CI Press, Episode 79: From Cavalry to Counterintelligence, LTC(R) R. Lee Dale’s 26-Year Journey
Join hosts Dave A. Turner and Jeremy J. Clark as they sit down with recently retired LTC(R) R. Lee Dale to explore his 26-year Army career and his transition into academic employee relations. Lee traces his evolution from cavalry officer to specialized counterintelligence (CI) professional with assignments across Army, NATO, DIA, and SOUTHCOM, offering candid reflections on leading CI teams and advising senior leaders.
The conversation delivers practical insights on translating CI for commanders, strengthening interagency and allied partnerships, and updating theater-level plans for an era of great-power competition. Lee also weighs in on national CI reform, the need for consistent tradecraft, and the importance of clear and precise risk communication.
Finally, Lee highlights how CI competencies carry into the private and academic sectors, spanning HR, compliance, insider risk, IT, and security. He also shares advice for early-career practitioners on cultivating curiosity, collaborating across disciplines, and safeguarding their credibility.