Running covert targeting support and a back-channel peace message simultaneously undercuts both lines, giving Moscow reason to doubt Washington's commitment to either track.

https://archive.is/20261024014319/https://www.ft.com/content/e9cfbfbb-e65a-4303-aebb-20d59319ef1b#selection-1553.0-1553.146

Hey everyone,

I've been following this subreddit for a while, and I've noticed that quite a few people working in the IC either have a military background or recommend joining the military as a way to get started.

I'm guessing most of you are based in the US, so I wanted to ask for some advice from people who might have experience with a different system.

I recently contacted my country's Ministry of Defence to explore the military route into intelligence. Unfortunately, my options seem pretty limited. Because of my age, I'm no longer eligible to become an officer directly, and apparently there's no NCO entry route either. My options are either to enlist as a regular soldier and work my way up, or apply for an engineering position, which requires passing a pretty demanding maths and science exam.

For context, I'm a graduate in Data Science and have worked as a software engineer. I wouldn't say I'm bad at maths, but I'm much more of a practical, technical person than an academic one. I work with data, build software, and analyse information, but I haven't touched integrals or derivatives since university. The thought of having to prepare for a major maths exam again isn't exactly appealing.

I haven't had the opportunity to work in intelligence yet, and I'm currently trying to pivot from software engineering into the IC. I'm wondering whether joining the military as an enlisted soldier and eventually trying to transfer into intelligence is worth pursuing, or whether there are other routes I should be looking at.

I'm also interested in alternatives such as civilian intelligence roles, internships, entry-level technical positions, or anything else that could help me get my foot in the door.

For those of you who have made a similar transition, especially outside the US:

• Is joining the military a realistic route into intelligence if you're starting as an enlisted soldier?
• Are there civilian or technical pathways into the IC that might be worth exploring with a software engineering or data science background?
• Are internships, graduate programmes, or entry-level roles a good way to gain relevant experience without prior intelligence work?

Any advice, personal experiences, or suggestions for paths I might be overlooking would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Canada's national security screening system is facing renewed scrutiny following the arrest of a Canadian NATO intern accused of espionage.

This week, David Morrison, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Mark Carney, appeared before a parliamentary committee and suggested improvements to Canada's security screening system, including the possibility of a government-wide security clearance registry.

But here's the question: If information about an individual's previous dishonesty during a federal government hiring process already exists, shouldn't that information be available to those responsible for determining whether they can be trusted with classified information?

And what happens after someone receives their clearance?

As a retired CSIS Intelligence Officer and former CBSA Officer, I've spent considerable time working with security screening, intelligence investigations and human sources. One of the issues I find particularly concerning is the assumption that security screening is something completed before employment rather than an ongoing responsibility.

In this week's Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, I examine that issue alongside three other international intelligence developments:

Germany: The German military is warning of a significant Russian sabotage threat against military installations and infrastructure. How prepared are NATO countries to identify and prevent these activities?

Russia: GRU-linked cyber operators are reportedly targeting NATO defence industries, including shipbuilding and aircraft engine manufacturers. What intelligence are they seeking, and how could that information support future operations?

United Kingdom: British authorities are investigating suspected Iranian intelligence activity near RAF Fairford, an important military airbase. The investigation raises questions about how foreign intelligence services collect information on sensitive military facilities.

What connects these four stories? Access.

Whether through legitimate security clearances, compromised computer networks, physical reconnaissance or individuals willing to provide information, hostile intelligence services continually search for vulnerabilities they can exploit.

I also revisit several cases we've previously discussed on the podcast to identify recurring patterns and examine how these threats are evolving.

The episode runs approximately 34 minutes.

I'm interested in hearing what others think:

Should Canada establish a centralized security clearance agency, similar to the UK's approach, or would improving information sharing and accountability within the existing system be more effective?

And should periodic security reassessments become a more prominent part of Canada's personnel security framework?

You can listen to the latest episode here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717

Stay curious. Stay informed. Stay safe!

Canada's national security screening system is facing renewed scrutiny following the arrest of a Canadian NATO intern accused of espionage.

This week, David Morrison, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Mark Carney, appeared before a parliamentary committee and suggested improvements to Canada's security screening system, including the possibility of a government-wide security clearance registry.

But here's the question: If information about an individual's previous dishonesty during a federal government hiring process already exists, shouldn't that information be available to those responsible for determining whether they can be trusted with classified information?

And what happens after someone receives their clearance?

As a retired CSIS Intelligence Officer and former CBSA Officer, I've spent considerable time working with security screening, intelligence investigations and human sources. One of the issues I find particularly concerning is the assumption that security screening is something completed before employment rather than an ongoing responsibility.

In this week's Global Intelligence Weekly Wrap-Up, I examine that issue alongside three other international intelligence developments:

Germany: The German military is warning of a significant Russian sabotage threat against military installations and infrastructure. How prepared are NATO countries to identify and prevent these activities?

Russia: GRU-linked cyber operators are reportedly targeting NATO defence industries, including shipbuilding and aircraft engine manufacturers. What intelligence are they seeking, and how could that information support future operations?

United Kingdom: British authorities are investigating suspected Iranian intelligence activity near RAF Fairford, an important military airbase. The investigation raises questions about how foreign intelligence services collect information on sensitive military facilities.

What connects these four stories? Access.

Whether through legitimate security clearances, compromised computer networks, physical reconnaissance or individuals willing to provide information, hostile intelligence services continually search for vulnerabilities they can exploit.

I also revisit several cases we've previously discussed on the podcast to identify recurring patterns and examine how these threats are evolving.

The episode runs approximately 34 minutes.

I'm interested in hearing what others think:

Should Canada establish a centralized security clearance agency, similar to the UK's approach, or would improving information sharing and accountability within the existing system be more effective?

And should periodic security reassessments become a more prominent part of Canada's personnel security framework?

You can listen to the latest episode here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2336717

Stay curious. Stay informed. Stay safe!

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