LEAP – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

One-on-One with Jim Olson: LEAP Students Dive into the World of Counterintelligence

By Quinn Kobrin

In a continuation of the LEAP Center’s Facebook one-on-one series, Professor Yawn interviewed Professor Jim Olson about his life during and after his career as a CIA case officer. This having been my first time hearing Mr. Olson speak, I was astounded at how little I knew about the world of counterintelligence.

Olson began the conversation with a definition of counterintelligence. He explained that its purpose is to protect the United States from other nations who may try to steal our secrets and technology. Much to my surprise, he told us that there are approximately 80 countries spying on us right now.

The conversation then turned to Olson’s 31-year career in the Clandestine Service. He was asked about his cover identity, which he could not share in great detail, but he explained that when he was in another nation, he would often have a cover as a U.S. diplomat, so he would have diplomatic immunity if he got into trouble. Sometimes, however, he was in other countries without working as a diplomat, and therefore would be subject to that country’s justice system if he were caught.

He shared that he and his wife – also a case officer within the CIA – never anticipated to come out from their cover identities, because doing so posed a threat to themselves and to their family. However, he was approached by President George H.W. Bush and George Tenet (former Director Central Intelligence) to work at the Bush School of Public Service. Olson was excited for the opportunity, but there is a CIA policy that does not allow officers to go onto college campuses covertly (which was news to me). So, he was forced to give up his cover.

In a similar vein, he was asked about how he and his wife broke the news to their children that they were officers in the CIA, and how they took it. Apparently, when he was stationed in Vienna, terrorists managed to get ahold of his address and sent him a death threat. They decided to tell their oldest son, who was sixteen at the time, and asked him to look after his siblings. As each of their children learned, he said, they took the information in with a sense of pride. He told us that each of his children has now gone on to pursue a career in the service of others.

Next he discussed CIA recruitment methods. We learned that the CIA seeks out a variety of candidates who may be cut out for a career as a case officer. Mainly, they are looking for character; they want recruits who are reliable and trustworthy.

To prepare for a career in the Clandestine Service (one of the most commonly asked questions of the event) Olson said that a bachelor’s degree usually would not be enough, and that students should aim to get a graduate degree of some kind. He suggested learning new languages, taking on roles of leadership, and working in positions that might allow you to travel abroad.

On the subject of character, he spoke briefly about some former CIA officers who betrayed the United States. He spoke vehemently about his former colleague Aldrich “Rick” Ames, who he considers the worst traitor to the country for turning over to the KGB. He explained that Ames had identified Russians who were working for the CIA to the KGB, which led to their imprisonment or execution.

To wrap up the session, we asked Olson what he wanted people to know about the CIA. He explained that CIA case officers are public servants. They do not do what they do for money, power, prestige, or status. They do what they do with honorable intentions.

It was a great experience to hear Mr. Olson speak live, and I look forward to reading his book, To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence!

Eisenhower on Eisenhower: Susan Eisenhower Discusses Her Grandfather’s Life and Leadership

Despite all of the challenges of COVID-19, the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics continues to provide engaging and interesting learning opportunities for students. Most recently, students were able to watch a Facebook live interview with President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s granddaughter, Susan Eisenhower, where she discussed her grandfather’s leadership in World War II and as president. Author of the biography How Ike Led, she had much to share about his life and overall legacy.

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The interview began with a look at President Eisenhower’s role in D-Day,

liberating Europe from Nazi rule, and his handling of the discovery of concentration camps. It was explained that Eisenhower opted for a broad, slow advance to defeat the Nazi empire, rather than a fast and hasty one. He wanted to bring an end to the regime, and prevent it from rising to power again, and for his approach he was criticized by some who wanted a quicker–but riskier–approach.

In spite of his critics, this slow advance would be an important factor that led to the discovery of concentration camps. When he learned of the atrocities, he took it upon himself to examine every corner of the camps to understand what had happened and how it had come to pass.

She told us that he then issued orders for as many people as possible to document and bear witness to the camps. He brought in journalists, elected officials, and everyone fighting on the front lines.

He then had townspeople from surrounding areas marched through to see what their denial and willful ignorance had led to, and many were made to give burials to the deceased.

As she discussed the importance of Eisenhower’s foresight, and how he was able to anticipate that many people would not believe what had happened in the camps, Susan Eisenhower reminded us that Germany is one of the few countries in the world with zero tolerance of Holocaust denial. LEAP ambassadors learned about Germany’s efforts to reverse the wrongs of the Holocaust and its lingering effects earlier this year.

As the discussion transitioned to Eisenhower’s post-war service, I learned several interesting facts about his commitment to service and duty…

Apparently, on more than one occasion, President Truman offered not to run for reelection after his term, and instead let Eisenhower run for the Democratic nomination. Eisenhower refused each time because he was not in search of power. His granddaughter reminded us that he had wielded more power than most other leaders during World War II, and did not want run for president except when he felt it was his absolutely duty to do so.

A few other aspects of his commitment to duty were his refusal to wear a helmet because they should only be worn by those serving in combat, and his refusal to accept the Congressional Medal of Honor for the same reason – it was meant for those who had shown valor in combat.

The conversation then pivoted to Eisenhower’s leadership style as president of the United States. It was made clear that he did not engage in personal attacks; he was strategic and methodical in his political approach. When dealing with Senator McCarthy and his infamous hearings, Eisenhower did not call him out directly. Instead, he gave speeches about what American democracy should look like, insisted on televising the outrageous investigations, and let the Senate come to censure McCarthy on their own.

