US Army Counterintelligence (CI) leaders have seen increasing efforts by foreign intelligence agents to pursue access to restricted US national security information by posing online as "consulting firms, corporate recruiters, think tanks, and other seemingly legitimate companies." The recent reckless and damaging Republican Party government shutdown may have contributed to increased efforts by adversary governments to target frustrated or financially insecure government workers and service members.

Since 2021, US Army Counterintelligence Agents have conducted more than 600 national security investigations, including more than 200 currently open cases, leading to the arrests of at least 25 soldiers and former soldiers suspected of espionage. USAFOSI and NCIS conduct CI operations for the USAF and USN, and the FBI has general authority for all CONUS CII.

The top intelligence threats to US national security emanate from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Israel. CIA regards Israel as its No. 1 counterintelligence threat in the Near East Division, which is responsible for overseeing clandestine operations across the Middle East.

Except for a dark chapter investigating antiwar Samaritans during the Vietnam War, US Army Counterintelligence Agents have a rich history. During World War Two, US Army CIC Agents secured German rocket scientists from the Soviets, recovered art pilfered by the Nazis, and captured German and Japanese war criminals.

Years ago, a Soldier might report a suspicious incident to the local CI activity at his/her base.

Now, all incidents must be reported directly to Fort Meade, MD, within 24 hours.

This unprecedented step by US Army CI was a direct result of foreign adversaries immediately reaching out to Soldiers who went to food banks because of Dummkopf Trumpf and the Republican Party government shutdown.

The shutdown created a pool of potential traitors motivated by revenge, the need for money, or frustration.

"We have met the enemy and it is us."