Editing Michael Jon Hand (section)

==Military and CIA Career==
Hand’s intelligence career began with his military service and evolved into covert operations for the CIA, particularly in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War era.

	•	Military Service (1963–1966):
	◦	Hand joined the U.S. Army’s Special Forces (Green Berets) in the early 1960s, serving in Vietnam and Laos. As a Green Beret, he trained in unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency, and intelligence operations, earning decorations including the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Army Commendation Medal for valor.
	◦	In Laos, Hand worked with Air America, the CIA’s covert airline, supplying Hmong forces under General Vang Pao in the “Secret War” against the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese. His role involved coordinating logistics, including arms and supply drops, under the supervision of CIA station chief [[Ted Shackley]].

	•	CIA Contractor (1966–1971):
	◦	After leaving the Army in 1966, Hand became a CIA contract operative, continuing his work in Laos. He operated under the cover of a civilian contractor, managing logistics and intelligence-gathering for CIA operations in Southeast Asia.
	◦	In 1967, Hand relocated to Australia, reportedly on CIA orders to monitor or destabilize the left-leaning government of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who was critical of U.S. intelligence activities, including the [[Pine Gap]] surveillance base. Hand’s move marked the beginning of his integration into Australian society, setting the stage for Nugan Hand Bank.