This site offers hiring tips & information about what it is like to be an 1811 special agent. DSS SA Announcement 2022 - Police Forums & Law Enforcement Forums DSS is [82], Many former DSS agents have become authors and written works of fiction and non-fiction about their experiences.[83]. Video). Review the In the United States, DSS personnel protect the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries & officials visiting the United States; investigate passport and visa fraud; and conduct personnel security investigations. These and other weapons systems may be employed by DSS Special Agents assigned to high-threat locations. Recruitment requires that applicants be at least 20 years old to become a Foreign Service Specialist; this includes careers as a special agent, security engineering officer, security technical specialist, and diplomatic courier. DSS also assists foreign diplomatic missions in the United States on all security-related matters. AUTHORITIES: The information is sought pursuant to 301(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended (22 U.S.C. DSS also undertakes counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cybersecurity and criminal investigations, both domestically and abroad. Able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance. My application has made it through the initial stage and is on the way to the QEP. Careers in the DSS run the gamut from security techs, which is currently the bureaus most significant recruiting demand, and the elusive position of the diplomatic courier, where they only hire two new bodies a year. Working for DSS Bureau of Diplomatic Security DSS has more than 2,500 special agents, security engineering officers, security technical specialists, and diplomatic couriers working and traveling worldwide. Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of International Religious Freedom, Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. The card will be charged $5 to hold the appointment. Glad to have you back DSS-SA. ). Our Vision is to be an agile and proactive intelligence-led security and law enforcement organization to further diplomacy around the world. Once the announcement is closed, applicants are, 5. This DSS Special Agent position is a 2501 Foreign Service position As part of its duty to provide a safe and secure environment for U.S. diplomacy, DSS also protects foreign dignitaries, advises U.S. ambassadors on security matters, and manages security programs for international events, often in cooperation with domestic and foreign counterparts. You must be in excellent physical condition when applying to be a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agent. have a prominent and vital role in ensuring the safety and security of U.S. Olympic athletes during this international event. The DSS was ultimately named as the lead agency to carry out the protection for Hillary Clinton during her tenure as Secretary of State. On November 7, 2012, U.S. In 1961, Otto Otepka, then a deputy director of SY, brought to the attention of the U.S. Senate Internal Security Subcommittee deficiencies in the State Department clearance process. Agents Candidates must successfully pass an intensive multi-stage evaluation process that includes a series of written exams, knowledge-based exams, writing samples, panel interviews, and situational judgment exercises; a physical fitness test (PFT); a comprehensive medical examination granting worldwide availability; and an exhaustive background investigation for security clearance at the level of Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI). Additionally, DSS special agents are frequently assigned to positions within DS but outside of the DSS chain of command hierarchy. Instagram The April 1983 U.S. Embassy bombing was a catharsis for the State Department, which would transform SY into the newly created Diplomatic Security Service, part of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination. [81] As of March 2016, a further 133 locally engaged DSS staff, host country law enforcement personnel and members of the US military had been killed while undertaking diplomatic security duties. This usage sometimes appears in DOS press releases, although recently multi-agency press releases from the Department of Justice distinguish between DSS and its umbrella organization. Additionally, the DS has approximately 34,000 employees, of whom roughly 2,400 are U.S. federal agents within DSS. Personal Assessment Interview with Board of Examiners & DSS SA (, This DSS Special Agent position is a 2501 Foreign Service position, The Foreign Service has a robust internship program with various placements, to include those with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. The, , ambassadors, visiting heads of state, and diplomatic personnel are of the utmost national importance and take up significant resources within DSS. Sometimes Americans, including Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), are the target of DSS investigations, such as an FSO selling visas for personal gain. The agents put out fires which prevented fuel tanks from going ablaze, evacuated the guard force and other employees just in time before the building they were in was engulfed in flames, and fortified the gates preventing additional intruders from gaining access to the compound. D057923. If there is a nexus to passport and/or visa fraud, use of State Department documents, diplomatic activities, the U.S. Foreign Service, or terrorism, DSS is typically involved. Additionally, DSS maintains a sizable full-time protective service detail for the DSS SA Announcement 2022 01-06-2022, 01:59 PM For any and all interested, the Department of State has sent out an email informing the DSS will be posting a Special Agent announcement in the. The Diplomatic Security Service is the federal law enforcement branch of the