Dss 1.0

[echo367]

That is correct - the COE expires in 18 months. I was on the LEH in 2004 and expired from that 2 years later.

Does anyone wonder why there isnt a polygraph exam?

[lakergrad]

...

[Maverick24]

Echo,

Im not sure how certain agencies choose whether to poly candidates or not, but the only ones Im aware of that do are: USSS, FBI, ATF, and DEA. I am sure there are others but In my experience, it seems like most agencies dont.

[Kimble]

For those in the process, I took the online examination for the SA vacancy back in early 2006 (around March or April). Haven't heard a peep since, but got a call today from DS asking if I was still interested in the process. I advised the lady calling that I had accepted a position with NCIS, but this could be good news for others still looking to get on board with DS. Looks like another round of BEX interviews is around the corner.

[echo367]

Well,

Yesterday I mailed off all my medical reports to Main State - anyone know how long it takes to get the medical clearance?

[wells79]

I'm new to this thread, and I see that the posts have slowed down quite a bit, but I thought I would throw a comment in. Echo, I hope by now your med clearance has been issued and you have been put on "the list."

I have been looking through forums to connect with fellow soon-to-be DSS agents. I have a place in the October training class, and I have to admit that I have been pretty impressed with the entire hiring process. As far as getting ready for training - I've been running every day and doing pushups / situps...does anyone have a good workout program to get into shape?

[echo367]

Thanks,

I havent heard anything about my medical yet - but I know my investigator is really hitting my BI hard - contacting about 4 references in 3 days.

As for workouts, I do sprints at least once a week, run long distances (outside preferably) about 3 days, lift once a week, pushups and situps alternating every other night, and then agility drills. I took the FBI physical fitness test in mid Sept so I concentrated on that.

What have you heard / know about the physical nature of FLETC and then at DSS training?

[DSS-137]

Does anyone wonder why there isnt a polygraph exam?

My understanding has been that DSS does not do the poly as part of the hiring process but reserves the poly for agents who are later assigned to positions requiring greater contact with sensitive information.

I see one good reason for this and one potential explanation:

(Good Reason IMHO) It allows DSS to pull from the full spectrum of applicants and does not eliminate applicants based on results showing some level of "deception". If you prove yourself during the years leading up to an assignment which would require a polygraph, then any borderline results would allow you to keep your job/career rather than send you packing.

(Potential explanation) DSS is part of the State Department. A department known for its more liberal methodology. I view the polygraph process as being a bit more invasive than a routine application process. So, it would follow that the State Department's employees (mostly diplomats/policy-makers/etc.) would be unnerved by a more invasive tool gaining a foot-hold in the hiring process of their fellow employees.

My $.02 ;)

[bigmanallen]

How Do assignments work? Is there only one DSS Agent at an embassy or are there a few? Im just curious what kinds of things you get to do as a DSS agent, keeping my options open.

Some of the smaller embassies only have one agent (called a Regional Security Officer, or RSO). Larger posts have several Assistant RSOs in addition to an RSO. State is creating several more ARSO/I -- investigator -- spots overseas.

[bigmanallen]

My understanding has been that DSS does not do the poly as part of the hiring process but reserves the poly for agents who are later assigned to positions requiring greater contact with sensitive information.

I see one good reason for this and one potential explanation:

(Good Reason IMHO) It allows DSS to pull from the full spectrum of applicants and does not eliminate applicants based on results showing some level of "deception". If you prove yourself during the years leading up to an assignment which would require a polygraph, then any borderline results would allow you to keep your job/career rather than send you packing.

(Potential explanation) DSS is part of the State Department. A department known for its more liberal methodology. I view the polygraph process as being a bit more invasive than a routine application process. So, it would follow that the State Department's employees (mostly diplomats/policy-makers/etc.) would be unnerved by a more invasive tool gaining a foot-hold in the hiring process of their fellow employees.

My $.02 ;)

The State Dept. will never require any State Dept. employee to take a polygraph. A former Secretary of State, when asked about polygraphs for his employees, famously said, "I will take the first one, and then I'll resign." Since then, they've never touched the issue. The only way an employee could ever be forced to take a polygraph is if he is part of a joint terrorism task force or multi-agency unit lead by the polgraphy big boys (e.g., DOJ, intelligence agencies)

[bigmanallen]

No, State doesn't do polygraphs, ever.

[Switchback]

The State Dept. will never require any State Dept. employee to take a polygraph. A former Secretary of State, when asked about polygraphs for his employees, famously said, "I will take the first one, and then I'll resign." Since then, they've never touched the issue. The only way an employee could ever be forced to take a polygraph is if he is part of a joint terrorism task force or multi-agency unit lead by the polgraphy big boys (e.g., DOJ, intelligence agencies)

...or while being investigated.


I would not use the word "ever", though. I think you are safer saying that the poly is not currently mandated for hiring. We are the same way. Several federal agencies have it as an option, but rarely (or don't) use it. For hiring, the poly is hardly more than an agency not wanting to do a thorough BI.