Black Ops: The Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior | Ric Prado | Ep. 145

Enrique Prado found himself in his first firefight at age seven. The son of a middle-class Cuban family caught in the midst of the Castro Revolution, his family fled their war-torn home for the hope of a better life in America. Fifty years later, the Cuban refugee retired from the Central Intelligence Agency as the CIA equivalent of a two-star general. Black Ops is the story of Ric’s legendary career that spanned two eras, the Cold War and the Age of Terrorism. Operating in the shadows, Ric and his fellow CIA officers fought a little-seen and virtually unknown war to keep USA safe from those who would do it harm.
After duty stations in Central, South America, and the Philippines, Black Ops follows Ric into the highest echelons of the CIA’s headquarters at Langley, Virginia. In late 1995, he became Deputy Chief of Station and co-founding member of the Bin Laden Task Force. Three years later, after serving as head of Korean Operations, Ric took on one of the most dangerous missions of his career: to re-establish a once-abandoned CIA station inside a hostile nation long since considered a front line of the fight against Islamic terrorism. He and his team carried out covert operations and developed assets that proved pivotal in the coming War on Terror.
A harrowing memoir of life in the shadowy world of assassins, terrorists, spies and revolutionaries, Black Ops is a testament to the courage, creativity and dedication of the Agency’s Special Activities Group and its elite shadow warriors.
Ric's book:
"Black Ops: The Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior"
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[@GideonsSword777]

When the Contras war started in the early 80’s, I was living in Miami at the time, and I remember that a CIA camp was set up in the western part of Miami to train the contras and a lot of the local Cubans of all ages started practicing along with the Nicaraguans to eventually head south to join the effort. The one thing I can tell you about the Cubans, having lived along side them in Little Havana. They’re some tough mofo’s. In fact, a few of them ended up joining the Army and serving with 7th group as well working with the company. God bless these legal immigrants that went on to become great American Patriots!

[@cripbk2147]

U do know that JFK, MLK,RFK deaths were all caused by the CIA that hired Cuban exiles to kill them. They are ghost shooters that are protected by the government. Cubans are no Joke.

[@jestice75]

Wonder how strongly they feel about their new country becoming the very thing they escaped.

[@GideonsSword777]

@@jestice75 ...concerned...So much so, that most Cubans in Miami and So. Florida vote Republican. Because they know that America is the last bastion of Liberty in the world. Reason they’re so passionately anti-communism.

[@Tyee234]

Legal immigrants laughable.

[@anthonyp263]

@@Tyee234 🙄

[@LM-zs2oq]

Actual living legend. Thank you for your service, Ric! Great guest. The Team House is by far the best show in the genre of Special Operations and Intelligence. Rock on 🤘

[@erickmiyares5719]

Absolutely enjoyed this! Well done. I appreciate the level of conversation, questions and humor. Ric is the real deal, shadow warrior, and a testament to the commitment of us immigrants welcomed to this country ~ and our resolve to defend her to our last breath.

[@TheTeamHousePodcast]

We need you guys in studio asap!

[@erickmiyares5719]

@@TheTeamHousePodcast looking forward to it.

[@mrs8171]

@@TheTeamHousePodcast NOW THAT would be a phenomenal episode! Better stock up on cigars. (I will make a Patreon donation.)

[@gabrielmcollazo6675]

Ric Prado brought it all back for me when he touched base on all his experiences. We both have same time frame ! He got out at ten years old.(I'M 72 now) I was offered ;by my dad ;to get out of the country through the Peter Pan OPs. When I asked if we would see each other soon My dad said that he was not sure so i took it upon myself to answer " If we leave we leave together and if we die we die together! Again I was ten! It was then my father with a gush of pride said" I taught you well,YOU ARE MAN !" He really was afraid for me! The rest is not important because some how I was not able to aport enough services for my country as much as Ric ! Except for a couple of escapades into CUBA ! Also got gun out while fleeing a Russian #334 ,Gun Boat. I maybe have some adventure tucked under my arm but I don't brag about! I keep them locked away.One thing I do know. I was familiar with the 1969 neighhood gangs and I knew the crowns, the Utes and the Lynks and where they roamed! Shenandoah School Park. I think a guy by the nick name of "PEE WEE" was in the Crowns and use to play in a local band known as "The Antiques". I came over same age as Ric. So we must be same age, 72. I hope Ric p/u on me and maybe share some vibes together ! I have been around same as him but different! I was always too spooked but noone could tell ! Silent and much charisma! Good talking with ya! I'm proud of what you did for the USA! Proud that you are one of us. You have done us proud!

