Who was Glenn Michael Souther and what was his role in the KGB?

Glenn Michael Souther was a U.S. Navy photoanalyst who defected to Russia and became a major in the KGB, allegedly supplying top-secret U.S. military plans.

What kind of secrets did Glenn Souther provide to the KGB?

Souther is reported to have given the KGB "precious" secrets, including detailed U.S. plans for nuclear war scenarios against the Soviet Union.

How did Glenn Souther's friends describe him?

His friends were astonished by his espionage, recalling him as the "life of the party" and a "nice, straightforward guy" with no apparent interest in politics.

Home / War and Conflict / Navy Spy's Double Life: From Party Animal to KGB Master

Navy Spy's Double Life: From Party Animal to KGB Master

13 Dec

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Summary

US Navy photoanalyst Glenn Souther defected to Russia, becoming a KGB major.
Souther allegedly provided crucial nuclear war plans to the Soviets.
Friends recalled him as a lively party-goer, baffled by his spy persona.

Navy Spy's Double Life: From Party Animal to KGB Master

Glenn Michael Souther, once a US Navy photoanalyst, disappeared in 1986, only to re-emerge in Russia under the name Mikhail Orlov. Soviet authorities celebrated him as a master spy and KGB major, claiming he provided "precious" intelligence, including U.S. nuclear war strategies. His defection and alleged betrayal shocked friends, who recalled him as a charismatic party enthusiast from his college years.

Souther's journey began after enlisting in the Navy, where he served on the USS Nimitz and later in the Sixth Fleet. It is believed his recruitment into the KGB occurred during his time in Italy. After military service, he worked analyzing satellite photos in Maryland, while also studying Russian language and culture at Old Dominion University, where his fluency and academic prowess raised suspicions.