shelf life Spies Among Us Henry A. Crumpton’s (’78 BA) first book reveals the modus operandi of a legendary spy. The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA’s Clandestine Service. The Penguin Press, 2012. Crumpton is the man whom George W. Bush approached in the days immediately following the 9/11 attacks, put an arm on his shoulder, and said, “Go get ‘em.” The President was referring to al Qaeda. Crumpton replied, “Yes, sir.” And, much to the surprise of the enemy, he did. Crumpton, a former CIA operations officer, led the agency’s global covert operations against the Taliban regime, forming a secret alliance with Afgan tribal leaders and killing large numbers of al Qaeda. He accomplished this with fewer than 500 Americans on the ground in Afghanistan and in less than 90 days after September 11, 2001. The Art of Intelligence recounts key moments and missions in Crumpton’s 24-year career with the CIA—from his espionage beginnings in Africa to his FBI assignment to being the deputy director of the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center to running all clandestine CIA operations in the United States. He has done it all with unwavering devotion to his country.
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On May 24, Henry Crumpton visited the National Museum of Nuclear History and Science in Albuquerque for a book signing and discussion. He told the crowd gathered there about the paradox that was central to his career: How he values virtue above all other qualities while his job as a spy required him to, at times, lie, cheat, and kill. But despite the huge
Henry A. Crumpton discusses The Art of Intelligence at the National Museum of Nuclear History and Science.
challenges posed during his service, he said he has never regretted his decision to become a spy. Indeed, he has loved every minute of it. Crumpton is now chairman and CEO of Crumpton Group, LLC, a strategic international advisory and business development firm.