The Jordan Harbinger Show: Episode 1027 Summary Guest: Jonna Mendez
Title: A Woman’s Life in the CIA
Release Date: August 5, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 1027 of The Jordan Harbinger Show, host Jordan Harbinger sits down with Jonna Mendez, the former Chief of Disguise for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Jonna offers an illuminating glimpse into the clandestine world of espionage, sharing her experiences as a pioneering woman in a predominantly male field and unveiling the intricate art of spycraft.

Jonna Mendez’s Early Years and CIA Entry

Jonna begins by recounting her unexpected path to the CIA. Initially envisioning a career as an English teacher, her trajectory shifted when she met her future husband, a CIA officer undercover. She explains:

"I thought I was going to end up being an English teacher... I didn't think I was going to stay in Kansas, but I thought that would be something that I'd be good at and that I'd probably end up doing."
[09:14]

Her relocation to Europe for her honeymoon thrust her into the CIA environment, leading her to transition from a secretarial role to a technical operations position. This pivotal moment is highlighted when she describes her first photography training exercise:

"That was the day that I used to say was the first day I worked for the CIA. My professional career started that day. It was a big deal."
[24:30]

Challenges as a Woman in the CIA

Navigating the CIA as a woman in the 1970s presented significant obstacles. Jonna discusses the pervasive misogyny and limited opportunities for women, emphasizing the need to prove her capabilities continually:

"The only way the way I found to get past that was to just kind of elbow my way through it, to just make a point of saying, I can do that and can I, you know, asking, can I do that?"
[16:16]

She highlights that most women remained in supportive roles, such as secretaries, due to institutional biases. Jonna's determination led her to undertake solo operations, establishing her credibility within the agency.

Spycraft and Disguise Techniques

A substantial portion of the conversation delves into the sophisticated methods of disguise and intelligence gathering employed by the CIA. Jonna shares captivating anecdotes, including an encounter with cartel members:

"I was walking down the street... I bumped into this group of guys... I thought, you know what? They just might just shoot me..."
[01:11]

She elaborates on the meticulous training involved in clandestine surveillance, such as:

"Our first course was called Airborne Platforms... Can you make out the license plate? That was just one of, you know, we were looking at railroad track signals."
[22:13]

Jonna emphasizes the importance of blending in and maintaining deniability, often utilizing local attire and behaviors to avoid detection.

Cold War Espionage and Berlin Operations

Jonna provides an evocative description of espionage activities in Cold War-era Berlin, particularly focusing on the Berlin Wall's impact on intelligence operations:

"We flew over a couple of bridges because the wall crosses a couple of bridges... It was guns emplaced. It was dogs on chains that could run a half a mile either direction."
[27:13]

She recounts the tense atmosphere and the extreme measures taken to prevent defections, highlighting the constant threat of discovery and the lengths to which the CIA went to gather vital intelligence.

Notable Operations and Anecdotes

Several compelling operations and incidents are discussed, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience required in intelligence work:

• Virginia Hall and the French Resistance: Jonna admires Virginia Hall, an American woman in the French Resistance, for her unparalleled dedication despite significant physical challenges.

"Virginia Hall was... she was such a force of wrath against the Germans... She was just hell bent."
[07:03]

• Aldrich Ames Traitor Case: She delves into the betrayal by Aldrich Ames, a high-ranking CIA officer who compromised numerous assets, leading to their execution by the Soviets.

"He was giving away every foreign asset that he had ever worked with. He gave the name to the Russians... they were all dead because of Aldrich Ames."
[18:27]

Technological Innovations in Espionage

Jonna highlights the evolution of spy technology, contrasting manual intelligence gathering methods of the past with modern advancements:

"Technology has clearly made a huge difference. It's given us opportunities to do things we never dreamed of."
[24:57]

She describes groundbreaking tools developed by the CIA, such as miniature cameras and sophisticated disguise masks, which enhanced operational effectiveness while maintaining secrecy.

Counter-Surveillance and Operational Tactics

The discussion transitions to strategies for evading surveillance and maintaining operational secrecy. Jonna shares insights into training operatives to handle tailing and surveillance efficiently:

"One way to handle it is with disguise... Deniability was what we were looking for."
[37:59]

She recounts specific tactics, like altering one’s physical appearance and behavior to throw off trackers, as well as innovative methods like using children's perceptions to detect inconsistencies in disguise.

Transitioning Out of the CIA

Jonna touches upon the complex process of retiring from the CIA, which involves severing ties with former colleagues and rebuilding personal networks:

"When you retire, you walk back through that wall, and the people on the inside stay on the inside... you end up having to start from scratch in a way."
[80:34]

She emphasizes the emotional and social challenges faced by former operatives, who often lack the support systems available to regular retirees.

Conclusion and Reflections

In closing, Jonna reflects on the enduring impact of her CIA career and the ongoing efforts to integrate more women into intelligence roles. She underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming institutional barriers and succeeding in high-stakes environments.

"Women over the years have proved them to be wrong. I don't think that that balance has been righted yet. I think it's being righted as we speak."
[16:16]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Facing Danger:
  "You just do not turn around. You just walk through them."
  [38:57]

• On Technology's Dual Nature:
  "The technology has opened up windows we never dreamed of. It's given us opportunities to do things we never dreamed of."
  [24:57]

• On Espionage Personalities:
  "You need to come in the door... You need to kind of bring that sort of a personality in with you."
  [73:47]

Key Insights

• Pioneering Women in Intelligence: Jonna’s experiences highlight the significant strides and ongoing challenges for women in intelligence agencies.

• Evolution of Spycraft: The transition from manual to technologically advanced espionage methods underscores the dynamic nature of intelligence work.

• Psychological Resilience: The ability to maintain composure under threat and navigate institutional sexism demonstrates the critical role of psychological resilience in espionage.

• Operational Secrecy and Personal Sacrifice: The intricate balance between maintaining secrecy and personal relationships reveals the profound personal costs associated with intelligence careers.

Conclusion

Jonna Mendez’s interview offers a rare and comprehensive look into the inner workings of the CIA, the evolution of espionage techniques, and the personal fortitude required to thrive in such a demanding environment. Her stories not only shed light on historical intelligence operations but also inspire future generations to pursue careers in fields that demand both intellectual rigor and unwavering dedication.

For more episodes and insights from Jonna Mendez and other fascinating guests, visit jordanharbinger.com.