prior approval from their agencies before answering questions that would impact ongoing military or intelligence operations - even if unclassified. Never assume public inquiries about classified projects means they've been declassified. Be attuned to false-flagging.]

Notes and Corrections

Eagle eyed reader corrects name: In the story "BRITAIN, INDONESIA SIGN INTELLIGENCE MOU" in the 3 April WIN, the name of the Indonesian President was misspelled. It is spelled Yudhoyono, not Yudhoyonlo.  Thank you JackG

Assistance Sought

WERE YOU BASED IN LONDON OR CAIRO IN 1956?: - The BBC is making a major documentary series marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Suez crisis. The series aims to be television�s most comprehensive look at this pivotal moment in post-war history. The programmes will tell the Suez story through interviews and archive from the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, Israel, the United States and Russia. As part of their research, the BBC would very much like to talk to former intelligence officers who were based in London or Cairo in 1956 about their recollections of events. You can contact Jo Glanville at the BBC by email jo.glanville@bbc.co.uk  or you can call her on +44 20 8752 4322

SEEKING RECENT IC RETIREE ON PRE-WAR INTEL OPS IRAQ: I am producing the premiere episode of a series for the History Channel. For the first episode, we are focusing on Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am very interested in speaking with a recent retiree from the intelligence community who can talk about pre-war intelligence operations in Iraq. I am already planning to interview a former CIA officer about general intelligence, but I would very much like to speak with someone who can talk more specifically about recent issues. Of course, we understand the sensitivity of the subject and would work with someone on parameters, etc., to ensure we don't in any way jeopardize national security or compromise future intelligence. Basically, I would like to run by some of the already reported intelligence operations -- things that are already out in the open sources -- to try to get a better understanding of the operations themselves.
Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Please have qualified and interested persons contact me at the phone number and e-mail address below. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Replies to: Trisha Sorrells, Producer, 917-291-1197, griffith_corp@hotmail.com

Obituaries

David Gordon Boak, 82, retired commandant of the National Cryptologic School at Fort George G. Meade and a life member of AFIO, died of cancer April 9 at the Spa Creek Center, Genesis ElderCare Network, after a long illness. He was a resident of Annapolis and Martha's Vineyard, Mass., for 35 years.
He began his intelligence career with the OSS in WW II, serving in North Africa, France and China, and working with the Army Security Agency in 1948 and 1949.
He held many senior positions in the Communications Security Organization, was the chief of NSA Pacific and in 1983 became the 11th commandant of the cyrptologic school. Boak retired from NSA after 40 years.
Born June 19, 1923, in New Rochelle, NY, he was a U of NC grad and received a master's from George Washington U. He also graduated from the Air War College and attended the Federal Executive Institute.
Mr. Boak wrote many technical papers and other publications and won the National Cryptologic Literature Award for a two-volume historical work. He also received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award twice, the Exceptional Civilian Service Award and the Presidential Rank Award-Meritorius Executive.
His articles also appeared in Gray's Sporting Journal and the Summit Herald. He wrote a weekly fresh-water fishing column for The Washington Post. He also wrote an unpublished memoir of his OSS experiences.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Campbell Boak, whom he married in 1950; one brother, Robert Boak of Basking Ridge, N.J.; 15 nieces and nephews; and 12 grand-nieces and -nephews. He was the brother of the late Joseph Boak III.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, April 18th at 1 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Chapel, 147 Duke of Gloucester St. Burial will be private.
Online condolences may be made to www.johnmtaylorfuneralhome.com.  [AnnapolisCapital / SB]

15 April 06 - Kennebunk, ME - AFIO Maine Chapter hosts Sherif Fam speaking on "Palestine in the Crosshairs: Oslo to Hamas". Mr. Fam, a U.S. citizen, was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and is a retired engineer. He has been active in efforts to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict working with a number of organizations including the Boston Coalition for Palestine, in which he is a member of the steering committee, and United for Justice and Peace: Israel-Palestine Task Force. He hosts a weekly radio program "This Week in Palestine" broadcast from Boston College over station WZBC. The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. at the Kennebunk Free Library, 112 Main St., Kennebunk, ME. Call 207-985-2392 for further information.
 

20 April 06 - Tyson's Corner, VA - The Naval Intelligence Professionals annual Red Tie Luncheon will be held on Thursday, 20 April 2006 at the Holiday Inn, Tyson's Corner, VA. Guest speaker will be James F. Sloan, Assistant Commander for Intelligence and Criminal Investigations, US Coast Guard. All US and allied naval analysts welcome. Open bar from 11:00 a.m., with lunch served at noon. Cost is $30 for online or advance mail registration, or $35 at the door (reservation required). Contact http://www.navintpro.org or mail payment to: NIP, PO Box 11579, Burke, VA 22009-1579. (DKR)
 

21-22 April 06 - New London, CT - A pioneer in the development of modern U. S. Coast Guard Intelligence Operations, Lieutenant Michael Bennett, will be the featured speaker of the AFIO/NE Chapter Spring meeting at the Lighthouse Inn. Special rates for overnight guests are available by calling 888-443-8411. Two additional talks by the recipients of the Annual College Scholarship Competition will also be presented. The graduate student represents the University of New Haven's National Security Program; the undergraduate student represents Boston University's International Relations Program. A hosted Social will be held Friday evening 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the Inn. Registration begins at 9:00 AM; the meeting runs 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM. Additional information is available from Art Hulnick at 617-739-7074.
 

