We can look back to the now public records of the early days of the agency and see that they were fuck ups from the start. We can see glimpses from KGB records

We can look back to the now public records of the early days of the agency and see that they were fuck ups from the start. We can see glimpses from KGB records exposed in the mitrokhin archives. There are leaks, and exposed diplomatic cables. Nothing paints a positive picture. Moreover, the constant embarrassment is very real.