Secrets of the Forest: The OSS Training Camp at Prince William Forest Park
Two wooden cabins shaded by a green summer forest Cabins in A Unit in Cabin Camp 3 All of the historic cabin camps located within the park were constructed by…
U.S. Coffee Rationing in World War II
During World War II, the United States implemented coffee rationing as part of the broader war effort and conservation measures. The rationing of various goods, including coffee, was necessary to…
The Art of Perception: Musashi’s Teachings on Situational Awareness
The Miyamoto Musashi Budokan in Ōhara-chō (Mimasaka), Okayama Prefecture, Japan, 利用者:663highland / CC BY 2.5. “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.” — Miyamoto Musashi, “The Book of…
Tony Mendez: A CIA Master of Disguise and Deception
Then-President Jimmy Carter (right) congratulates CIA officer Tony Mendez (left) on his successful Argo operation during Iran Hostage Crisis, 1980. Central Intelligence Agency. All warfare is based on deception.” —…
The Way is in Training: Embracing Musashi’s Path to Enlightenment
The famous duel between the sword master Miyamoto Musashi (left) and Sasaki Kojiro (Ganryu) at Ganryu-jima island. Yoshifusa Utagawa, 1843. The purpose of today’s training is to defeat yesterday’s understanding.…
Vodka: The Spirit of Versatility
Dirty vodka martini made with Queen Creek Olive Mill Spanish Fly Martini Mix and Pimento Stuffed Olives. Olive brine adds saltiness and acidity to martini. Photo: Queen Creek Olive Mill.…
Cuban Spies Among Us: The FBI’s Hunt for Castro’s Mole
South courtyard of the Harry S. Truman Building in Washington, D.C., headquarters of the United States Department of State, where Cuban spy Kendall Myers worked. Photo from Highsmith (Carol M.)…
Colonel “Mad Mike” Hoare: The Legendary Mercenary
Chris Hoare, left, with his father, Mike Hoare, and the biography he wrote on Mike Hoare. Durban, South Africa, June 2018. Photo by Roy Reed / CC BY-SA 4.0. Colonel…
Operation Sauerkraut: OSS’s Use of German POWs to Spread Propaganda
Collage of various gummed labels often carried and distributed by OSS agents All warfare is based on deception.” — Sun Tzu, “The Art of War.” Operation Sauerkraut was a series…
The Safari Club: Covert Operations in Cold War Africa
Adnan Khashoggi’s Mount Kenya Safari Club, from which the alliance derives its name. Attribution: Collectie Wereldmuseum (v/h Tropenmuseum), part of the National Museum of World Cultures / CC BY-SA 3.0.…