Michael Wiest

NCIS Faculty Representative Strategic and Operational Research Department

Cmdr., U.S. Navy, Retired

Biography

Special Agent Michael Wiest joined the CNWS department in the summer of 2025 as the NCIS representative to the war college faculty and staff. He received a B.S. in finance from Miami University (cum laude) and holds an M.A. in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College (with distinction). His research focuses on counterintelligence, espionage, national security, research and development security and law enforcement. He is a former Navy Intelligence officer with multiple operational and staff assignments on both active duty and within the reserves.

Contact Information

(401) 856-6031

Reveal Email

Areas of Expertise

Asymmetrical Warfare
Counterterrorism
Ethics
Homeland Security
Intel
Leadership
National Security

Professional Highlights

2020

Special Agent in Charge, NCIS Northeast Field Office

Supervised all NCIS felony investigations and operations across the Northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Developed and implemented strategic plans aligned with DoD national security priorities with efforts focused on providing tailored security support to emergent Navy Research, Development and Acquisition (RDA) to counter intelligence activities of near-peer competitors.

2018

NCIS Inspector General

Served as the principal ethics and compliance advisor to the NCIS Director. Provided expert guidance on the integrity, effectiveness, and efficiency of agency operations and personnel consisting of over 2400 personnel at 165 locations around the world.

2017

Assistant Director, NCIS Global Operations

Led over 500 personnel assigned to seven global field offices conducting extremely sensitive technical operations and investigations in support of NCIS activities to include counterespionage, counterintelligence, protective service/VIP protection, special event support, polygraph, technical countermeasures, economics crimes and forensics.

2014

Command Counterintelligence Coordinating Authority, US Indo-Pacific Command

Principal Adviser to the Commander, United States Indo-Pacific Command on strategic counterintelligence matters. Coordinated all DoD Counterintelligence activities within the vast Indo-PACOM AOR, collaborating with DoD components, the Intelligence Community, and international partners.

Education

M.A., U.S. Naval War College, 2010, National Security and Strategic Studies (with distinction)

B.S., Miami University, 1993, Finance

C.V. or Resume

Related Credentials

Certified Inspector General
2019-Present

External Memberships and Associations

International Association of Chiefs of Police

Association of Inspectors General

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