The Langley Files: CIA's Podcast FILE 013: PART II - The Side of the Argo Mission You’ve Never Heard – Exfiltration
Sep 14, 2023
Ed Johnson, a CIA exfiltration specialist who served as the second officer on the Argo mission, offers first-person recollections. Brent, the CIA in-house historian, supplies archival context and narration. They unpack training six inexperienced Americans as a fake film crew, last-minute passport and stamp improvisations in Tehran, tense checkpoint moments, and surprising coincidences aboard the escape flight.
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Two Officers Went Into Tehran As Filmmakers
- Tony Mendez and Ed Johnson covertly entered Tehran posing as a Canadian film crew to rendezvous with six Americans sheltered by the Canadian embassy.
- They carried authentic Canadian passports, false biographies, and props created with Hollywood makeup artist John Chambers to sell the cover in-country.
Choose Simple Familiar Covers For Rookies
- A convincing cover must be simple and familiar so untrained people can adopt it quickly under stress.
- Tony and Ed chose a Hollywood film crew because everyone recognizes that persona, then gave the six State officers written backstories and role-specific props to study.
Prepare Rookies With A Compact Persona Package
- Prepare improvised operatives with a compact package: documents, props, and persona coaching to build confidence quickly.
- Tony and Ed used scripts, satchels, Studio 6 logos, notepads, and role rehearsals during a single-night prep.