UPCOMING MEETINGS

March 16, 2024: 

Josef “Joe” Kurlanski presenting on cyber security. 2:00 p.m.

Kennebunk High School, Economos Lecture Hall

April 20, 2024: 

Speaker: Foreign Service Officer (Ret.) Louis Sell.

May 18, 2024:  Speaker:  International Photojournalist Jonathan Alpeyrie.

June 15, 2024: 

Speaker: Ambassador R. Cekuta

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FORMER INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS

The Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) was incorporated in 1975 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-political, educational association for current and former intelligence professionals and supporters of the US intelligence community. The Association is based in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

AFIO’s mission is to build a public constituency for a sound, healthy and capable U.S. intelligence system. The focus is on education fostering an understanding of the important role of intelligence in National Security and nurtures interest by students in careers in the many fields used by U.S. Intelligence Agencies. This includes the role of supporting intelligence activities in U.S. policy, diplomacy, strategy, security, and defense.

In addition, AFIO focuses on understanding the critical need for effective counterintelligence and security against foreign, political, technological, or economic espionage, as well as covert, clandestine and overt counter-terrorist or criminal operations threatening US security, the national infrastructure or corporate and individual safety.
AFIO’s mission has special significance in today’s international diplomatic and business environments.

Membership and subscription:
To join or subscribe go to: www.afio.com

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Counterterrorism Tactics and Strategies: Navigating the Evolving Landscape.

Introduction

In the ever-shifting terrain of global security, counterterrorism remains a paramount concern for intelligence professionals. The landscape of terror threats has evolved significantly, adapting to new technologies and geopolitical changes. This article delves into the current and emerging tactics and strategies in counterterrorism, offering a comprehensive view for intelligence veterans and active professionals alike.

The Changing Face of Terrorism

Terrorism in the 21st century has transformed, with decentralized groups and lone-wolf actors replacing more structured organizations. The rise of digital platforms has enabled these actors to recruit, radicalize, and disseminate propaganda with alarming efficiency. This shift demands a reevaluation of traditional counterterrorism approaches....click here for more

THE MAINE CHAPTER MISSION STATEMENT

Our objective is to promote to the general public the importance of having an effective intelligence community for a strong first line of defense.

We accomplish this by bringing to Maine high value contemporary primary sources from the intelligence community to present their experiences about the facts behind today's media headlines.

Source priority:  Intelligence Community, Ambassadors, State Department officials, foreign nationals, and senior advisors to high echelon administration officials.

Next AFIO/Maine Meeting

May 18, 2024 - 2:00 p.m.
KENNEBUNK HIGH SCHOOL
89 Fletcher Street, Kennebunk, ME
(Directions on left side)

     The Future of the U.S. and the Western World in Today's Changing Times

The next meeting of AFIO (Association of Former Intelligence Officers) will take place on Saturday, May 18th, at 2 p.m. in Kennebunk High School's Economos Lecture Hall, located at 89 Fletcher Street.

The meeting will feature Jonathan Alpeyrie, a combat photojournalist, who was born and raised in France and has covered 14 wars to date. The program will delve into whether the US and its allies in the Western world will continue to uphold the moral high ground in the global arena.

In an era marked by rapid change and perceived decline, the world's view of us is shifting, evoking less admiration. This shift is particularly evident in the geopolitical landscape, with significant movements akin to tectonic plates: the ascendancy of Asia, Africa's shifting focus away from the West, a resurgent Russia, and a Middle East in the throes of nation-state reconfiguration. Mr. Alpeyrie will provide insights into how the US can navigate these changes, preserving its influence while adapting to evolving global dynamics. His analysis will spotlight regions such as Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, and Mexico.

The AFIO meeting is open to the public and will commence at 2 p.m. in the Economos Lecture Hall at Kennebunk High School, 89 Fletcher Street. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session.  

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