U.S. Dept. %%EOF In addition, ARSO-I's also have responsibilities outside of their respective Consular assignments for mission security. When assigned abroad, Special Agents serve as security program managers at U.S. diplomatic or consular posts. Positions may have unique application procedures. endstream endobj 230 0 obj <. We have about 2100 agents and every time the positions is posted there are 10-15,000 applicants. The following books were written by DSS Special Agents: The DSS Wiki[84] has a comprehensive list of DSS pop culture video references[85] with links to video clips. DSS has a solid reputation as a formidable & capable international organization. Less than 2% of applicants successfully completes and passes the hiring process. Learn more about a career in the Foreign Service and about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. In 1985, Congress created the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), headed by the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security, and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), headed by the Director of DSS, who is subordinate to the Assistant Secretary of State for DS. These efforts range from detecting a simple listening device in the wall to countering the most sophisticated electronic eavesdropping devices and systems. Final selection for SA position is made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. 30 users here now. Domestically, Special Agents may be assigned to provide protective services for the Secretary of State, and other U.S. officials, or visiting foreign dignitaries. LinkedIn U.S. military community funding eligibility options, Do not sell my personal information and cookies. PDF Diplomatic Security Service Physical Readiness Test Self - Careers Thats the cap for anyone entering the Foreign Service., All those seeking a career as a DSS special agent must first serve 2 years in a US field office before bidding on an overseas diplomatic post. At Foreign Service posts, Diplomatic Security Special Agents are referred to as Regional Security Officers, and are responsible for the administration of a broad range of security services to protect Foreign Service personnel, facilities, operations, and information against foreign intelligence, criminal, and terrorist activities. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. On November 23, 2009, DSS Special Agents from the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Office (RSO) worked closely with the U.S. U.S. Department of State - United States Department of State It also requires a plan for the interim period before employment begins. Some test centers offer testing Monday through Sunday with some evening hours. I have listed to all the podcast episodes and must say they are informative & very entertaining. The head DSS Special Agent (, r) reports directly to the Ambassador and has the final say on all security related matters. The Diplomatic Security Specialist selection process, including the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) and Oral Assessment, is an employment selection tool used by the Department of State to identify the most qualified candidates for Diplomatic Security Foreign Service positions. Those who apply, pass the online test and pass the minimum qualifications review will be required to submit their undergraduate transcripts. [42] Brazilian federal police caught him on May 11, and he was returned to the United States the next day, where he faced 20 counts in San Diego of child sexual assault, kidnapping, production of child pornography, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Ariel Patrick was featured on America's Most Wanted.[47]. PD programs are set up with the hope of planting a seed in an exchange participant that will bear fruit in a decade when that person has more influence. Online 25 minute essay & 40 minute multiple choice screening questionnaire, 3. [59], The method in which the RSO title is implemented also has the potential to create confusion when interacting with outside organizations. DSS worked with Philippine officials to apprehend Tomas, who was wanted in South Korea on charges that he defrauded an individual there of more than $200,000. DSS additionally manages a comprehensive The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) is the Director for the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and is always an active DSS Special Agent.[15]. Once an application is submitted it cannot be changed until the six months have passed. [3] As employees of the U.S. State Department DSS special agents are unique in U.S. federal law enforcement for also being members of the Foreign Service. soil. DSS agents have been involved in investigations of most terrorist attacks on U.S. interests overseas in the past twenty years, including the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, and bombings of two U.S. Embassies in East Africa in 1998. The appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State raised questions about whether DSS would serve its usual protective role, since, as a former First Lady, she received Secret Service protection. The office's counterintelligence division conducts aggressive counterintelligence inquires and counterespionage investigations with other U.S. government agencies. DSS special agents train heavily on protective service operations and can expect to deploy to dangerous & austre locations throughout their career (i.e. The DSS is best identified with its protection assignments around the globe. Marshals Service (USMS) announces the capture of John Earl Gorham. Special agents have a different path but are frequently posted to overseas missions in their first two years. Was reappointed as director on February 1, 2013, to enable him to serve as acting Assistant Secretary pending formal nomination and confirmation. Working for DSS - United States