Darrell Blocker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Darrell Blocker
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| Central Intelligence Agency Counterterrorism Center | |
| Deputy Director | |
| President | George W. Bush |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | American |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Santa Monica, California |
| Education | University of Georgia (BA) |
| Occupation | Intelligence officer |
| Awards | Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal |
| Nickname | "The Spy Whisperer" |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1987–1990 |
| Rank |  Captain |
Darrell M. Blocker is a former American intelligence officer. He worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for 28 years. The CIA is a government agency that collects information about other countries. This information helps keep the United States safe.
During his time at the CIA, Blocker held many important jobs. These included being a deputy director of the Counterterrorism Center. He also led the Africa Division. He was known for playing music in bands while working in different countries. He retired in 2018. At that time, he was the highest-ranking Black officer in the CIA's operations division. Since 2019, Blocker has worked for a security company called MOSAIC. He also shares his knowledge as a contributor for ABC News.
In November 2020, Fox News reported that Darrell Blocker was considered for a big job. He was on a list of people who might become the Director of the CIA. This position eventually went to William J. Burns.
Darrell Blocker's Early Life
Darrell Blocker grew up in Hephzibah, Georgia. His family was part of the Air Force. Because of this, he lived in many places. These included Japan, Italy, and Texas. He also lived in Augusta, Georgia.
In Augusta, he went to Windsor Spring Elementary and Glenn Hills Junior High. He then attended Butler High School. After high school, he went to the University of Georgia. There, he sang in a church choir and a glee club. He also joined the Air Force ROTC. He earned a degree in psychology in 1984.
Darrell Blocker's Intelligence Career
Blocker started his career in the United States Air Force. He worked as an intelligence analyst. He served for four years, from 1987 to 1990. After that, he left the Air Force honorably.
Around 1990, he joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He became an operations officer. This means he worked to gather secret information. He served in many leadership roles. These included being a Chief of Station in different countries. He also became deputy director of the Counterterrorism Mission Center. Later, he led the Africa Division.
Blocker also led the CIA's training division. This training happens at Camp Peary, Virginia. It is often called "The Farm." Over his 28 years, Blocker worked in 10 different countries. Some of these were Senegal, Uganda, and Pakistan. He once said he had 27 addresses in his life. He found and worked with undercover sources. These sources provided important information about possible threats.
Blocker used music as part of his work. He started playing music for his job in Senegal in 1996. While working undercover in Uganda, he became famous. He was the lead singer of a popular local band. The band was called the "Kampala Jazz All-Stars."
In 2017, he converted to Judaism. He had started learning about it in college.
Darrell Blocker retired from the CIA in 2018. He was the most senior Black officer in the operations division. His rank was similar to a 3-star general. When he retired, he received the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal. This is a very high honor from the CIA.
Darrell Blocker's Later Career
In 2019, Blocker became the chief operating officer of MOSAIC. This is a large security company. In August 2019, he also joined ABC News. He appears on shows like Good Morning America. He shares his knowledge about Africa, Iran, and terrorism. He now lives in Santa Monica, California.
Blocker also works with the entertainment industry. He helps with projects for companies like MGM. For example, he consulted on the TV show CONDOR. This show is about a young CIA analyst.
He also helps non-profit organizations. He serves on the board of Peace4Kids. This group helps young people in foster care. He also works with HumanSlavery.com. This organization works to end exploitation.
In November 2020, Fox News reported that Blocker was considered for Director of the CIA. This is a very important job. However, William J. Burns was chosen for the role.
