Darrell Blocker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Darrell Blocker
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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, also known as "The Spy Whisperer," is a former American intelligence officer. He worked for 28 years with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which is the main spy agency for the United States.
During his career, Blocker held important jobs. He was the deputy director of the Counterterrorism Center (CTC), where he helped lead efforts to stop terrorism. He was also the Chief of the CIA's Africa Division and led the training program at Camp Peary, a secret CIA training base known as "The Farm."
Blocker was famous in the spy community for being a talented musician. He often joined bands in the countries where he was stationed. He retired in 2018 as the highest-ranking Black officer in the CIA's Directorate of Operations, the department in charge of secret missions. Today, he works as an expert for ABC News and is the chief operating officer for an intelligence company called MOSAIC.
In 2020, he was considered by President-elect Joe Biden for the job of Director of the CIA. However, the position was given to William J. Burns.
Contents
Growing Up Around the World
Darrell Blocker grew up in a military family. His father was in the Air Force, so his family moved often. He was born in Hephzibah, Georgia, but also lived in Japan, Italy, and Texas.
He went to high school in Augusta, Georgia, and then attended the University of Georgia. In college, he was very active. He sang in a church choir and a glee club. He also joined the Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps), which prepares students to become officers in the military. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in psychology.
A Career as a Spy
Blocker's career in intelligence began in the United States Air Force. He worked as an intelligence analyst for four years, from 1987 to 1990. An intelligence analyst studies information to understand threats to national security.
Joining the CIA
After leaving the Air Force, Blocker joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He became part of the Directorate of Operations, the department that handles secret missions and spying. People who work in this department are often called spies or clandestine officers.
Blocker held many important roles during his 28 years at the CIA. He was an operations officer, which meant he recruited and managed spies in other countries. He also served as a Chief of Station, the top CIA officer in a foreign country. He worked in 10 different countries, including Senegal, Uganda, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
The Spy Who Sang
One of the most interesting parts of Blocker's career was his use of music. While working undercover, he often joined local music groups. This helped him blend in and gather information without anyone knowing he was a spy.
In Uganda, he became a well-known singer in a popular band in the capital city of Kampala. This allowed him to move around the city and meet people easily, all while on a secret mission for the CIA.
High-Ranking Roles
Blocker rose to some of the highest positions in the CIA. He was the deputy director of the Counterterrorism Center, helping to protect the U.S. from terrorist threats. He also led the CIA's training division at "The Farm," where new spies are trained.
When he retired in 2018, he was the most senior Black officer in the Directorate of Operations. His rank was equal to a three-star general in the military. For his service, he received the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, one of the CIA's highest awards.
Life After the CIA
After retiring from the CIA, Blocker began a new career. In 2019, he became the chief operating officer for MOSAIC, a company that provides security and intelligence advice to other businesses.
Working in News and Entertainment
Blocker also shares his knowledge with the public. He is a contributor for ABC News, where he appears on shows like Good Morning America to talk about issues related to Africa, Iran, North Korea, and terrorism.
He also works as a consultant for the entertainment industry. He has advised on TV shows like Condor, which is about a young CIA analyst. This helps make spy stories on TV more realistic.
Helping Others
Blocker is involved with non-profit organizations. He serves on the board of Peace4Kids, which helps children in foster care. He also works with HumanSlavery.com, an organization that fights to end ....
