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| Special Agents
Diplomatic Security special agents are federal law enforcement officers who serve worldwide. Overseas, our special agents advise ambassadors on all security issues and coordinate all of a mission's security programs. In the United States, agents investigate passport and visa fraud and protect the Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries. View the Special Agent brochure. A Global Force: Agent Profiles: Read what two special agents have to say about their careers as Diplomatic Security special agents. For more information, contact us at DSRecruitment@state.gov.
The men and women of Diplomatic Security are specially trained federal law enforcement professionals. Diplomatic Security special agents are Foreign Service security officers assigned domestically and overseas to ensure that American diplomacy is conducted in a safe and secure environment. Overseas, they advise ambassadors on all security matters and manage a complex range of security programs designed to protect people, facilities, and information. In the United States, agents investigate passport and visa fraud, conduct personnel security investigations, and protect the Secretary of State and certain foreign dignitaries. Training: Comprehensive and Specialized A substantial training investment is made in each candidate selected for this program. Six months of training begin with an orientation period in Washington, DC, followed by basic and specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia. Training continues at State Department facilities in the Washington area. Candidates must pass all required tests at FLETC. Initially, candidates are trained in personal protection techniques, criminal law and investigation, background investigations, first aid, firearms, and defensive driving. To prepare for specific overseas assignments, officers are trained in security management, post operations, counterintelligence, electronic security, and languages. Other instruction includes advanced firearms techniques, explosive devices, ordnance detection, arson investigation, and medical assistance. Special agents are most frequently assigned first to a domestic field office for 2 years. Here, they receive practical experience performing the variety of security functions for which the Bureau of Diplomatic Security is responsible in the United States, including background investigations on personnel, passport and visa fraud investigations, counterintelligence, and other criminal investigations. Domestic assignments also can include protection services for the Secretary of State and certain visiting foreign dignitaries or temporary assignment to an overseas post to perform a specific task.
Overseas Assignment: On to Greater Responsibility Special agents spend a substantial portion of their careers abroad serving at diplomatic posts. While assigned abroad, special agents are often referred to as regional security officers (RSOs). Overseas assignments offer great opportunity for career growth and usually occur immediately after the initial tour of duty in a domestic field office. Assignment abroad can, however, occur much earlier depending upon needs of the service. At U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, RSOs develop and implement the various aspects of a comprehensive security program designed to protect personnel, property, and information against terrorists, foreign intelligence agents, and criminals. With proven aptitudes and on-the-job performance, a Diplomatic Security special agent may advance to the position of regional security officer, responsible for managing security operations for an embassy or for several diplomatic posts within an assigned area. RSOs work closely with top State Department officials and serve as operational supervisors of U.S. Marine Security Guard detachments. Domestic assignments are equally challenging and rewarding. An officer can aspire to managing field office programs or a Department headquarters office responsible for support operations. Starting salaries range from $37,413 to $51,788, depending on qualifications, location of assignment, and related specialized experience. Upon successful completion of all training, special agents become eligible for Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), equal to a 25 percent increase of their base salary. Satisfactory performance earns employees automatic grade and pay increases during the first 3 years. Thereafter, promotions are competitive based on the recommendations of annual selection panels. An excellent benefits package includes:
A high level of responsibility, good opportunities for promotion, and an excellent benefits package await you. Make the most of your unique skills and abilities as a Diplomatic Security special agent. |
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First Assignment: Practical Application of the Basics 