[@FLYEAL]

Brilliant episode. Patriot. Legend. Integrity. I grew up with Cubans as a 3rd g Miami/Gables native (and a vet etc…) They are still many of my best friends. You can see why.

[@estherabijana7218]

This is what the Cuban American children did to be worthy of our adopted country and with gratitude with thank our parents for their ultimate sacrifice of leaving everything behind, that included, family, language, assets to save their children from communism and start a new life from zero! Grateful and Thankful of our adoptive country! Thank you USA for adopting us as your own! God Bless the USA! 🙏🇺🇸

[@Voe198]

Fascism looks cute on you

[@acekingce]

Brandon Terrell you sir are a disgrace to this country and a disgrace to your family, I feel sorry for them

[@barnsnoble3105]

@@Voe198you don’t know what fascism is.

[@Voe198]

@@barnsnoble3105 yes yes go back to your world ending capitalism and let the real ones handle this :*

[@Bill-xx2yh]

Thank you and we are grateful for peoples who come here, wanting to help the country…"not to take..". Grateful to you all

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

As a Air Force veteran and Floridian, I have much respect for the Cuban people going through all that crazy stuff. This man is a person that I truly respect. You guys also have pretty awesome sandwiches.

[@davidaldridge5716]

I think if you’re an American the older you get the more you appreciate Cuban people in America....I mean you’re from FL so you knew how they were stereotyped more than people who live else where. Just mean I come across less Cuban people than a Floridian. But after inadvertently meeting a lot I can’t help but respect them to the max. Makes me wish more Cuban-Americans were in our country cause on average they’re far more patriotic and appreciative of freedom than average Americans I’m pretty comfortable saying that 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@boggyeman659]

@@davidaldridge5716 Thanks for your words,as a born cuban I appreciate it,I love this country ,and I'll do anything to prevent to fall in the commies hands.

[@davidaldridge5716]

@@boggyeman659 hey brotha…much love and respect sincerely ✌🏽

[@boggyeman659]

@@davidaldridge5716 likewise my brother 💪🇺🇸💪🇨🇺💪

[@stribble78]

You sir, are the definition of an American for the 1st time in a long time. For a few minutes you brought back the feeling I had as a kid back in the 80s! THANK YOU

[@dionthomas5418]

Ric Prada, Real American Patriot, true legit CIA paramilitary shadow warrior, escape the communist Cuban regime of Fidel Castro to American Special ops legend with the SOCOM Ring, great story and lesson learned about freedom isn't free but freedom is everything worth living fighting and dying for in his life, great job, Team House

[@lancecrocket2391]

Exellent you are in writing this

[@chuckbeattyo]

46:20. Excellent point, why he wrote the book. It's why I watch this channel, why I am a Patreon, and why I buy Ric Prado's book, for exactly what he says here. The public need to hear from those that work in our Govt, do the toughest jobs, what they thought, and hear them tell history. 2:18:29. Great question, and worth hearing Ric's answer!

[@836dmar]

Really a testimony that comes at a needed time in our country.

[@joshpowell3441]

RIP Gary Webb

[@budanski]

This country owes alot of gratitude for his service.

[@ratman1101]

You guys interview some incredible patriots. Thank you for recording their stories. Thank you, Mr. Prado for your dedicated service to our country!

