Becoming a CIA Agent
In 1947, President Harry S Truman signed the National Security Act, which chartered the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to operate as the official intelligence-gathering agency of the United States government. The primary function of the CIA since that time has been to gather information about the activities of foreign governments, corporations, groups and individuals, to analyze this information, and to report it to numerous branches of the federal government. "The Agency," as it is known, also serves as the principal intelligence adviser to the President. Its mission remains the same: to provide accurate and timely information concerning foreign threats to national security.Education, Training & Degrees for CIA Agents
Technically, a four-year college degree is not a requirement for employment with the CIA, however, their web site advises that a college degree is both "expected" and "highly recommended." A degree is in fact required for many CIA positions, including overseas officer and intelligence analyst, as well an many other non-clerical posts. As in any organization, whether government, business or academic, higher the degree, the better are one's chances for employment and advancement.Job Responsibilities and Desired Skills in the CIA
The principal assignment of the CIA is to acquire, evaluate and circulate information about foreign activities. CIA agents have no law enforcement authority and are expressly prohibited from gathering information within the U.S. A sizeable portion of the CIA's post-9/11 activities is dedicated to national security and counterterrorism. The Agency has numerous other functions, however, beyond this focus and beyond its main mission of general intelligence gathering, correlation and evaluation. These additional responsibilities include the research, development, and operation of hi-tech devices for intelligence gathering purposes; tracking nuclear programs and production in foreign countries; and collaborating with other agencies to combat organized crime and drug trafficking on an international scale.There are several requirements which must be met in order to qualify for any position within the CIA. These include U.S. citizenship and a minimum age of 18. Additional requirements apply depending on the specific postion. Many CIA posts require the candidate to pass a medical exam as well as a detailed background check and polygraph test. Applicants must relocate close to CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, in the Washington, D.C., area.
A degree in international studies, political science or any of various law enforcement disciplines is a strong bonus. Fluency in a foreign language is always a benefit, and often a requirement, when dealing with foreign intelligence and information gathering.
The CIA is divided into four main directorates, each with its own specific focus and personnel requirements.
The Directorate of Support handles all administrative functions for the agency. Support positions can range from clerical to IT specialist to artist, attorney or physician.
The National Clandestine Service gathers intelligence using undercover agents. NCS officers need to enjoy travel, and to understand and appreciate world cultures. Agents must possess flexibility and adaptability, foreign language fluency, and excellent people skills, as well as courage, discipline, and the ability to accept anonymity, as their posts are often secret and their association with the CIA could compromise their mission or endanger their life.
The Directorate of Science and Technology gathers "open source" information from foreign newspapers, television broadcasts and various other media sources. This directorate also develops advanced technology to support information and intelligence gathering. Robust analytical and technological skills, as well as superior intelligence, are mandatory traits in order to obtain a position in this division.
The Directorate of Intelligence, the CIA's analytical branch, takes the raw data and information amassed by the previous two directorates and correlates and analyzes it. Positions in this directorate require superior analytical, evaluation and communication skills, discipline, and the ability to perform accurate, detailed work under tight deadline constraints.
