Larry C. Johnson Former Central Intelligence Agency analyst Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military and Intelligence Career
3. Counterterrorism and Private Consulting
4. Media Presence and Political Commentary

Early Life and Education

Born in 1952, Larry Johnson embarked on his educational journey by pursuing a Bachelor's degree in American Studies at the University of Minnesota. In 1979, he relocated to Washington, D.C., to further his studies at the American University. Johnson successfully completed the required coursework but never submitted his dissertation.

Military and Intelligence Career

From 1983to 1985, Johnson served in Latin America before joining the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)in 1985with a letter of recommendation from Senator Orrin Hatch. Following a year of training, including time in Afghanistan, he was assigned to the CIA's Caribbean Branch of the Latin America Division. His exceptional performance earned him two major awards and a promotion to Chief Regional Analyst for Central America. Johnson left the CIA in October 1989.

Counterterrorism and Private Consulting

After departing the CIA, Johnson joined the State Department's Office of Counter Terrorismin October 1989. He served until October 1993, playing a key role in launching the "Terrorism Rewards" program and managing crises such as hostage-taking in Lebanon and the Lockerbie bombing.

In October 1993, Johnson transitioned to private consulting and founded BERG Associates, LLC. He is recognized as an expert in counterterrorism, aviation security, risk management, crisis management, and anti-money laundering.

Media Presence and Political Commentary

Johnson co-founded the online project "No Quarter"in 2000. It became "Best Political Blog of the Year" in 2008. He has regularly appeared as a news analyst on CNN, CBS, BBC, MSNBC, NBC, and NPR. Fox News hired Johnson as a political analyst in 2002, but the contract was not renewed after a year.

By 2000, Johnson identified as a strong Republican supporter of President George Bush. However, by 2003, his views shifted, and he became a vocal critic of the Bush administration, particularly regarding the invasion of Iraq and the Valerie Plame scandal, involving a former CIA colleague.

Johnson's commentary on current events and intelligence issues has gained significant attention, including his insights on the Plame affair (which led to his testimony), the Mary McCarthy case, and the resignation of CIA Director Porter Goss.