Security Protective Officer

[schoromanski]

Hey Everyone,

I applied awhile ago to be the Security Protective Officer with the CIA and I just got an email from them, I have a few days to complete a few things of information before moving onto interviews in a few months and I wanted to get some advice first. I know the USSS UD is an exceptional position to jump start your LE career but is the security protective officer for the CIA the same? I know I heard about the police force for the FBI that there werent many opportunities for promotion for intelligence or agent position. I just want to make sure it wasnt like that? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Steve

[Kimble]

I've never worked for "the Agency", but have coworkers who have. From what I understand (and keep in mind this is an outsider's perspective based only on a handful of conversations), CIA does promote from within. Does not guarantee that you will one day be working in Clandestine Services, if that's your ultimate goal, but there could be a chance.

On the other hand, if you're desire to seek an "agent position" means becoming a special agent with a criminal investigative agency (FBI, DEA, USSS, etc.), that could also happen. CIA is not a criminal investigative agency, so understand that their work (intelligence) is not the same thing as being a criminal investigator/cop. I've met plenty of agents at my agency and others who were prior uniformed federal law enforcement officers (haven't met any who were SPOs with CIA, but I'm sure there are some out there), so it is definitely a career field you could pursue and eventually get picked up for an agent position with luck and good timing (but this is the case for ANY fed agent position).

Again, never worked for CIA, and not aware of anyone on this board who does/has, but that's what I have been about opportunities that could be available for SPOs.

[Don Nadie]

I know of at least 2 FAMS who came from the CIA SPO ranks. They were good eggs and had a few good war stories. From what I understand it starts out working the gate ala security guard BUT it does have a progression to going on something called the Mobile Security Group (or something like that...) and working some overseas gigs doing close protection work and such.
Everything else I agree with ROS 100%. Good luck in whatever you choose. They are both honorable callings.
Don

[Motorolanut]

I know a few Ex Spo's who left and came to my agency, They stated for a 0083, it was a cool gig. Lots of specialized training but still plenty of post work. I can tell you this, TS-SCI or just TS gigs for that matter do help a little on a resume. And I am pretty sure now SPO's have like a 12D style or covered retirement system just given to them last fall 2008.

[schoromanski]

Thanks Everyone,

Thats helps.

Yeah I applied quite awhile ago and just got an email from them recently. I heard its quite rare to get an email from one of their recruiters. I was surprised to get one knowing how competitive it is. It said to complete the online assessments and that they would like to invite me in for an interview event next month. Well I took your advice and just did the online assessments and so forth. So we will see what happens. I will keep you posted.

Thanks again,

Steve

[FPS207]

I know a few Ex Spo's who left and came to my agency, They stated for a 0083, it was a cool gig. Lots of specialized training but still plenty of post work. I can tell you this, TS-SCI or just TS gigs for that matter do help a little on a resume. And I am pretty sure now SPO's have like a 12D style or covered retirement system just given to them last fall 2008.

Everything mentioned is pretty accurate except they are not LEO retirement covered. This is only a big deal if you are close to 37 years of age and want to progress to the special agent career field. The CIA SPO position does not "stop the age clock" so you might want to consider this in your decision. I attended FLETC with some CIA SPO's and had one of their SGTs as a firearm instructor. The majority of the work is static and post oriented, however they do have limited special details one can get into. Good luck.

[schoromanski]

Hey FPS207,

Thank you for your response. What do you mean by the CIA SPO position does not stop the age clock? Do they accept anybody?

Thank you,

Steve

[Kimble]

Hey FPS207,

Thank you for your response. What do you mean by the CIA SPO position does not stop the age clock? Do they accept anybody?

Thank you,

Steve

Federal LE jobs that have special LE retirement (referred to as 6c/12d retirement under FERS) have a maximum age of hiring at 37 yoa. You have to be no older than on your 37th birthday to be eligible for hire due to mandatory retirement at 57 with 20 years required. "Stopping the clock" is taking a job that is in this retirement system, and thus stopping the proverbial clock of having to get hired before turning 37.

[FPS207]

What ROS stated.

[Joeyd6]

Do the paperwork for any federal job right now in this economy. All hiring in teh feds usually involve a interview. You can get more info when they ask do you have any questions (what is a typical day like, what promotional opportunities are there, ect.....).

You can always decline the position if it is offered and not what you though.

Even if you use it as a stepping stone, the CIA on your resume will at least get you some interviews later on in life.

[Motorolanut]

Everything mentioned is pretty accurate except they are not LEO retirement covered. This is only a big deal if you are close to 37 years of age and want to progress to the special agent career field. The CIA SPO position does not "stop the age clock" so you might want to consider this in your decision. I attended FLETC with some CIA SPO's and had one of their SGTs as a firearm instructor. The majority of the work is static and post oriented, however they do have limited special details one can get into. Good luck.

Check Out this link on SPO's https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/vie...e-officer.html

They have a Special FERS retirement 20 year....It's not 6C or 12D but it is 20 year none the less..

[FPS207]

Check Out this link on SPO's https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/vie...e-officer.html

They have a Special FERS retirement 20 year....It's not 6C or 12D but it is 20 year none the less..

The special FERS retirement is that if you are in a covered position you can continue paying into the retirement, if you change from a covered position to CIA SPO. This occurs with all agencies if you leave a covered LE position to take a non covered LE position. However the CIA SPO is not covered under the retirement. You can always tell which positions are covered or not covered if there is an age limit, usually 37 or 40 yoa to obtain the position. You can be over the age of 40 to become a CIA SPO, which in itself lets one know that they are not a covered position.

[Motorolanut]

Interesting the CIA would do that then...Hmmm makes me think they have trouble keeping people as Spo's...Ah Yes the famous 0083 hop...When the music stops find a new agency..LMAO

[schoromanski]

Yeah I am just going to be graduating college soon and I am looking at a start in the LE community. Something to put on the resume and to get my feet wet and get a feel on where to go. We shall see if I am hear back from them this week.

Steve

[schoromanski]

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to update you with last week. Some other agencies were down there and I feel as if I am going to look into those more. Have an ICE test next week, hoping I will do well on that. Also I applied for an ATF internship this summer, we'll see how that goes. Going to apply to USSS UD in the fall and US Marshals. Lets see if I can get a job.

Thanks for all your help guys,

Steve