“THIS IS AN INTENSELY PERSONAL CAUSE FOR US. AS FORMER AGENCY operators, WE HAVE CLOSE FRIENDS WITHIN THIS COMMUNITY AND ARE ACUTELY AWARE OF THEIR SACRIFICES. TO BE A PART OF THE FOUNDATION THAT SUPPORTS THEM IS A PROFOUND HONOR.” 

— IAN ALLEN, FOUNDING CEO, THIRD OPTION FOUNDATION

In the wake of 9/11, it became increasingly clear that CIA’s Special Operations operators—and, just as importantly, their family members—were lacking critical support and resiliency services. The covert nature of their assignments makes them ineligible for charitable assistance. The concept of the Foundation started from within, when a group of operators came together to form Third Option Foundation to honor their fellow operators—those who lost their lives, as well as those who still deploy each day on missions around the world. 

A Legacy of Commitment

The history of this unit is storied, and rarely known. It traces its lineage to WWII when operators serving with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) operated far from their military counterparts and often behind enemy lines. That tradition continues today as CIA Special Operations operators deploy alone or in small groups to some of the most dangerous places in the world, frequently for extended periods of time. They came to CIA following accomplished military careers, often speaking second or third languages and carrying advanced degrees. These operators are silent professionals, serving in anonymity with little more than the support, sacrifice, and strength of their families.  

About the Foundation

Third Option Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt national non-profit organization. The name refers to the motto of CIA's Special Activities Center: Tertia Optio, the President’s third option when military force is inappropriate and diplomacy is inadequate. Third Option Foundation is dedicated to providing comprehensive family resiliency programs, working behind the scenes to quietly help those who quietly serve.