[@DaleKallio-jk9wo]

Listening to Mr Prado gives me context for my own experiences in El Salvador. As a part of the 536th Engineers, I was tasked in that area in 1993. It's interesting to hear about the equanimity that had to be displayed to maintain policy. When I was in El Salvador the dominant security presence was that of the military police. They served as our escorts and physical protection. We were an unarmed group doing infrastructure work in their country. I still had a gun put to my head once despite the security. Self-determination is a tricky thing. To be fair, socialistic policies in Germany, Sweden and some other nations, are a safety net for people at risk of reaching poverty. The Federal Works Program was socialist in nature, but focused on providing infrastructure. Using socialism as a mask for tyrannical governance (communist) sadly exists.

[@heathallen7864]

Once again, GREAT episode with a true patriot and a real life badass hero. The Team House is by far my favorite podcast, hands down.

[@jessicananohan8683]

I`m only 5 minutes into your stream and I`m amazed about both of you looking so empathetic when Rico tells his childhood story. Thank you for that!

[@Im_BlackBurn]

How about Felix Rodrigues as an eventual guest?

[@pfelelepmaltese2969]

Same gang of cuban fanatic that CIA used for all dirty stuff Bush father buddy

[@wes3527]

This is the best podcast on youtube. I do not understand how there isn't more subscribers

[@seanleonetti5431]

What an interview! Great insight in the CIA! Jack and Dave you smashed it brothers!💥

[@christinavaughn6273]

Thank you are the only words I can surmise. So very grateful for you and your commitment to our great nation. Blessings to you, your father and grandfather.

[@randy464]

While serving in the Navy I have seen real poverty and it made me realized just how good I have it being an American citizen.

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

Just because others have it worse doesn't mean we don't have it bad. We are spied on and we are the most imprisoned peoples on the earth. The USA is a penal colony among other horrific things.

[@combatsolutionsgroup2021]

Im sure it was life changing serving all those e-1 and e-2 joes in the chow line. Thank you for your service.

[@randy464]

@@combatsolutionsgroup2021 Work on H-46 and H-3 helos . Never work in the chow hall not that there is anything wrong with that , everyone has a job to do.

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

@@randy464 ignoring my comment that the us is a penal colony makes it go away. :)

[@randy464]

@@legalfictionnaturalfact3969 This planet is ONE BIG PENAL COLONY the truth be told. No fight out of me so move on.

[@SnatchnHalos]

This is a great, great story. God bless this man.

[@darrenfuller2564]

Really great interview and always appreciate the well thought out questions and flow of the discussion. Thank you both

[@andreasulbricht2213]

A SOCOM pinky ring? A true Spec Ops gangster!

[@RyanSmith-dy7fk]

This was an outstanding episode with an epic guest

[@rickytecon5726]

I love the hippy beatdown story.

[@dmara2405]

Wow this is the interview I thought I would never see this guy is a legend from the cia to black water and there’s some crazy accusations about him in Miami this awesome

[@RFA1988]

Loved your book could not stop reading it at night

[@trumpyla]

The look at the Prado face when he gets confronted with 15k hitts #SideMoney lol

[@seanlenahan9680]

“East African country”…Somalia? It’s a lovely place in the Spring…asking for a friend. Great interview with a true patriot…thank you sir!

[@MichelleAllen206]

Great episode! Definitely going to buy his book.

[@freelaoscampaign8431]

Was the guy in Laos that trained Ric had a call sign “KhamSingh”- Golden Lion who advised the CIA Group Mobile 41 whom my father “SinghDang”- Red Lion commanded? Golden Lion last position at the Agency was the Deputy Director of Special Operations.

[@zavoianusebastian]

Sould you be saying this online/in public?

[@LIONTRIBEACTUAL]

@@zavoianusebastian you are aware that it’s 2022 correct?

[@selenaclarke]

Thankyou for being on Team House Ric

[@sd09gfh8sfgjmsf9yhkm]

Great podcast, id love to hear rick on one of your "round table" casts. or even rick prado playing DnD?