Saturday, 10 June 06 - Washington, DC - Spy School Workshop: Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things   "A worthy spy can make a radio out of a clam shell." Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Necessity is the mother of invention and some of the best spy gadgets ever invented were the product of desperation. In this workshop, Melissa Mahle, former CIA operations officer and author of Denial and Deception: An Insider's View of the CIA from Iran-Contra to 9/11, will describe tense situations from her own experience in which resourcefulness and adaptability saved the day. Then Cy Tymony, author of Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things and its sequel, will demonstrate some of his most amazing creations - including the "Gadget Jacket" - and talk about how pop-culture heroes Artemus Gordon and Q inspired his work. Guests will have the opportunity to transform mundane materials into gizmos and gadgets. Adults Only Tickets: $20 http://www.spymuseum.org/calendar/index.asp#Register_Now 

Thursday, 15 June 06 - Washington, DC - Author Debriefing: Operation Jedburgh: D-Day and America�s First Shadow War  On 6 June 1944, while Allied troops stormed the Normandy beaches, 300 young American, British, and French soldiers parachuted behind enemy lines to launch a secret mission codenamed Jedburgh. Working with the French Resistance, the "Jeds" embarked on a stunningly effective guerilla campaign against the German war machine. Colin Beavan, whose grandfather helped direct the operation, tells the incredible story of the daredevils who carried out America�s first special forces mission in his new book. Join the author as he highlights one of the most hazardous covert operations of World War II. Free! No registration required

Tuesday, 20 June 06 - Washington, DC - Spylight Tour: After Hours Recon at the International Spy Museum Starts at 8 p.m. What is it really like to meet an agent in the dead of night in a denied area? How do the objects on display in the Museum handle in the field? Get the spy�s-eye view in this extraordinary program. Burton Gerber is a widely respected veteran of 39 years as a CIA case officer who served in some of the Agency�s most challenging overseas posts. As chief of station in Moscow during the Cold War, he was known for his rigorous tradecraft and dedication to operations. He is the co-editor of the recent, well-received book, Transforming U.S. Intelligence. In this exclusive, after-hours tour, Gerber will bring the Museum�s unique exhibits to life with stories from his distinguished career and informed opinion on historical events. He�ll share how the gadgets really worked -- or didn�t -- and whether to include your wife in a clandestine operation. Tickets: $60 http://www.spymuseum.org/calendar/index.asp#Register_Now

16 November 06 - AFIO Rocky Mountain Chapter holds meeting at Air Force Academy Officers Club in the Falcon Room, starting at 11:30, lunch served at 12:00 and meeting ends at 1:30 pm. Speakers to be announced. Questions or Reservations to Dick Durham, 719-488-2884. or Riverwear53@aol.com.
 

12 December 06 - Tampa, FL- AFIO Suncoast Chapter meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Officers� Club, at MacDill Air Force Base. The luncheon speaker is James Pavitt. A 31-year veteran of CIA, who in 1999 was appointed Deputy Director for Operations to head what is now known as the National Clandestine Service, the CIA directorate responsible for the clandestine collection of foreign intelligence. He had served as Associate Deputy Director for Operations from July 1997 through July 1999. He served longer in that position than any DDO in the last 30 years until retiring from CIA and the DO in August 2004. After joining the Agency in 1973 as a Career Trainee, he served in a variety of intelligence assignments in Europe, Asia and at CIA Headquarters. In 1990, he was assigned to the National Security Council as the Director for Intelligence Programs. In June 1992, President Bush appointed him Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and NSC Senior Director for Intelligence Programs. Mr. Pavitt began his intelligence career in the United States Army from 1969-1971 as an intelligence officer. Jim Pavitt is currently a principle at the Scowcroft Group and also serves as a member of the AFIO National Board of Directors. For more information contact Don White, DonWhite@tampabay.rr.com
 

13 February 07 - Tampa, FL- AFIO Suncoast Chapter meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Officers' Club, at MacDill Air Force Base. The luncheon speaker is Carl W Ford, Jr., former head of the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), from 2001 until 2003. As Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, he reported directly to the Secretary of State, Colin Powell, and provided intelligence support and analysis to him and other senior policy makers. He was directly involved in crafting policy related to the war on terrorism, the Iraq war and reconstruction, and issues regarding the Chinese military, nuclear proliferation, the Middle East peace process, and the North Korean military threat.
Between 1965 and 1989, Mr. Ford served a tour of duty in Vietnam, was a U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer, a Defense Intelligence Agency China Strategic Intelligence Officer, a CIA China military analyst, a professional staff member for East Asia on the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the National Intelligence Officer for East Asia at the CIA. Beginning in early 1989, Mr. Ford spent four years working at the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary levels in the Defense Department. For more information contact Don White, DonWhite@tampabay.rr.com.