President Eisenhower also suffered no nonsense when it came to dealing with issues of race. As LEAP ambassadors learned in January of this year, the governor of Arkansas – Orval Faubus – dragged his feet in complying with the decision of Brown v. Board of Education, and made every effort to not desegregate schools. In response to this, Eisenhower mobilized the Arkansas National Guard and deployed 101^st Airborne (paratroopers he had commanded on D-Day) to protect a group of African American students, immortalized in history as the “Little Rock Nine,” as they desegregated Little Rock Central High.

Susan Eisenhower then spoke about how her grandfather was a leader through study and discipline, and was naturally empathetic. He knew what people needed to hear, and tried to be relatable and genuine whenever he could. We saw a picture of him speaking with members of the 101^st Airborne Division prior to D-Day and were told that he was discussing fly-fishing techniques with Lt. Wallace Strobel, rather than giving a pep talk about their mission. He wanted to remind them of their humanity.

Finally, President Eisenhower’s legacy of leadership and empathy are embodied eternally in Norman Rockwell’s portraits of him, which at various times depict him both serious and smiling. As his granddaughter explained, the big, toothy grin we saw was his trademark smile, as he was generally in good spirits around his family.

As the meeting came to a close, Susan Eisenhower reminded us that we will “be better as people if we can understand the views of those who come from…different backgrounds,” encouraging us to be ‘like Ike’ when it came to how we view and deal with those who are different than us.

This interview was so interesting and informative, and we were incredibly lucky to hear from Susan Eisenhower. We are grateful for her time and insight, and look forward to the possibility of meeting her in person someday soon.

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Austin and Internships

The Texas legislature only meets once every two years, and some feel that “no man or beast is safe when the legislature is in session.” But for a select group of SHSU students, the legislative session poses the opportunity for a Sam Houston Austin Internship.

Day 1:

Thus it was that five students embarked to Austin early this week, with the hopes of landing an internship in a legislative office. The students were some of the 30-plus students who applied for the SHAIP Internships, and approximately half of those selected to interview in Austin.

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In all ten students were selected to interview with eleven offices. Two of these students have already been placed; three more are coming later this week; and the five of us are hoping for the best.

Our schedule is grueling but rewarding: up before 6am, dressed in suits, and a schedule of four interviews, each lasting two hours. It was a day of stress, but you wouldn’t know by the happy smiles we wore as we arrived at the Texas Capitol…

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The end to the day’s interviews brought on a sense of contentment and relief, and we were smiled up again as we toured the Capitol building.

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As the afternoon gave way to the evening, we met with SHAIP alumni (Christina Perez and Ariel Leaf) at The Clay Pit for a fabulous dinner. For most of us, it was the first time to try various dishes…

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…but we did a great job of coming close to finishing things and being adventurous. And we also tried to wisely use our time with Christina and Ariel; learning as much about the process as possible. By the end of the evening, we felt more comfortable about the internship logistics and also felt we had made new friends!

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With additional interviews scheduled for the next day, we returned to the hotel, prepared to study and sleep.

Day 2:

The second day was a bit more eventful. There were fewer interviews, so the students with the later interviews had the special opportunity to tour the Texas State University System’s new headquarters in O. Henry Hall.

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The building is beautiful! Built between 1877-1881, the structure was designed by architect James Hill–whose work is notably diverse–and he managed to make this a unique structure in the City of Austin. Construction occurred under the supervision of Abner Cook, who also designed the Governor’s Mansion and was the Director of TDCJ during its early years. It was designed as a courthouse and post office.

Its name derives from the fact that O. Henry (William Sydney Porter) was tried in this building in 1898 for embezzlement. O’Henry was convicted, and he spent time in jail. But today the building, his nearby home, and dozens of short story extend his legacy.

The building’s interior is as impressive as its exterior. With Vice-Chancellor Sean Cunningham as a tour guide…

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…we had many chances to explore.

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A highlight was meeting many of the staff, such as Candice Woodruff, Pierce Mitchell, and Chancellor Brian McCall. Indeed, Cunningham and McCall agreed to a photo with us, and two of us had the chance to stand with replicas of Sam Houston’s cane!

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The tour was informative and enlightening, and it helped us feel more a part of a larger process. It was also a great way to occupy our minds while our afternoon interviews awaited. We were grateful that the TSUS office thought of us, and appreciative we were at a University and a System where students can receive this type of support.

The afternoon brought an end to our interviews, and we headed back to Huntsville. A final wave of students will interview later this week, and placements should be made over the weekend or, at the latest, Monday. Until then, we will be grateful for the opportunity and reflect on all that we have learned and experienced!

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Ambling through Amarillo

The LEAP Ambassadors don’t always have the pleasure to add new places to the LEAP map, but this year has been different. In the 11 years that LEAP has been a Center, the Ambassadors never traveled to Palo Duro Canyon. But today the Leapsters reached yet another milestone in traveling to the Texas Panhandle.

Hiking at Palo Duro Canyon State Park by Christina Perez

The alarm clock rang at 5am and we jumped out of bed ready to conquer the exciting day ahead. First stop, Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas. We had one goal in mind and that was to hike all the way to the famous Lighthouse rock 3 miles one way into the park. Without further ado, we stepped off the van with a backpack full of water and hearts full of motivation. It was exciting for all the Ambassadors and especially so for Bianca and Victoria, as it was their first LEAP hike.