Advance Praise for
SURVIVE LIKE A SPY
You never know when you will suddenly be confronted by a do or die situation. None of us can. Jasons unique collection of such incidents are recounted by real CIA covert operations officers. And intriguing and fascinating as they are, their greatest value is in giving you insight into the way of thinking and reacting that these covert operators demonstrate. Just one story could save your life.
Peter Earnest, executive director of the International Spy Museum and former CIA clandestine service officer
In the past fifty years, I have conducted leadership development workshops for over 100,000 leaders in Russia, Europe, the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Australia. I can confirm that whether you travel around the world or just in the United States, this is a must-have book for surviving in todays world. Every American can benefit from this book and it should be mandatory reading for staying safe.
Peter A. Land, Colonel USAF (Ret.), former director of management consultation, United States Air Force
Survive Like a Spy is both a thrilling read and a primer full of lifesaving tactics. Its a rare chance you get to learn from the best CIA operatives on how to stay alive in the crazy world we live in, which is why I highly recommend this book.
Alain Burrese, former Army sniper and author of Survivea Shooting
As someone whos worked operations with the CIA, I can tell you that Jason and his team are the real deal and that youll absolutely learn many life-saving skills in this book. In fact, I cant believe the CIA let Jason share some of these stories.
Cade Courtley, former Navy SEAL and author of Seal Survival Guide
I attest to the life-saving techniques presented in this book. I have relied on the tradecraft skills disclosed in this book to keep me alive and out of foreign prisons. I have conducted operations with the operatives who have shared their stories in this book, and as amazing as it sounds, this book presents factual and accurate methods used by intelligence operatives.
Michael D., former clandestine operations officer, CIA, NSA, DIA
Survive Like a Spy is an incredible survival book. Even though Im a Marine, retired police officer, and black belt, I learned spy survival tricks that I can add to my arsenal.
Danny Lane, ninth degree black belt master and founder of the World Martial Arts Centers and the World Martial Arts Federation
Great tips on staying safe from a former CIA officer. This book is a good addition to the library of anyone who wants to keep themselves and their families out of trouble.
Colonel Scott Hovis, United States Army
Praise for Jason Hanson
When I first met Jason Hanson while he was pitching me his business on Shark Tank, I knew that his company was going to be a winnerand more importantly that I might learn some tips that could one day save my life!
Daymond John, star of ABCs Shark Tank
Jason Hanson has forgotten more tradecraft than most will ever know.
Rorke Denver, Navy SEAL and New York Times bestselling author of Damn Few
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Copyright 2018 by Jason Hanson
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Ebook ISBN 9781524705251
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. If legal advice or any type of assistance is needed, please seek the services of a competent professional. All technical information, instruction, and advice reflect the beliefs of Jason R. Hanson and are intended as informational only. This publication is not intended to serve as a replacement for professional instruction. By reading this publication, you assume all risks if you choose to practice any of the training described herein. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Jason R. Hanson from any and all such claims and damages as a result of reading this publication, which is for informational purposes only.
This does not constitute an official release of CIA information. All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or any other U.S. government agency. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying U.S. government authentication of information or CIA endorsement of the authors views. This material has been reviewed solely for classification.
While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers, Internet addresses, and other contact information at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors, or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
Cover design: Eric Fuentecilla
Cover image: Beniot Daoust / Shutterstock
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DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to my wife Amanda and our kids.
(Im not going to name our kids because Im not sure which ones were going to keep.)
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Real World of CIA Operatives
In the world where Im about to take you, everything might appear completely ordinary... at first.
At a fine French restaurant in a big city, two academic types are sharing an elaborate meal and an expensive bottle of wine. Theyre both wearing nice suits and appear polished and sophisticated. They might be chatting about their research or celebrating a promotion.
On a sweltering hot day in a city in southern Asia, an American tourist casually poses in front of a fountain while his taxi driver snaps a couple of quick pictures. The tourist gets back into the taxi and waits patiently in the heat for the traffic to thin out just like everyone else.
Theres nothing particularly out of the ordinary about the two scenarios Ive just outlineda couple of professors sharing a meal, and a tourist posing for a picture. Chances are, if you were passing by you wouldnt have noticed anything strange about either of these situations. But in the real world of spies, things arent always what they seem. If you were trained in the art of espionage tradecraft you might have picked up on a few curious details. For example, its a bit odd that the tourist got out of the taxi to pose for a picture in the middle of a traffic jamespecially since there was nothing at all remarkable about that fountain. Whats actually more interesting is the building behind the fountain. If you looked more closely, you would see that it is under the protection of heavily armed guards.
Theres something different about those two academics too. If you had been sitting in the park just a few blocks from the restaurant, you may have noticed one of them strolling through on his way to dinner. If you were paying attention, you might have seen him slow down just slightly as he passed by a particular bench. Its unlikely you would have caught it because hes been well trained, but he quickly scanned the side of the bench looking for a small tack. It wasnt there, so that meant the meeting with his case officer was still on and he proceeded to the restaurant.