Department of State Foreign Service: Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent (DSSSA) (FP-2501-06) Department of State Department of State - Agency Wide . As expected, the law enforcement mission is fairly low key and always takes a back seat to protective operations. Have a passport you want to fill? Facebook According to a current DSS Special Agent: Overseas work for DSS special agents is primarily security management." PDF Guide to the Diplomatic Security Specialist Selection Processes - Careers Active-duty personnel can begin early by planning and studying to take the Foreign Service Exam before they separate. In the days following the April 15, 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing, DSS Special Agents investigated the incident along with personnel from the FBI, HSI, State Police, Boston Police, Cambridge Police, and other law enforcement agencies; this led to the death of one suspect and the capture of the second suspect.[35]. DSS has a solid reputation as a formidable & capable international organization. U.S. passports and visas are valuable travel documents, and consequently some foreign nationals fraudulently acquire U.S. passports and visas to carry out criminal activities, including terrorism, inside the borders of the United States. Probation and Pretrial Services System, Marshal of the United States Supreme Court, Central Intelligence Agency: Security Protective Service, Environmental Protection Agency: Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, Smithsonian Institution Office of Protection Services, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diplomatic_Security_Service&oldid=1151861761, Specialist law enforcement agencies of the United States, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from March 2022, Articles with PDF format bare URLs for citations, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2011, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2013, Articles needing additional references from August 2018, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Selected applicants will be notified of an Oral Assessment (OA) requirement in Washington D.C. or select alternate sites within the U.S. With the creation of DS and DSS, its ranks grew to well over 1,000 agents. With its global partners, ARSO-Is help locate and return an average of 300 fugitives to the U.S. annually; missions have included dismantling major human smuggling networks, identifying criminals involved in child exploitation and pornography, ending international scams, and disrupting suspected terrorist travel. Military Criminal Investigative Organizations. Applicants have six months to schedule an appointment for the gateway test, however due to required administrative processes, the appointment must be made within eight weeks of the desired testing date. USAJOBS - Job Announcement [17] DSS may also provide protection to high-risk private individuals visiting the U.S, such as prominent foreign dissidents or opposition leaders. DSS agents were issued the Smith & Wesson Model 19 revolver (.357 Magnum caliber), but switched to 9mm pistols around 1993.[76]. Also known as Office of the Chief Special Agent. This fee is fully refundable and will be credited back to the credit/debit card a few weeks after you test. hbbd``b`z$ge `b\Q@"5hPd100&3` i Carlos Matus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director, Basic Special Agent Course (BSAC) (including FLETC): 6 months, Basic Regional Security Office Course (RSO School): 3 months, Language Training: 212 months per language, Basic Field Firearms Officer Course (BFFOC): 2 weeks, High Risk Environment Firearms Course (HREFC): 3 days, Joseph Nye (19171920), first Chief Special Agent, David A. Boling (SY Special Agent and diplomatic officer), 2006: "The Path to 9/11" DSS Special Agents Jeff Riner and Bill Miller, the RSOs assigned to the U.S. embassy in Pakistan, along with Pakistani police and, This page was last edited on 26 April 2023, at 18:22. The Director of the DSS is also the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, reporting to an Assistant Secretary of State. United States Secret Service DSS investigates crimes against State Department personnel and other U.S. Government personnel and families assigned under Chief of Mission authority at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. These investigations provide information to help determine if a job candidate or current employee is suitable for employment and should have access to classified information, or Department of State resources and facilities. > Careers > Special Agents > SA Hiring Process [1] As the operational division of State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, its primary mission is to protect diplomatic assets, personnel, and information and to combat visa and passport fraud. I would also like to know more about the hiring process in general if anyone has any info or advice. USAJOBS - Job Announcement The Special Agents of the At the U.S. border, ARSO-I's may work alien smuggling, human trafficking, and passport and visa fraud cases with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and HSI. Foreign Service Specialist Selection Process Updated: April 2024 Accessible Text FSS Selection Process Non-Accessible PDF FSS Selection Process Download New Special Agents normally are typically assigned to one of the domestic Field Offices for their first 3 years of service (including training), or possibly to a smaller Resident Agent Office. Secretary of State . America's Most Wanted featured the capture of Robert Snyder in Belize DSS Special Agent (RSO) Rob Kelty was interviewed by John Walsh. The head DSS Special Agent (Regional Security Officer) reports directly to the Ambassador and has the final say on all security related matters. However, please note that Department of State requires that candidates provide credit/debit