Rules depend…

Posted on by August 1, 2025

On where you are…

Moscow Rules for intelligence operatives and others…

  • Assume nothing.
  • Never go against your gut.
  • Everyone is potentially under opposition control.
  • Do not look back; you are never completely alone.
  • Go with the flow, blend in.
  • Vary your pattern and stay within your cover.
  • Lull them into a sense of complacency.
  • Do not harass the opposition.
  • Pick the time and place for action.
  • Keep your options open.

 

London Rules are…more permissive, lower threat theater, and more applicable to much higher level ‘players’…

  • Lower Threat Environment: Applicable to environments like London, where the level of risk is significantly lower. 
  • More Flexibility: Allows for more freedom of movement, communication, and interaction. Also known as CYA…
  • Less Rigidity: Operatives can take greater risks and deviate from strict protocols. Getting doubled/tripled is not unusual depending on the type of blackmail used and by whom…
  • Different Operational Focus: Shifting from survival to achieving specific objectives within a less dangerous context. See also- CYA to protect your ass from taking ANY blame for anything…

As they say, different strokes for different folks…

Comments

Rules depend… — 5 Comments

  2. London: as Moscow as Moscow was, now. Although the physical danger is more obvious in London, perhaps. [Yet another city off my list, blast it.]

    But yes, the educated gut and that smart place between your shoulder blades should never be ignored.