In Part One of this three-part series, hosts M. Scott Sparks and Jeremy J. Clark convene a roundtable of retired U.S. Army CW5s and senior counterintelligence (CI) professionals Glenn Jones, Shawn Michaud, Mike Dye, and Traci Goodwin for an unfiltered, practitioner-level discussion on the state of U.S. counterintelligence.

Drawing on decades of CI experience, the panel tackles audience questions spanning the recent rise in espionage arrests, persistent interagency friction, and the broader debate over whether the nation needs a more unified CI authority. The conversation explores the leadership tension between the NCSC and the FBI, examining statutory roles, operational equities, and the practical realities of execution versus oversight.

The group also weighs in on the U.S. Army’s evolving off-base search warrant authorities, discussing what they mean for commanders, CI professionals, and joint operations. A recurring theme throughout the episode is the balance between deep technical expertise and broad institutional leadership—when specialization wins, when generalist leadership matters, and how to build both within the force.

The episode closes with pragmatic “crawl, walk, run” training advice for CI practitioners and commanders alike, emphasizing disciplined fundamentals, mentorship, and operational credibility as the foundation for navigating today’s complex threat environment.

This is Part One of a candid trilogy focused on hard lessons, institutional friction, and the future direction of American CI.