From Illinois to the CIA

• 💡 Mike Croissant's journey began in a small Illinois town, fostering early interests in current events and patriotism.
• 🧠 His academic path focused on the former Soviet Union, leading to degrees in political science and history and publishing two books on the Caucasus and Caspian Sea.
• ✅ Recruited by the CIA in 1999, he started as a political analyst for Uzbekistan.

9/11 and Evolving Threats

• 🚨 On 9/11, Croissant was at CIA headquarters, witnessing Uzbekistan transform from a backwater to a frontline state in the War on Terror.
• ⚠️ Post-9/11, he dealt with terrifying reports of follow-on attacks, including WMD threats in Washington D.C., and the anthrax attacks.
• 🧠 Analytical writing at the CIA is extremely concise, boiling complex problems into easily understandable conclusions for policymakers.

Counterterrorism Operations

• 🚀 Transitioning to overseas work, Croissant became involved in counterterrorism, including a dramatic Easter manhunt for a Taliban-linked extremist in a former Soviet republic.
• 🎯 As a targeting officer in South Asia, he developed packages to neutralize or recruit individuals and warned about rising extremist groups.
• ✅ He played a role in disrupting a New York City subway terror plot in 2015-16, emphasizing the ongoing threats to the homeland.

Dismantling Terror Financing & Afghanistan

• 💰 Croissant led a multi-year operation to dismantle a Taliban financing network in the Gulf region, disrupting a major source of funds.
• 💔 The Afghanistan withdrawal in the final weeks of his career caused significant moral injury, impacting his view of America's reputation and commitment to allies.
• 🤝 Post-retirement, he volunteers with Badger 6 to support Afghan partners, finding renewed purpose and healing.

"Bombing Hitler's Hometown"

• 📚 His book, "Bombing Hitler's Hometown," explores a family mystery about his uncle, a WWII bombardier, and his missions.
• 🔍 The book focuses on a devastating 1945 mission over Linz, Austria (Hitler's hometown), detailing the intense German defenses and heavy American losses.
• 👏 Croissant interviewed over 50 veterans, capturing their vivid, often untold stories of combat and the profound impact of their service, honoring their sacrifice.

Post-Retirement and Future Endeavors

• 💼 After retiring, Croissant works in risk management in Houston, applying his intelligence background to the private sector.
• 🇺🇦 He is interested in writing about the Battle of Kyiv, specifically the initial Russian attempts to take the city and the Ukrainian defense.
• 🎶 Croissant also contemplates an autobiography told through the lens of music, reflecting on his CIA career with humor.