[@GunWebsites]

483rd thumb up Missed this one LIVE, but just finished listening. Thank you for another great interview with a fascinating guest, this one is inspirational

[@catchaser52]

Just woke up, 3:30 am hearing in my headphones the story about the 3 guys walking shoulder to shoulder. Wow, continued to listen, rewound and subscribed. A real eye opening for a 67 yr old American. I missed Vietnam by a ping pong ball.

[@theLoneWolfSpeaks]

Great interview. Ordered his book on Amazon and it came today

[@CommonSense858]

I am beyond words, exept to thank you for your love of God, America and loyalty for the sacrifice of your Parents

[@deansolano1483]

Well I’m watching this segment, I live in Pueblo Co . Nice to know you were for a bit !! Thanks for your service.

[@wcc1212]

Fascinating interview.

[@michaelkennedy9593]

RIP Barry Seal 🙏🏻

[@jato62]

Another great show!

[@davidaldridge5716]

I totally assume this guy is a sincere operator and a straight shooter but around 1:25:00 when he starts talking about 9/11.....it’s bizarre to hear a well informed guy say that the agency “rose to the occasion” I love this brand of interviews it def highlights some perspectives...but in my mind information under the intel umbrella is compartmentalized. There’s factions within the agency that don’t know what the other factions are doing. Prob don’t even know some factions/departments exist I’m not going to speculate wildly about 9/11 but I will say that I guarantee portions of the Agency had a REALLY good vantage point during this time period. To where they probably weren’t reacting to the events then back tracking....they were watching them unfold in real time. And probably anticipating this stuff happening. Matter of fact I’ll just say it I’d love to know more about the types who are more aligned with the global money system (the fed/global banks/globalists etc)....that breed of people undermines America the country in the name of American “interests”.....and they’ve been operating w impunity for who knows how long. And sincere guys like this gentleman here are more aligned with America the country and it’s people...it’s a a noble goal compared to the types who are aiding the global power structure

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

They're just a gaggle of liars.

[@jetobey5656]

Mr. Prado, like all of your guests, is a savior for America.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Hell of a good one here guys!

[@armandoalejandroalvarezcut3826]

cubans will always thanks and fight for this country

[@stephen3762]

He was kind of evasive about the Mafia hitman stuff. It could be total BS but they talk about him a lot in American Desperado. Seems pretty unlikely but a crazy story.

[@cletusjones9411]

Evan Wright wrote another book about Ric Prado called How To Get Away With Murder In America.

[@vileviticusleviticusvi5682]

Great podcast! Thank you Ric for your service to this great country and thank you Team House for bringing such amazing figures into the light so that we can all see the great example that they set

[@timclark8596]

very interesting, very witty, though out interview 👌

[@kathrynludrick4821]

Great interview

[@keithrobinson398]

Super guest. Very interesting

[@mrs8171]

@RicPrado2 Guys, I just bought this book (audio) and it was phenomenal. One of the best books about/by an operative describing the detail allowed about their career and operations. Especially powerful due to Ric's family life and early history. The stories about the Cold War work in Central and South America were specifically fascinating as there really has been VERY little public documentation of this work. Every once in awhile you would see it vaguely referenced by a veteran who had been "seconded" from their SOF unit to the CIA, but that is about it. Truly insightful and one of the best books I have bought in decades. I loved Ric's semi-public callout story of the "death-before-dishonor" colleague who preferred Langley over any field work. I am sure all Ric's peers (as well as the gutless hypocrite in question) who read the book will know immediately who this was. Pretty funny.

