A Painful Rejection

I recently had more than a year of work flushed away by a single decision at CIA. Greetings Everyday Spy, I recently had more than a year of work flushed away by a single decision at CIA. As a former clandestine officer, I swore to a secrecy agreement that binds me for life. Any time I choose to publish information pertaining to my own operational history, I have to get it formally approved by the CIA’s Publication Classification Review Board (aka: PCRB). The CIA’s Publication Review process has a mixed reputation with the general public. The purpose of the review board is to ensure classified information that could degrade US National Security never gets published in unclassified media. For any sworn officer at CIA, the process is not optional - it is mandatory and fully enforceable by law. As a result, the small PCRB review team is always busy reviewing everything from book manuscripts to public speeches...for any/every former CIA officer still alive with a public footprint. When you read about the PCRB, it is usually in a negative context… Like when Amaryllis Fox failed to get PCRB approval before publishing her book, “Life Undercover” in 2019. The most famous example of an officer bypassing the PCRB in recent history was in 2011, when CIA formally pressed charges on a former officer writing under the alias ‘Ishmael Jones.’ Jones’ book, “The Human Factor” was not only never approved, but Jones took active steps to divert book profits into charitable contributions rather than his own account. While Jones’ actions may seem generous at first glance, it also shows premeditation to circumvent CIA’s primary tool of legal retribution. I’ve had multiple projects approved by the PCRB - and I continue to work well within the boundaries of my secrecy agreement… but I have also felt their rejection. The most disappointing rejection happened on a project I’ve been building for more than a year. I was so excited to share personal lessons, insights, and experiences that you could use in your everyday life. And even though the project exposed a bit more of my operational backstory than you’ve already seen, I was confident it was within unclassified limits. Now, it is unlikely that project will ever see the light of day. My secrecy agreement forbids me from disclosing the project details to you, but I can at least disclose that the rejection happened. And that is an experience I know you understand. Because rejection is frustrating, sad, and exhausting -- but it also tests our strength and resilience. Whether you’ve been rejected by your boss, your parents, or your peers - you know the crushing weight of lost time and energy. You know the anxiety of wondering what is next. And you know the internal battle to either keep fighting or move on. I am not the type to give up, and CIA knows that… that’s one of the reasons they trained me. But I am also respectful enough to know that the PCRB is doing what they think is right. And while my feelings are valid, the fact is that [no effort is dead until we choose to let it die]( Godspeed, #EverydaySpy P.S. - [Elite operators overcome impossible odds, stress, and fear in the field. You can get the same skills today in your personal Deep Cover Platform.]( Follow @EverydaySpy on Social Media! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [Instagram]( Andrew Bustamante, Founder of EverydaySpy.com, is a former covert CIA Intelligence officer, decorated US Air Force Combat Veteran, and respected Fortune 500 senior advisor. Learn more from Andrew on his Podcast (The Everyday Espionage Podcast) and by following @EverydaySpy on your favorite social media platform. This email was sent to {EMAIL}. Don't want to receive these emails anymore? [Unsubscribe]( EverydaySpy, 411 Walnut St. #20309, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043