Secret service agents are real assets of the government. They can be considered national treasures, because the job that they do ensures the safety of the lives of the big decision makers in the country, particularly the President, Vice President, past presidents, and other VIPs. The secret service also investigates financial crimes, such as counterfeiting and fraud. It takes a special person of physical talent, cunning, skill and intelligence to be in this field. It goes without saying that a sense of patriotism and a good amount of courage would be a huge requirement to be a secret service agent.
The job would require an inordinate amount of mettle and poise. As a secret service agent, one would usually be assigned to protect high profile individuals, and much of the job is classified (read: not to be talked about in public) and may be highly dangerous.
Becoming a secret service agent can be quite a challenge. You will certainly feel like you're going through the eye of a needle. First, one needs to fulfill the minimum criteria set by the Department of Homeland Security. A candidate must be between 23 and 27 years of age, an American citizen, and must possess a clean record, with no outstanding criminal or civil case. One also needs to possess a four year bachelor's degree.
You then need to be screened for any possible involvement for any illegal activity. The DHS does regular checks on their personnel and applicants to make sure that nobody is doing anything that can compromise the safety of the institution and the officers on the ground. After these steps, you would be required to pass a medical and physical examination as well as a lie detector test.
After hurdling all these tests, the aspirants can then attend the secret service academy. This will be a very difficult exercise for the people involved. The twenty one week program consists of a rigorous program of lectures on investigation techniques, interrogation procedures and international affairs. Training would also involve firearms and ordinances. In some cases, agents are also trained in detecting fraud and cybercrime. Aside from this, there will also be extensive training on investigation simulations. These types of exercises would prepare the would-be agent for jobs that might be potentially challenging.
Once the training finishes, trainees will be assigned their own posts throughout the country. The Secret Service employs both uniformed and non-uniformed agents throughout the country. Sometimes, identities will be kept secret, and their contact with their family and friends might be barred for months at a time to ensure security. It can be a hard life, since there is no permanence and one's usual routine can be thrown for a loop in no time.
It takes great dedication to be a secret service agent, and it is for the most part a thankless job. You will forever be an unsung hero. But if you can find solace in doing the right thing without getting much in return, except the knowledge that you are working for the good of the country and your people, then you're probably going with the right career.
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