State Department DSS

[haobo]

I'm brand new to this forum; just wondering if anyone here is also in the application process for DSS-SA? Anybody out there?

[Kimble]

I'm brand new to this forum; just wondering if anyone here is also in the application process for DSS-SA? Anybody out there?

You might want to check out 911jobforums.com. There's a lot of federal LE applicants who post on that board, and they have pretty up-to-date info on DS hiring intel.

[schoromanski]

Hey haobo,

which process are you in? I heard the openings should be opening up in a few months?

[haobo]

Hey haobo,

which process are you in? I heard the openings should be opening up in a few months?

Hey schoromanski:

I am currently in the BI process-just waiting for final adjudication, and then FRB. I'm an October '08 applicant.
Did you apply last year, or are you waiting to apply this year?
I'm not sure when it will open up again-just hearing rumors that it might be this fall.

Keep in touch...

[FlyMIA]

DSS Seems like an awesome job while your young, I cant imagine being 34 and living with a family as a DSS agent. What type of applicants do they take in? It seems like a hard job I would imagine its almost 100% LEO or Military with the some of the type of work they do?

[schoromanski]

hey haobo

Nice sounds like you are more than half way done the process. I know someone that is an agent, took him a couple of years to get through everything. I am probably going to apply this fall. Did you have to take a test by any chance?

hey FlyMIA

The one guy I know that went into it was prior law enforcement. He was a police officer for a few years. Been trying to email him and hes very busy. A lot of overseas gigs. Not necessary, they do accept non military too. Think of it like this some people that are coming back from the military are experiencing psychological issues. Police officers on the other hand are a better pick if they stay away from alcohol and spouse related issues. So stay clean. This is just my opinion.

[haobo]

Luckily, my wife is very supportive of my dream, and we don't have kids yet, so it's a good time for me to get in.

As far as who they are looking for, you can find all of the requirements on the State Department website. Some of the absolutes are: U.S. Citizen, no older than 37 at time of final offer (waived for veteran's preference now), 4-year college degree, compliance with selective service, no felonies.
The application process is very selective and very competitive, and you have to go through a very extensive background investigation, as well as a very thorough medical examination-you must qualify to be eligible for world-wide assignment as most of your career will be spent overseas.
Of course before the background and medical checks, you have to apply online and qualify first with a high score. If your score is high enough, then you get invited to the BEX (Board of Examiners), where you go through an intense 4-part test and panel interview process. You must pass each stage in order to move onto the next stage. If you don't pass any of the four stages, then they will ask you to leave and your application is withdrawn. If you pass the BEX-all 4 stages-then you will get a COE, and then begin the medical, background, etc.
Of course you will get extra points for military service and language skills.

I think it would be the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding career out there! I'm really excited about the prospect of being a DSS special agent!

Good luck to everyone!

[MyOwnNemesis]

I am not a DSS agent but I have worked with many of them throughout the world while in the Military and as a civilian security adviser. Great bunch, great training. One of the reasons, IMO, the applicant scrutiny is so high is the reality that you will be floated out in the big bad world alone and there can be all sort of temptations for some one to "go off the ranch" and stain the Agency and the US Govt. In Central and South America in the 80's and 90's there were some pretty sticky incidents as well as some pretty horrific ones in Haiti in the 94-97 time when a whole bunch of weapons "disappeared" in some diplomatic pouches to lands unknown.

Not all negative, I have worked with some of the Hero's of the agency, mainly one comes to mind that was hit by "something" in Bosnia many moons ago while he was protecting an American Military VIP, rolled down a cliff and pulled others from a melting APC, it got so hot his service weapon warped into a ball of metal.....The UN guys that "saved" them stole his watch!

But like any agency, you will find some bad apples, as a whole, very professional operation.

[Big Sexy]

I am not a DSS agent but I have worked with many of them throughout the world while in the Military and as a civilian security adviser. Great bunch, great training. One of the reasons, IMO, the applicant scrutiny is so high is the reality that you will be floated out in the big bad world alone and there can be all sort of temptations for some one to "go off the ranch" and stain the Agency and the US Govt. In Central and South America in the 80's and 90's there were some pretty sticky incidents as well as some pretty horrific ones in Haiti in the 94-97 time when a whole bunch of weapons "disappeared" in some diplomatic pouches to lands unknown.

Not all negative, I have worked with some of the Hero's of the agency, mainly one comes to mind that was hit by "something" in Bosnia many moons ago while he was protecting an American Military VIP, rolled down a cliff and pulled others from a melting APC, it got so hot his service weapon warped into a ball of metal.....The UN guys that "saved" them stole his watch!

But like any agency, you will find some bad apples, as a whole, very professional operation.

Wow brother, you've been in the shit for reals!! :rolleyes:

Not meaning to rain on your parade, but who are you again? That's a helluva first post with some helluva chest thumping.

How about utilizing the "Rap Sheet" and introducing yourself, before we get to the bravado part. Tell us who you are, what you do, etc, etc, before we get into the "I love me so much because I taught Jason Bourne posts".

Besides, Chuck Norris would still kick your @ss. :D

[MyOwnNemesis]

Big,

I will hop back on in a little bit and validate my credentials (as much as I can)! Hey, Chuck does have balls of steel, no arguement there, but I have always been one that goes by the policy that you can break my arms.....but I still bite! I will pop back soon.

[BP348]

Maybe it's because the work is so similar but I've heard from a few (DSS & USSS) that it's a great job for a single guy but extreamly tough for a married guy with a family.

[MyOwnNemesis]

The few Agents that I have known over the years have agreed, it is tough on the family. Usually (always the exception) there is a two year unaccompanied hardship tour followed by a two - three year accompanied tour. Some sites can be gravy (Nassau comes to mind)...buttttt there are some under developed stink holes that aint so much fun. Benefits can be great, but if you are on that hardship tour....a lot of embassy parties, Friday nights at the Marine House, downtown Bogotá (Zona Rosa - God that place is great), well, suffice to say, you can get into a lot of trouble! Embassy life is not for everyone, think of the high school clicks and gossip and you get to play rumor control for the Ambassador.

[schoromanski]

MyOwnNemesis

Sounds like a great field to be apart of. Traveling around the world is great. Seems like you know a great deal about the field. I contacted someone who went to the same school as me who was a prior police officer before going in. Couldnt really get a hold of him much since he was so busy with the job in afghanistan. I know some agencies pull applicants from right out of college without any prior law enforcement/military experience... Saw on the requirements that a degree is required "at the time of appointment" so I think that means upon graduation. Would you happen to know if DSS is like that at all?

Appreciate it,

Steve

[Switchback]

I have known and worked with MANY DSS agents. I don't know of many that want to keep the job long-term. Most love the travel and experience, but once they have some under their belt, they are happy to go do some "real LE work". Please note that that is NOT my words, but those of a few agents that I was close with.

I think it could be acool gig for a while, but would likely tire of it.

[FlyMIA]

I have known and worked with MANY DSS agents. I don't know of many that want to keep the job long-term. Most love the travel and experience, but once they have some under their belt, they are happy to go do some "real LE work". Please note that that is NOT my words, but those of a few agents that I was close with.

I think it could be acool gig for a while, but would likely tire of it.

That is exactly what I was thinking I think it would be great for someone in their 20s maybe early 30s but that's it. I don't see how it would be nice to live in Pakistan for two years when your 45. I will put in a APP once I am eligible I know I have about .05% chance of even getting an interview but hey why not try.