card information to Pearson VUE (the test administrator) in order to complete the registration process. A small percentage of DSS special agents are members of the State Department's Civil Service and are not mandated to serve tours overseas; they instead focus on criminal investigations and dignitary protection within the United States. Agents who enjoy the overseas lifestyle will try to get a second tour in a Special Agent slot at a large embassy, or possibly serve as a Regional Security Officer (RSO) at a small post or as a Deputy Regional Security Officer (DRSO) at a medium-sized post. [53], On February 3, 2011, Paul Eischeid, a fugitive and member of the Hells Angels who had eluded U.S. There are four stages of the interview, beginning with two written test to examine your overall knowledge of the State Department and assess your writing capabilities. For construction at posts where there is a critical counterintelligence (CI) threat, agents will also serve as CI investigators dedicated to preventing compromise of the most sensitive spaces within the new embassy. All employees who work for Bureau of Diplomatic Security, including those of DSS, are referred to as DS employees. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which had the best forensic laboratory in the country. After reading all 729 pages of the thread, you and many other active agents have provided outstanding knowledge/insight about the job. Create a profile in the applicant portal to apply, view jobs, and . Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS. Before his departure in 1947, SY Director Bannerman began codifying procedures for overseas security. The test consists of doing push-ups, sit-ups and a 1.5 mile run. Be able to meet the minimum medical qualification standard and pass supplemental medical requirements. Language skills are considered a bonus, but no particular language familiarity is required. [58] Additionally, it is noted that RSOs no longer cover multiple countries and are thus not regional. This is because the host country will not investigate or prosecute diplomats, who are considered to have immunity from their laws. of State. At the same time, the protestors pulled down the Embassys cameras around the perimeter. DSSA Selection Process Accessible Text DSSA Selection Process Non-Accessible PDF DSSA Selection Process Download These initiatives come in response to German and Austrian acts of fraud, propaganda, sabotage, and espionage in the United States during the First World War. Sources: Washington Post, Sept 7, 2004, State's Security Bureau Takes on Expanded Role, Washington Post article by Robin Wright; (Book) 2002 Relentless Pursuit: The DSS and the Manhunt for the Al-Qaeda Terrorists, Samuel M. Katz. Eligible military veterans can apply up to the age of 60 years old, said Bokleman. Marshals. Perks include worldwide travel for you and your family, comfortable housing, as well as top-rated international schooling for children, student loan repayment, and employment opportunities in embassies and consulates for spouses and qualified dependents. In addition, the office relies on a cadre of security engineers to deter, detect, and neutralize attempts by foreign intelligence services to technically penetrate U.S. office buildings and residences. Ive wanted to do this for a long time so I want to be as prepared as possible. No matter which professional, academic or personal path you have taken in life, you can turn your unique perspectives and law enforcement, technical, or engineering skills into an exciting public service career. The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS or DS) is the principal security and law enforcement agency of the United States Department of State. As members of the Foreign Service, agents are expected to spend most of their career living and working overseas, often in hazardous environments or less developed countries throughout the world. Foreign Service Specialists include security engineer officers, security technical specialists, and diplomatic couriers, all who are often posted overseas on their first assignment. Want to put your top-secret security clearance to work, continue to serve your country, not ready to settle down and join corporate American? Congress formed a commission headed by Admiral Bobby Ray Inman to look into the bombings of U.S. diplomatic facilities in Beirut. Potential applicants must apply to an open posted Any time there is a threat or an attack against a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, DSS Special Agents are the first on the scene to investigate. security of embassies , ambassadors, visiting heads of state, and diplomatic personnel are of the utmost national importance and take up significant resources within DSS. It is a federal offense to apply, or assist someone in applying, for a U.S. passport or visa when they are not entitled to one. Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service. As the day progressed, the protesters threw combustible material over the wall landing at the bottom of the watch towers which smoked U.S. personnel out of the towers. ATF) has no bearing on your eligibility to apply to . The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) has more than 2,500 special agents, security engineering officers, security technical specialists, and diplomatic couriers working and traveling worldwide. [12] However, DSS is the federal law enforcement agency, and not the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS). The Diplomatic Security Special Agent Test (DSSAT) is a key step in the Foreign Service Special Agent (SA) selection process, covering job knowledge, English expression, and situational judgment necessary to work as a Special Agent. DSS agents have often found themselves in harm's way, with four agents and 28 contract security specialists killed in the line of duty as of July 2006.