After receiving several great comments on my blog yesterday (and from my profile), I thought I would write a bit about my years working for the CIA. I should premise this by saying that I can't really say much and that it's been years since I could walk through headquarters without an escort.
My last day of work was probably one of the most difficult days of my life. For more than six years I had been a part of something truly special and unique. I worked with incredible people, faced constant challenges, and I learned more about geography and current events than I ever thought possible.
Christmas music was playing on the radio when I drove past the guards that last time, fully aware that I no longer had the necessary identification to enter the compound at will. Memories, highlights flashed through my mind, some major like the Berlin Wall coming down, others seemingly minor like eating in the Director's dining room and taking my kids to work on Family Day. Then there were the life altering events.
I was working in an outbuilding the day that a gunman walked down Wilson Boulevard outside of the CIA Headquarters building and started shooting at people who were on their way to work there. I was one of many fortunate souls who was supposed to be at a training course at headquarters that day, a course that had been canceled the night before.
The day of the Oklahoma bombing was one of terror and heartache as those of us in the intelligence community tried to analyze who had gotten by through our defenses and managed to strike on our own soil. Little did we know then that it was one of our own who had caused such death and destruction.
Patriotism ran deep when our troops went in to free occupied Kuwait. Our prayers were constant that these men and women would stay safe, that we could help keep them safe.
You may not know the people who work behind the gates at Langley, and they might not know you, but take my word for it. These people care about you and your freedoms, and they are fighting the silent wars to help keep you safe.
Recent Comments
Jenna said (9 months ago)
I'm not sure how this post escaped my radar. Very interesting! What was the path that led you to the CIA? How old were you when you worked there?
Roadkill Refugee said (about 1 year ago)
Also, I recently read "Legacy of Ashes" and found it fascinating. I was wondering if you read it and, to the extent you can comment, what you thought about it. From the reviews I read, it seems like it's generally viewed as pretty much on the money.
Roadkill Refugee said (about 1 year ago)
Very interesting stuff. Care to share your thoughts on the Valerie Plame affair or is that too close to home? Would love to hear your perspective!
Will said (about 1 year ago)
6 years. The few people I have known that worked there were career folks. I had a job for several years where I had access to lots of very tight information and people. At the time, and even now, there was lots I did not talk about so I understand. What I always found amusing was peoples reactions when they asked questions I had to skirt. I think they thought I had signed away my life or was in fear of something. The reality is that after initial education when I was first involved, there was almost no discussion about secrecy etc. I think most of us were discreet out of respect for the legions of dedicated, and hard working people who really do have the best interests of the U.S. at heart.
trysh said (about 1 year ago)
Wow! This was all the more fascinating for what it didn't say! After reading this, I'm going to have to check out your books. Thanks for the glimpse at a world most of us know very little about
nell said (about 1 year ago)
This is fascinating, but I think part of what makes it so intriguing is knowing that there are things I'll never know.
TheBitterQueen said (about 1 year ago)
What made you decide to leave the CIA? Is that too personal of a question?
momminitup said (about 1 year ago)
Wow Traci that was awesome!! I am truly thankful for all those who make such a commitment to our country's safety!
Julie@The Surrendered Scribe said (about 1 year ago)
I find this fascinating!! I devour books like this, I'll have to check yours out!
Holly said (about 1 year ago)
I used to work for the government (15 years) and had a clearance and went through guard gates and everything. It's a surreal feeling when you surrender that identification and the pass that lets you into that another world.
so grateful to be Mormon said (about 1 year ago)
good post, interesting again. you made me think of when i ended my Air Force job, how i knew i would never again be walking back through this controlled area of the flightline into our squadron (everything was behind gates and guards). haven't thought of that in a long time. i love how you are also patriotic. feelings of patriotism run STRONG in me. my military time enstilled that in me deep. thanks for sharing this post, kathleen
traciabramson said (about 1 year ago)
Actually, all of my novels that have to do with intelligence do have to go before the CIA publication review board. The reason I used Witness Protection and FBI with my first three novels is so that I could skip this step, but my next one (Freefall - Feb. 2008) went through the process. I took it as a good sign that they got it back to me within a week -- they say it usually takes about a month.
LetTheDogIn said (about 1 year ago)
Very interesting! I was wondering if your novels get a pre-publication once-over from any certain (non-literary) agents....?
traciabramson said (about 1 year ago)
I think you're all safe. I can still keep a secret, and I try to stay unarmed these days!
annettelyon said (about 1 year ago)
Me too--I love this, but I want more. But then I suppose you'd have to kill me.
Brillig said (about 1 year ago)
Fascinating, Traci! I'm of course dying for more details--you know, the ones you say that you're not allowed to talk about. :-D Awesome post.
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traciabramson said (9 months ago)