[@seanleonetti5431]

Hey Jack and Dave I love this channel. I’m literally trying to watch every episode! I do have a suggestion about a guest you should really try to get on here. His name (not his real one) is Tom Marcus and he’s a former surveillance officer for Mi5, who has wrote a number of books based on his own life and a fictional account. He, has by his own accounts have tracked terrorists and foreign spies that have tried to inflict loss on the Uk. In one operation I believe his team worked with American Intelligence against an Islamic Terror cell that was planning to explode bombs on planes over cities like New York. If they had been able to carry out these attacks I believe they estimated the death toll in tens of thousands and god only knows how many injured. That’s just one of the stories he talks about in his book. There is one story where he nearly got captured by Islamic terrorists in the UK who would have cut his head off and live streamed it! I know it will be difficult setting it up as he still hasn’t revealed himself to the public for obvious reasons, but I do know he has done TV interviews in the UK, but in the shadows. Anyway, I think it’s something you might want to look into because he’s got an awesome story! And guys keep up the great work!!

[@charlesvire7517]

Very interesting 🤔 background of where this quiet 🤫 professional has been. He is correct about the Philippines 🇵🇭 during 91. I was stationed there during that time period. Yallah

[@theLoneWolfSpeaks]

Just a calm speaking, cool professional

[@MadMax31577]

Just finished the book.👍

[@Dougout316]

Salute and Respect!!

[@F3PIZZA]

Legend.

[@curtisgregory517]

my regrets/disappointment is the failure of the "Bay of Pigs Invasion" April 17, 1961. many factors caused the failure, probably the most dominate being the new president JFK, Kennedy just came to office in January less than 3 months before the invasion. He apparently was not fully sold on the ideal to get rid of Castro and failed to fully support the invasion, while at the same time Kennedy failed to call off the invasion. The other most dominate factor causing the failure was "the element of surprise was lost." Castro knew we were coming, all he had to do was read the Maimi Hearold news paper to know the invasion was coming. "loose lips sink ships" most certainly applies here. the Cubans in Florida can thank themselves for spoiling the element of surprise causing the failure of the "Bay of Pigs" invasion. Therefore, this guy Rick and all the Cuban people must live with the fact there is no more Cuba only "Castor Ville" today. Exactly the same , Nicaragua is now "Ortega Ville." "UNCLE TRUMP" had the same plan for the USA to be "Trumps Ville."

[@KristinP-zi2dj]

Thank you, Enrique, for telling it like it is. =)

[@frankbalistreri498]

Reading this book now. Any plans for book signings in AZ?

[@codyritner3826]

That story about fighting to keep that flag flying... God bless brother.

[@capitalist4life]

1:06:16 Damn. A Scheuer interview would be nice

[@nodescriptionavailable3842]

We can't deny the bad apples, Eisenhower had soldiers hung on location so the people could see we had integrity and did our best to squash bad apples. Im referring to a case when 2 soldiers raped and beat a french teenager and killed the boy who tried to stop them, cant just gloss over blackwater like they were all virtuous white knights, they left the military for bigger paychecks and often for private interests. That being said I admire the vast majority of these type of guys, i had a gun pointed at me when I was 13 and had ptsd forever, probably wouldn't have made a good soldier, these dudes are bad asses.

[@thomashawkins6141]

Strength honor courage

[@orca2162]

Great chat!

[@denvercolorado811]

Welcome back

[@Andingo86]

Michael schauer went off the rails, lol that's an understatement

[@Malaga1999]

Man this was a good one.

[@chucksinger1916]

Great interview Glad to hear something good about the agency A real Patriot

[@randy464]

Sounds like a good read.

[@randy464]

I wonder how many Sparrows are now singing soprano lol

[@dustinwoodall8500]

i feel like the term third world is misleading and cuba and soviet states are second world. I mean Switzerland is a third world country too. Not what comes to mind when one says third world. Third world are just governmnents that never chose a side between the US and Soviet Union.

[@brock45569]

I really appreciate this story. Not many in the millennial generation get to hear the story of communism in central America!

[@patrickharty9214]

Looks like they are posing for a photo op for GQ magazine, right, shadow warriors 😂 LMAO 🤣

[@Charles-nc4zj]

Just would like to ask something, did Ric Prado have a bachelors degree when he joined the CIA? I mean I noticed he just got recruited after being discharged from the Airforce and based from what I know, the CIA SAD at least today requires a bachelors degree.

