By Michael D.
Former Clandestine Officer, CIA, DIA, NSA
In the spy business, we rely heavily on signaling.
Because we cannot meet openly and there is seldom a time to meet privately and discuss matters, we use a form of shorthand called signaling.
It’s a process shrouded in secrecy.
We have prearranged signals, specific locations to post these signals, and precise time frames for when they are to be posted, interpreted, and, in some cases, removed.
This secrecy makes our operations thrilling but also requires our close attention.
As an example, I have used a chalk mark on a park bench.
It is easy to do, and no one notices that you are making the small, inconspicuous chalk mark.
Our predetermined meanings for the signals change depending on the mission, what you expect to communicate, and the area you choose to place your signal.
On one mission, we selected a park bench in a walking garden in downtown Copenhagen as our signaling point.
Because of the bench’s material and the inclement weather, we had to place our signals on the seat of the bench.
The natural wear and tear to the surfaces helped make the marks unobvious.
Leaving a small circle signaled that everything was moving forward as planned; continue the mission.
A circle with a line through it meant something was wrong, and the mission had to be aborted right away.
An ‘X’ signaled that enemy agents had the location under surveillance and to employ emergency escape and evasion and abort procedures.
Reading the signal informed us of what was happening and what we had to do.
Without reading the signals, we would not know that we were in danger.
As we watch the blazing chaos around the world, we are seeing signals of things to come.
We must know how to read those signals, what they mean, and what to do with the information they give us.
To paraphrase Pericles from the History of the Peloponnesian War:
“We are not to predict the future but be prepared for it.”
To do that, we need to be able to read the signs and signals right before our eyes.
Most readers will be familiar with the movie Red Dawn.
I am concerned that we will face either a beautiful Red Dawn and the reemergence of America…
Or the destruction of a Blue Dawn that will deliver the final blow to the heart of America.
Whatever happens, do not deprive yourself or your family of the critical information provided to you daily in the form of signs, whispers, and inspired thoughts.
The signs are there. Read them. And prepare you for what is coming.
