Andrew Hartsog (History, ’96) wasn’t content merely to study history; he harbored a burning desire to “make history” in a profound way. And indeed, he succeeded in making a mark on history that few could rival.
Just over a year has passed since he retired from his role as a paramilitary officer and national security executive with the Central Intelligence Agency, and when he discusses his former life, his hands visibly tremble. The shift from a life lived undercover to one of civilian existence has proven to be quite challenging, and many facets of his career remain shrouded in secrecy due to their classified nature.
“It feels strange to talk about it,” Hartsog admitted, reflecting on his past experiences. He is now employed by Constellis, a company specializing in risk management and comprehensive security solutions, where he holds the position of vice president for special projects.
Despite retiring from the CIA with a distinguished career that involved numerous missions through perilous war zones and assignments across the globe, Hartsog’s path to success was not immediate. After three attempts to join the CIA, he faced rejection twice before finally receiving a conditional offer to become a security officer. During the rigorous interview process, a screening psychologist recognized his potential for a role beyond the basic security duties, suggesting that he was destined for something far more significant.
“When I inquired about what that might be, she told me she couldn’t disclose it, and I responded, ‘That’s exactly what I want to do!’” Hartsog recalled.
Soon after joining the CIA, he was deployed to Afghanistan as a member of Team Alpha—the pioneering group of Americans to land behind enemy lines in the country in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Their remarkable mission is detailed extensively in the book “First Casualty,” authored by Toby Harnden.
Andrew Hartsog, (front row, left) with Team Alpha, the first U.S. and CIA team to go behind enemy lines to fight Al-Qaida and the Taliban in October 2001.
“Afghanistan marked my initiation into the CIA; some individuals at the time told me that I was ‘ruined’ and would never experience anything like it again,” Hartsog reflected. “They were entirely mistaken. The subsequent 23 years were filled with extraordinary experiences where I felt that both I and the CIA made a meaningful impact on defending our nation and its citizens, much of which remains confidential. It was the most incredible adventure I could have ever envisioned.”
Throughout his journey, certain things have remained constant: his unwavering desire to be part of something larger than himself and his enduring affection for WVU and his home state of West Virginia. He fondly recalls some of his most cherished memories growing up, particularly the autumnal drives to football games with his father.
Hartsog also participated in summer football camps hosted by Coach Don Nehlen, and after exploring the campus during these sessions, he realized he had no desire to attend any other institution.
“I have truly been a Mountaineer all my life,” Hartsog stated. As a student, he joined Army ROTC and spent three years as a cadet, during which he began to discover his mission. Eager to join the National Guard, he left WVU to pursue active duty but later returned to complete his degree.
Andrew Hartsog, left, and another Team Alpha member, Northern Afghanistand, October 2001.
“The ROTC Program was instrumental in guiding me towards my purpose, instilling in me a desire to serve and make a difference in the world. It also propelled me into the realm of foreign affairs and national security, which has been my calling since my time at WVU,” he explained.
After graduating from WVU in 1996, he set his sights on joining the U.S. Army Special Forces, better known as the Green Berets. He spent a year in training and, in January 1997, was selected despite having completed the course while suffering from pneumonia and a broken foot.
The following year, he continued his training and attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, or “Q” course, starting in the summer of 1997 and finishing in 1998, earning his Green Beret as an 18B, Special Forces weapons sergeant with the West Virginia National Guard’s 19th Special Forces Group. For the next two years, he undertook numerous training courses for Special Forces and began attending graduate school. This experience and exposure to Special Forces opened new doors for Hartsog, leading him to apply for the CIA.
Although the aspiration to “make history” might not seem like a humble goal, Hartsog maintains a remarkable humility about his 30-year career, along with the many accomplishments and accolades he has garnered, including multiple tours as a chief of station, achieving the rank of senior intelligence service (the equivalent of a general officer in the military), two Intelligence Stars for “extraordinary heroism,” and a Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal for his “outstanding cumulative service” to both the CIA and the nation.
According to Hartsog, receiving one Intelligence Star, the second-highest award for valor within the Agency, is an exceptional honor, let alone receiving two. While he is grateful for the recognition he has received, he remains acutely aware of his good fortune and remembers those, including close friends, who did not make it to retirement—their Stars are honored on the CIA’s memorial wall.
“To this day, I can hardly believe I had the opportunity to live out my dream. Despite the challenges and dangers, my career at the CIA was the most fulfilling one I could have ever asked for; I miss it every single day. Looking back, I understand that my journey began at WVU, and I would not be where I am today without that foundational experience. Throughout my career and wherever I went, I always took pride in the fact that I was from West Virginia and a WVU graduate. I wore that identity proudly on my sleeve.”