[@drTERRRORRR]

"Dod damned hippies!!" - Ric Prado

[@aj-tp2yh]

Thankyou America

[@QuixEnd]

He reminded me of this but I'm dying to hear if any spec ops guys from the 80s heard of or knew Douglas Pou. He was an elite search and rescue guy that faked his death in 87. But he's still alive and doing well, just that nobody writes about him

[@justinpate3466]

cause hes trash

[@ryanparr868]

39:00 or buy charging cables that omit data?

[@edwardb7811]

People should Google Operacion Pedro Pan. It brought many Cuban children to the U.S. They have become great Americans, like Rick Prado.

[@derkilleravalo8260]

Wow...that country in south America is obviously Colombia...or maybe Perú 🤔

[@_SkuNkY]

What about Gene “Chip” Tatum?

[@mrashad219]

I don't think he is alive but I'd like someone to confirm his story.

[@_SkuNkY]

@@mrashad219 last time I saw he was on FB living in South America. Hopefully he’s still alive but I know there was reports he had died previous to that and it was a hoax.

[@joecamel6196]

Not any more!

[@axs-xq7cq]

It looks like I have been actin' the fool for far too long, so now I think that it's time to go dark, and by that I mean that it's time to go Dark as hell, no-communication, Zero-Dark-Thirty, deep-cover, radio-silence, Out..

[@andrewdeen1]

1:17:35 ....but how can you just ignore the fact that the USA has had an embargo on them for 60 years??? or the terror war we've waged on cuba bombing hotels etc for that entire time, it's not even mentioned here and that's a shame.

[@anthonyp263]

This may, or may not, be the case here; however, if a clearance holder wants to write a book, speak publicly at an event (or podcast) about previously classified information, the presented info must be proofed beforehand. Some assume classified material/information is automatically declassified after 25 or 50 years. It is 'reviewed' and can only be declassified if it no longer poses a threat to our sources, operational technologies, or exposing long duration missions, etc. After a review, the author's work will most definitely be returned with redactions. The storyteller can take their time to craft their experiences much easier in a written product. In a live interview, you will see hesitation as the storyteller considers if their responses contain classified info. A senior level operator/official needs to consider much more information as they are read-in to a heck of a lot. While he may have had to omit the part of the story (which may substantiated his claims) and appeared to hesitate at points, however the tale Prado tells is legitimate. The fact he was promoted to an SIS 2 level (equivalent to our DoD 2-star and Civilian SES 2) should speak volumes to the legitimacy of his story and career. Just my 2cts.

[@jawbreaker007]

Hialeah produces many SOCOM & JSOC.

[@erickmiyares5719]

It sure does! Dale!

[@LIONTRIBEACTUAL]

@@erickmiyares5719 yes it does!

[@dks13827]

Commie country USA now.........do a new show with him please.

[@scottmoore617]

Communism and socialism are NOT the same thing. It's surprising how people can't get this right, there are various degrees of socialism, and successful governments that are socialist, they're are actually plenty of them in Europe right now. I'm not even going to explain it ..look it up! The ignorance is shocking.

[@coolbreezy7092]

Yeah I'm just curious why the hell wearing so many different countries with CIA hit squads?

[@catchaser52]

I wonder if Ric saw the chat comment from Michael Wilkins,,, ? 31:25

[@BWo-bb1yw]

Good.

[@Franklin-pc3xd]

Doubt it

[@MrUltraworld]

Cuban Americans are very patriotic.

[@swdetroitjesus]

The intro is so corny lol. Everytime. I’m taken back. But fascinating content

[@ruthscott544]

Great work.Ric

[@glenndlr2935]

I noticed recently about 2 Cuban defectors in Miami as asylum seekers doesn't seem to be welcoming from this administration.

[@federalauditsabatordetecte8607]

428 boss,,,,,,why am I still out here fighting demons and I have no support from my agency's troops

[@travisl9201]

They don’t make them like this anymore