Careers at U.S. Secret Service are highly sought out amongst security professionals as they are most visible when they are guarding the President. As the bodyguards for government officials this is a prestigious position that requires the utmost in physical strength, a sharp mind, and strong attention to detail. This is why the job is on the hot list of those who have served in the United States Military. Protecting the President is only one aspect that the Secret Service offers. There are several other career paths for U.S. Secret Service that offer great opportunities for other skilled professions to look at as well.
Professional and Scientific Careers
The U.S. Secret Service is a wide organization that operates under the umbrella of the Homeland Security Department. Those in scientific roles can find themselves developing new technologies that help keep the personnel of our government and their families safe. They also uses these skills in conjunction with ongoing investigations and provide forensic evidence for investigators to use. Those in medical and psychological roles often find themselves as aides to government officials, their families, and dignitaries from other countries by providing them with ways to maintain their mental and physical health, as well as safeguarding the environmental health of our country.
Administrators
Like any other organization, administrative personnel are needed to maintain the office environment of the organization. It is their job to process paperwork, maintain the workplace facilities, and ensure that specialized personnel can effectively operate in their job function. The administrators are the nucleus of the agency, working behind the scenes, whereas the operators and agents are in the front line of protecting our national treasures. Without proper administration and management, the agency would be without organization. The administrator’s role may seem menial, but is a critical component of the U.S. Secret Service.
Uniformed Division Officer
Despite the suits and dark glasses, which is the common uniform for officers protecting the nation’s leaders, the uniformed division officer is often placed on detail at specific locations. These officers act as core of the physical security that protect the White House, the Vice President’s home, the U.S. Department of Treasury Building, as well as the embassies for foreign diplomats. They also provide the security at U.S. Embassies around the globe in conjunction with our Armed Forces.
Special Agent
Where personal protection of government officials is the primary objective of the U.S. Secret Service, investigations is the secondary mission of the agency. Originally started in 1865, the agency was in charge of discovering counterfeiting and money laundering rings. In more recent times, cyber-security and identity fraud top the list of activities that the Secret Service is closely monitoring. By monitoring suspicious financial activity, it is the mission of the Secret Service to prevent American funds in supplying other organizations or individuals that could put our nation’s security at risk.
The overall mission of the U.S. Secret Service is two-fold. They are the personal protection of the government officials and their dignitaries. They are also the law enforcement agency responsible for monitoring financial activities. Within this threshold, there are several roles that can be played out by a various amount of skilled personnel. The recruiting process is tough and the U.S. Secret Service is very particular in whom they select to serve. The agency deals with the country’s most deep kept secrets and all candidates, no matter what position must be able to attain a Top Secret Clearance. Despite the stringent requirements, careers at U.S. Secret Service of all levels can be quite rewarding.