From a reader of my Scripps column on what’s wrong at the CIA and State:

clifford…when i was in Cambodia in the mid-seventies, an ‘attache’ at the embassy approached me for info on what was going on out in the outlying towns…Battambang, Seam Riap and other places. i flew DC3’s for a civilian airline hauling cargo, but why he asked ME, i didn’t know until i talked to the chief pilot. he said those types were AFRAID to go out into the field, and needed grist for their reports back to Langley. i don’t think it has EVER CHANGED IN THE LAST THIRTY YEARS. if you want to make it in the agency or state dept, i think you have to go along to get a leg up. you got ‘em pegged.