MovieChat Forums > Safe House (2012) Discussion > 'CNO' (or something like that)?

'CNO' (or something like that)?

posted 12 years ago by holdek01
5 replies | jump to latest

When Tobin Frost tells Matt Weston, "You don't have a CNO [or something like that]. You're here under your real name," what does that stand for? Like "code name" something?

[–] mbattagello 12 years ago

Pretty sure he said "NOC" - Non-official cover, covert, undercover...etc

Frost knew that Matt wasn't NOC and knew he wouldn't get a fake name from him.

[–] holdek01 12 years ago

Ah, makes sense. Thanks!

[–] schumithecat 12 years ago

right. to elaborate, most CIA operatives in foreign countries have an "official" cover, e.g., they are ostensibly assigned to the embassasy as "deputy assistant to the ambassador for agricultureal affairs" or something like that. that is the official cover and gives them an excuse to be hanging out at the embassy, etc. anyone doing surveillance on them or meeting them will know they are connected to the embassy/us government, but not that they are CIA. non-official cover is like what james bond does, where he pretends to be a businessman or something that has nothing to do with the government.

[–] toallitas 11 years ago

It was explained better in The Recruit (2003, Al Pacino, Colin Farrell). I forget the exact explanation, but NOC was a more dangerous assignment because the government would not acknowledge that you were working for them and if you got caught you were on your own, or something like that.

[–] schumithecat 10 years ago

right with official cover you have diplomatic immunity and most foreign governments would just deport you if they caught you. NOC you could end up in prison for a long time or worse.