By Michael D.
Former Clandestine Officer, CIA, DIA, NSA
I watched from my cabin window as my train passed by peaceful little communities and crossed through the most vibrant green fields I had ever seen.
While much of Europe is in a state of decay and has become filthy and crowded, many parts of the countryside remain pure and picturesque.
I saw young kids tending to farm chores and adults working their land.
I envied their peaceful, pleasant, patient lives.
The contrast was made more forceful because I was still trying to work out in my head how I was going to do what I was sent to accomplish.
My task would not be friendly or wholesome.
Mine would involve danger, pain, fear, and enough adrenaline to power the train I was riding on.
I was there to spy on them while they slept.
While these good, hardworking people rested comfortably in their beds, I would make my way into their national communications system.
Then, I’d steal some of their most sacred national security treasures.
My job was to use the cover provided to me by the US Government to infiltrate a group of distinguished guests who had been invited to a special tour of the target country’s newest technology center.
I would be showered with hospitality and gestures of welcome while I cased the facility and planned how to steal their secrets.
As I looked out the window, again, I envied the families who would be having dinner together and laughing about the day while I did dark work at my own peril.
The next night at the inauguration of the country’s facility, while the party was buzzing, I did what I was sent to do.
I smiled and nodded at the people who were sure I recognized them for their fame and accomplishments.
I moved through rooms, mentally mapping doors, windows, cameras, and every other aspect that might help me in my mission.
On many occasions I’ve contemplated that particular operation, the feelings it aroused in me, and the thoughts it forced into my mind.
At present, I feel like the gentle man working my fields by day and planning a peaceful evening with my wife.
However, I am haunted by the deep knowledge that somewhere out there, not far from me, are people who are planning to harm me and my family.
Foreign, and sadly, domestic enemies are sabotaging our infrastructure, poisoning our water, intercepting our private conversations, and dismantling our culture.
We are witnessing sabotage on the grandest scale in history.
But there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Be on watch for people like me who take notice of things that should not be of interest.
When you are in a room full of people, don’t notice the obvious, look for the subtle.
Is there someone who is looking closely at the cameras, exits, and windows?
Or behaving as though they are having a good time while actually avoiding stopping and talking to someone?
Once you understand what “casing” is, and why it is done, it becomes vastly easier to observe it being conducted.
The top way to dodge a catastrophic event is to see it coming and get out before it even starts.
One step is noticing someone casing…
Another, vital step, is being able to read people and know who’s trying to pull one over on them.
