Posted: 6/5/2008 7:00:30 PM EDT
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Anyone know much about the DSS? So I've spent 20 years of my life without a real goal in mind as for what I'll do when I grow up. I enlisted in the Army on a whim, because I like guns, and I love the ideals this country stands for. While I was in, Big Army thought it was a good idea to make me an officer, so I'm going with that right now. I'm at school, and when I graduate, I'm going to try to branch Infantry, because I like that kind of stuff and it motivates the shit out of me. However, after I serve my time as an officer (probably about 8 years) I was planning on trying to join a Federal Law Enforcement Agency. I ruled DEA and the ATF out, because I don't agree with most of what they do. I have always known about the other alphabet services, but I don't know much about them other than that they exist. The ones that looks like something that would keep me occupied and motivated is the Diplomatic Security Service, then the US Marshals Service, the Secret Service, and then the FBI (in that order). I know about USSS and FBI, and I have a good idea about the USMS, but the only thing I know about the DSS is that they do Security for Diplomats (Imagine that, huh?) and embassies around the world. So what I'm asking for is if anyone knows more about DSS (or has experience working with them) to try to fill me in on the (Non-OPSEC) details that aren't on the Wiki article. I'd like to know what kind of people they generally hire, and how hard it is to get a job with them (and at what levels), etc. I've got about 11 or so years to do research, so I might as well start early. Thank you! |
Poor choice. For that reason things in those agencies will never change. It's a shame that agencies which offer top notch training and experience and support a very important mission will not have the chance to interview a qualified motivated applicant. Instead the ranks will be filled with people less ready to perform and the security of America and the citizens as a whole will suffer. |
Yeah, but I don't want to get shot by one of you guys, nor do I want to shoot one of you. Seriously, I've considered it, but I don't think I can bring myself to do it. I just don't agree with the mission, and I know I wouldn't be as motivated and effective at my job as if I did something that I enjoyed. |
You do realize there are probably going to be "missions" within the other federal LE branches that you might have problems with, right? For that matter, there may/will also be as an army officer. IMO, keep your options open, and like the other dude said, change from within. |
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I have several buddies who are USMS. I almost took a job with them. I passed the test and interview, even had the offer of employement. Be prepared to spend 3-4 years just transporting criminals from jail to court. Intial pay sucks. It sucks even more if you have to move to an expensive location. The pay gets better. One of my buddies was making $80K with OT last time I spoke to him. The FBI will move you every 4 to 5 years. I don't think the USMS will. There are times I wish I had taken the job (too old now) but I am making good money as an engineer now (just bored out of my mind). |
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look over the DS webpage and review the mission of the agency. read between the lines of the mission and you can see that the Agency has a broad range of missions that make it one of the most unique Special Agent jobs out there. Dont ignore the fact that it is a Foreign Service Officer position as well which can either be good or bad for you depending on your family situation. The BEX interview/exam is challenging but really forces you to keep up with current events in preparation for it. |
| OK, I am not a Discount Security Agent but I am a Foreign Service Specialist and have many friends who are DSS agents. There is an age limit of 37 and it doesn't matter if you served 9 years in the army. 37 years old is 37 years old for ALL federal police officers. If you are over 37 y.o. you are too old. It is a matter of federal law. DSS agents are not Foreign Service Officers but are Specialists like myself. It is one of the few foreign service jobs that requires a 4 year college degree. |
What do you mean, "They weren't American"? All direct hire foreign service officers and specialists must be American citizens/nationals. We all have TS clearances, except for those whose clearances have been suspended or revoked. |
| Expect to live overseas, in shitty third world locations (or exciting, depending on your outlook). Agents I've worked with serve six years overseas, one/two in the states then back overseas. Within the Embassy they are called the Regional Security Officer (RSO) and are responsible for security of the Embassy. |
Some of them can be just as you described. Others are very professional and squared away. Kind of like any other LEO; federal, state, or local. I've been fortunate and have worked with some excellent guys and gals. |