You are cordially invited to join the PIPS Alumni Network and the OSS Society at the historic Cosmos Club on Thursday, October 5th from 6:00 to 9:30 pm for a fireside conversation to discuss Dr. Mike Vickers’s new memoir, By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Special Operations, Intelligence, and Strategy.
A Green Beret with an expertise in conventional weapons, Michael Vickers moved to CIA and was quickly charged with architecting “Charlie Wilson’s War,” the CIA’s secret war against the Soviets in Afghanistan. After inheriting a strategy aimed at imposing costs on the Soviets for their invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, Vickers transformed the covert campaign into an all-out effort to help the Afghan resistance win their war. More than any other American, he was responsible for the outcome in Afghanistan that led to the end of the Cold War.
Vickers' new book recounts his remarkable career, from his days as a Green Beret to his vision for victory in Afghanistan to his role in waging America’s war with al-Qa’ida at the highest levels of government. In captivating detail, he depicts his years in the Special Forces—including his training to parachute behind enemy lines with a backpack nuclear weapon in the event of a Soviet invasion of Western Europe—and reveals how those experiences directly influenced his approach to shaping policy. With one of the most fascinating careers in Washington to date, Vickers has played a significant role in most of the military and intelligence operations of the past four decades. Join us for a fascinating discussion as he offers a deeply informed analysis of the greatest challenges facing America today, and in the decades ahead.
Jim Thomas, William & Mary alumnus and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Resources and Plans (policy oversight of strategy, capabilities, and war plans) will moderate the conversation and questions from the audience.
Attendees will receive a signed copy of Dr. Vickers new book By All Means Available. A cocktail hour with light hors d'oeuvres will follow the program. This event has limited seating and early registration is recommended.