The Power of a Good Cover Story: Lessons from CIA's Most Successful Operations

 

Assuming a False Identity Allows CIA Operatives to Blend In to Gather Intelligence

The cover that CIA operatives use to conceal their real identities can vary depending on the mission and the environment, but typically involves assuming a false identity and creating a cover story to explain their presence and activities. They may use fake passports, driver's licenses, and credit cards, as well as create social media profiles and other digital footprints to support their cover story. They may also use disguises, such as wigs or facial hair, to change their appearance. The goal is to blend in with the local population and avoid drawing attention to themselves while carrying out their mission.

     There have been reported cases of CIA operatives using covers in real life. One example is Valerie Plame, a former CIA operative who was exposed as a result of a leak in 2003. Plame worked undercover in various countries for the CIA, including Europe and the Middle East, and was tasked with gathering intelligence on weapons of mass destruction. To conceal her true identity, Plame assumed a cover as a consultant at a fictitious energy firm named Brewster Jennings & Associates.

     Plame's cover was designed to provide her with a plausible reason to travel to various countries and meet individuals who might have information on weapons of mass destruction. She used the cover to build relationships with key individuals and gain access to sensitive information. When her identity was revealed, it caused a scandal and led to a criminal investigation. I was so angered by her outing that I wrote an article titled "Karl Rove and Dick Cheney Made All Americans ‘Fair Game’."

     Assuming a false identity is a common technique used by CIA operatives to protect their real identity and mission. They may use a cover story, such as working as a journalist or a business consultant or assume a false identity by creating a fake passport and other documents to establish their credibility. The use of covers is an important part of the CIA's tradecraft and is critical to the success of their operations.

     Another example is Tony Mendez, a CIA operative involved in the Iran hostage crisis. Mendez's cover was that of a Hollywood producer scouting locations for a fake movie called "Argo." He used this cover to enter Iran and rescue six American diplomats who had evaded capture when Iranian militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979. Mendez assumed the false identity of Kevin Costa Harkins, a fictional movie producer, to carry out this mission.

         Mendez's operation became the basis for the 2012 film "Argo," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. I met Tony at an AFIO luncheon years ago, and wrote a story about him: The Hollywood movie ARGO portrays CIA operative Tony Mendez. A month after the story was written, Tony’s son told me over the phone that his father was taken by Parkinson’s Disease. RIP, Tony, and thanks for your service to our country.

     In the MISSION OF VENGEANCE spy thriller, CIA spymaster Corey Pearson assumes his deep cover as a marine biologist. It allows him to move around unnoticed and gather information that would be impossible to obtain otherwise. However, the danger of being caught is always present, and Pearson knows that he must be cautious at all times to avoid blowing his cover and jeopardizing the mission.

     He assumed his cover quite well. In one scene, he poured over the photos of the spotted dolphin pods that lived in the Sea of Abaco with his son, Matt. Matt could identify each one and knew their life histories from reading Corey’s hand-written field notes taken over a decade ago, before he was born. Posing as a marine biologist, Corey had tallied the Nassau Grouper populations throughout the Bahamian archipelago and studied the spotted dolphins around the Sea of Abaco. It made for a great cover story.

     Actually, Hollywood has produced movies which portray CIA operatives assuming deep cover that are quite authentic. I enjoyed watching the 1994 film "Clear and Present Danger" starring Harrison Ford. In the movie, Ford's character Jack Ryan, who works for the CIA, investigates the murder of a friend who was involved in a covert operation in Colombia. To do so, Ryan assumes a deep cover as a Colombian drug lord's personal physician, working closely with the cartel to gain their trust and access to sensitive information. As he delves deeper into the operation, Ryan discovers a complex web of corruption and danger that threatens to engulf him and his mission.

     In conclusion, the vital importance of assuming a deep cover cannot be overstated when it comes to the success of CIA operations. As we have seen with real-life examples such as Valerie Plame and Tony Mendez, the use of covers is critical to protecting the identity of operatives and ensuring the safety of their missions. MISSION OF VENGEANCE is a prime example of how effective a deep cover can be when executed properly. Corey Pearson's cover as a marine biologist allowed him to move undetected and gather valuable information, ultimately proving to be the key to the success of his mission.

 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.