Cloak and Dagger Boys in Our Midst: Sex and Security
Abstract
This essay examines sex as a weapon in the covert collection of intelligence information during the Cold War. The focus is on how military personnel or civilians closely associated with the military are subject to entrapment in a sex-security case. These people are prime targets of enemy agents seeking intelligence. Soviet intelligence agencies study closely the life history of a potential informant, including his or her character traits, weaknesses and vices, and intimate life and friendships. When an Achilles heel such as avarice or alcoholism is found, it is exploited to the fullest. Sex is a weapon in target exploitation, yet it is a subject that is almost never alluded to and seldom discussed. Sex has been used as a weapon throughout recorded history, but especially in the Cold War struggle between East and West. The Soviets have had no inhibitions about employing sex to aid in subverting the West. For its part, the West is reluctant to admit to the use of sex as a Cold War weapon. This essay presents numerous cases of sex being used in espionage during the Cold War, including the case of Col. Patrick Hayes, the John D. Profumo case, the case of British homosexual William Vassall, and the case of William M. Martin and Bernon F. Mitchell.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 22, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA488087
Entities
People
- William D. Neale
Organizations
- United States Army War College