Gary Berntsen

Gary Berntsen is a recently retired twenty-three-year Veteran of CIA’s Clandestine Service and the best-selling author of "Jawbreaker: The Attack on Bin Laden and Al Qaida." As one of CIA’s most decorated officers, Berntsen led many of the Central Intelligence Agency’s most important counterterrorist deployments and served as a Senior CIA Field Commander for a decade across various global regions including the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America, and the Balkans. Recent reports confirm that Paramount Pictures has purchased the option for "Jawbreaker."

Selected to lead CIA’s deployment after the East Africa bombings and then again in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Berntsen was pivotal in confronting al Qaeda and the Taliban, playing a significant role in the United States' victory in Afghanistan. His extensive experience in intelligence, counterterrorism, and foreign affairs equips him to provide a dynamic and informed perspective on our ongoing struggle with Jihadist terrorists.

Berntsen's leadership skills were recognized by the CIA with the award of the Distinguished Intelligence Medal in 1998 and the Intelligence Star in 2004. In 2006, he received the first William F. Buckley Award for Leadership from Intelcon. His ability to lead under adverse conditions has inspired many in the intelligence and military communities. Berntsen has made numerous appearances on national television and radio, being interviewed by figures such as Tim Russert and Bill O'Reilly. He continued to contribute to literature and policy discussions with the release of his first fiction book, "The Walk-In," in August 2008, and "Human Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and National Leadership: A Practical Guide," published in November 2008.

Central to Berntsen's presentations are themes of leadership, overcoming obstacles, and inspiring others. His books and public appearances continue to contribute to discussions on intelligence and counterterrorism operations. As he remains actively involved in providing opinions and analysis to news media and various government entities, his firsthand experiences and insights are invaluable in understanding global security issues and the complexities of modern geopolitical landscapes.