Ex-CIA Agent Rates All The 'Mission: Impossible' Movies | How Real Is It? | Insider

Insider・2 minutes read

Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA intelligence officer, teaches spy skills to everyday people, emphasizing realistic elements like avoiding matching gloves, using custom gear, and incorporating support elements for success in operations. He critiques Hollywood portrayals of spy tactics, highlighting the importance of practicality and strategic thinking over flashy and unrealistic scenarios.

Insights

  • Real spy operations focus on custom gear and avoiding identifiable markers like matching gloves to protect operatives' identities and prevent easy tracking if captured.
  • CIA training emphasizes practical skills like rock climbing for escape scenarios, kinetic fighting systems for self-defense, and the use of disguises with simple prosthetics for reduced risk, showcasing the blend of physical abilities and strategic thinking necessary for successful operations.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What skills does a former CIA officer teach?

    Spy skills

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Spy Skills: Realism vs Hollywood Glamour

  • Andrew Bustamante is a former CIA intelligence officer who now teaches spy skills to everyday people.
  • The NOC list in Mission Impossible stands for non-official cover, listing assets and agents worldwide.
  • Matching gloves for team members in the real world are avoided to prevent linking captured individuals.
  • Field operatives use custom-made glasses and specific gear, not off-the-shelf items like in the movies.
  • Support elements in spy operations, like belaying, are realistic and crucial for success.
  • Rock climbing is a skill CIA officers may learn for escape scenarios and personal development.
  • IMF in the movies is a contractor under the CIA, not a direct CIA organization.
  • A team composition with a professional thief is accurate in spy operations.
  • Self-destruct mechanisms like in the movies are not realistic for maintaining audit trails.
  • Disguises with simple prosthetics are preferred for reduced risk, unlike full head prosthetics.

15:36

Covert CIA weapons, kinetic fighting tactics, realism

  • CIA experimented with weapons disguised as everyday items like umbrellas, pens, and lipsticks during the Cold War era to reduce noise from suppressed rifles, but suppressing high-caliber rifles is not feasible due to complexity.
  • Training in kinetic fighting systems emphasizes targeting vulnerable spots like the throat, solar plexus, and temple with key strikes, avoiding taking turns in a two-on-one situation, and changing tactics during moments of resistance for tactical dominance.
  • Ethan's actions in a scene involving a struggle over a handgun and a quick draw with multiple opponents are critiqued for lack of realism, highlighting the importance of movement in counter-attack situations and prioritizing mission over saving others when undercover.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.