Secret Service Agents: Low Profile, Highly Trained
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In 2012, legislation was passed to provide all former presidents and their spouses a lifetime of Secret Service surveillance and protection. Prior to this, former presidents were protected for ten years after their terms of office were completed. This new legislation protects a former president’s children, as well, until they are 16 years of age.
What Does It Take To Become A Secret Service Agent?
It’s no small task to become a security agent for the president or former presidents and their families. Secret Service Agent positions are coveted roles in a highly competitive field. To be considered for this unique type of profession, one must meet a list of pre-requisites. Some basics include the following:
1: Must be an American citizen between the ages of 21 and 36
2: Must possess a valid driver’s license
3: Must have 20/60 uncorrected vision but correctable to a perfect 20/20
4: Male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service
5: Must have the ability to pass a rigorous physical fitness exam as well as psychological and medical exams
6: More often than not, must have a minimum of three years work experience in law enforcement, criminal investigation or a combination of the two fields
Assuming all these pre-requisites are met according to the guidelines established, the candidate would need to prepare for extensive education and work experience in addition to having a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, depending on the level of government security. A grade point of 3.0 would be the minimally-accepted grade for each college course previously completed—not to be confused with a 3.0 grade point average! Additionally, a series of interviews, polygraph screenings and drug testing would be in order, as well as a candidate’s personal references who, in turn, would be interviewed, also!
Bonds Are Formed:
Regarding government officials in general, there are several types of protective personnel used to oversee the safety of an elected or formerly-elected government public figure and his or her spouse and children. Often times, the hired secret service agent progresses on to become a permanent employee with the family since an almost co-dependent relationship emerges where the protected feel reliant on the care and watchfulness of the agent and the agent can develop feelings of immense possessiveness towards the family due to the emotional bonds that are many times formed.
They Won’t Be Messed With!
Top-notch security agents, who reign supreme and make a considerable income, are an elite group who are trained to the hilt. Aside from remaining in tip-top physical condition, this cream-of-the-crop-level agent will have extensive training in martial arts and other types of hand-to-hand combat techniques including Aikido, Budoshin Jujitsu or Krav Maga, which is a type of contact combat used by the Israel Defense Forces where death of the opponent is considered a possible/ probable and acceptable outcome. Being well versed in handling concealed weapons, including handguns and expandable batons and tactical handcuffing all go with the territory.
Are You Interested?
If you can meet the criteria discussed above and are accepted for top-secret clearance, be willing to travel extensively as well as frequently relocate. Having the innate ability to rapidly analyze situations and environments and quickly choose smart solutions are not only important, but required. Starting out with security companies such as Unified Protective Services can be a great place to start as well. Having the mental fortitude to adapt to a variety of situations and maintain composure in volatile circumstances are attributes a coveted and highly-paid secret service agent will demonstrate as if it were second nature—which it needs to be!
Tags: law enforcement, security
