The Most Insane Tactics Used By The Secret Service

1. Travelling with bags of blood

imagesource: youtube

Whenever the president travels in his motorcade, each and every route the secret service take is never more than 10 minutes away from a trauma center and the car is always always stocked with bags of blood matching the presidents blood type in case of emergency. This helped save Ronald Reagan in 1981 after he was shot.

2. Tactical driving

imagesource: USarmy

All 6,500 secret service employees have to learn how to drive defensively incase they're involved in an attack against someone they're protecting. Their training takes place at a 546 yard track in Maryland where they learn all the fundamental technique of how to escape a dangerous situation.

3. They have NO secrets

imagesource: VOX

The secret service surprisingly isn't allowed any secrets. For agents wanting to join, they have to go through rigorous tests including a polygraph test. No matter how embarrassing their deep secrets may be, the secret service will get them out of them. All for good reason so the agents can't be blackmailed in the future.

4. Knowing their every move

imagesource: liveplayeat

Now, the only time secret servicemen aren't with the president is during some of his oval office meetings. His security is sent to wait outside the door but fortunately for the POTUS, his security still have a way of knowing where he is thanks to pressure pads installed under the rugs of the room that always monitor his movements.

5. They hire the bad guys

imagesource: CNN

In 2008, criminal mastermind, Alberto Gonzalez was arrested for the theft of 130 million credit card numbers making it the largest retail store theft ever. He claimed that he was working for the secret service to help track down credit card thieves and that he was always paid in cash in order for it not to be tracked back to the agency.

6. The lapel badges

imagesource: WorthPoint

These tiny badges have tiny IS transponder chips in them that links to the agency database which lists all the information needed to verify that the person with the badge is the one who's authorised to wear it. It can rapidly identify any imposters trying to get close to the president.

7. The ear pieces

imagesource: thenewyorktimes

The secret service don't wear uniforms, but you'll often see them with those ear pieces that are connected to their radios allowing them to communicate with the rest of their teams. They often have them one when they're accompanying the POTUS and you'll often see them talking into what looks like thin air.

8. CATS

imagesource: twitter

If the secret service ever need any additional firepower, they have a tactical unit on speed dial, an elite special ops team based inside the secret service itself called CAT (counter assault team). The specialised unit of operatives are tasked with neutralising attack on the POTUS.

9. 'The Beast'

imagesource: unitedstatessecretservice

The President's motorcade is both the safest and the riskiest convoy on the planet. There are 35 different vehicles in the motorcade with the one in the middle always being the president's limousine. It has night vision driving systems, a sealed cabin capable of enduring a nuclear biological chemical attack along with other incredible features.

10. They're not a small operation

imagesource: youtube

Whenever the POTUS is seen out and about, he's usually surrounded by about 6 or 7 secret service guards and a lot of people would think there aren't that many. What you probably didn't know is there's around 6,500 employees in the Secret Service with over 3,000 as special agents who carry out secret missions of protection. They're always around and there's always someone around to take things on.

11. High ranking individuals

imagesource: people

We all know that the secret service are always around the help and protect the President, but they also help protect some other high ranking individuals.. At the top of the list is the president and the vice president who have their own assigned officers. The pope and ex-POTUS also get life long protection.

12. They never leave the POTUS alone...ever!

imagesource: businessinsider

So we've all probably wondered from time to time what it must be like to be the POTUS. Well considering they're at the top of the secret service protection list, you can probably guess that they always have someone with them and when I say always I mean from visiting the doctors office to standing outside the bathroom to wait for them as they absolutely cannot risk anything happening to them.

13. The 'bum' deal

imagesource: wikipedia

When Ronald Reagan was in office, his assigned secret service officer was with him at all times and when he started to struggle with prostate issues, you better believe that his officer was with him at all times and at every doctor's exam. He was even prepared to take down the doctor if he thought he was at all a threat.

14. It's against the rules to leave anyone alone

imagesource: christiansciencemonitor

Anyone on 'the list of people who need to be protected' absolutely myst not be left alone. The POTUS and vice POTUS are not allowed to be alone at all, even if they want a little privacy or order the secret service to leave them alone, they cannot. It's against the rules which must be very frustrating sometimes.

15. Code names

imagesource: blogs - letemps

There are many pros and cons to being the POTUS but one cool thing is that they're allowed to choose their own secret service code name. The president, the vice president and their families are given a list of pre approved code names which they're allowed to pick from for themselves.

16. The Pioneer

imagesource: CNN

Vice president, Kamala Harris chose 'Pioneer' as her codename in a nod to her being the first African American woman and Indian American as vice president. Ex-POTUS, Donald Trump was 'Mogul', his wife and ex-first lady was 'Muse' and current POTUS, Joe Biden is 'Celtic'.

17. It's all about the money

imagesource: reddit

When Abraham Lincoln established the secret service back in 1865, he created it to protect the USA from counterfeiters and they were actually part of the department of treasury. They did not protect the President (as you can tell from Lincoln's untimely demise). They do still help protect the country from cyber attacks and it's a duty thats considered to be extremely important.

18. Always use a pencil

imagesource: newyorkpost

The agency has accumulated over 12,000 different inks from all over the globe, even dating back to the 1920s in order to help combat crimes, especially counterfeit crimes. They can pinpoint specific ink manufacturers to work out what ink was used on a piece of paper. This gives them a location to a crime and help track down senders of threatening notes to the White House.

19. Don't say anything stupid online

imagesource: reddit

The secret service has eyes and ears everywhere and anyone who threatens the life of the POTUS can serve up to five years in prison. CEO Matt Harrington knows this all too well and back in 2016 after his facebook rants about Donald Trump went viral, he was visited by the secret service at his home.

20. Swapping 'the beast'

imagesource: endurance

The President's impenetrable vehicle is always driven by secret serviceman and when they're driving him from A to B they often swap the positions of 'The Beast' with a nearby spare car. The spares at a glance look identical to 'the beast' so anyone planning an attack could target the wrong car.

21. They're crowd control experts

imagesource: ABCnews

To protect the people they're in charge of, the secret service relies on a perimeter system. The outer perimeter works with the local police, the middle has secret service agents amongst the crowds actively searching for weapons and reporting back. The inner perimeter are the agents with the POTUS and spend time watching everybody.

22. Agent Tim McCarthy

imagesource: WGN-TV

Still known as a hero to this day, Secret serviceman Tim McCarthy put his life on the line when crazed gunman John Hinkley fired at President Ronald Regan at point blank range. Tim immediately took the bullets for the president stepping in front of the spray - McCarthy thankfully made a full recovery.

23. They're trained in '10 minute medicine'

imagesource: youtube

All secret servicemen are trained in '10 minute medicine' meaning that if something were to happen to the POTUS, they've got enough knowledge to be able to keep him alive whilst they wait for medical staff to arrive. Whether it be a heart attack or a shooting, they're trained for everything.

24. Trip planning

imagesource: showbizcheatsheet

Secret service agents deal with any plans, they plan the motorcade route, they plan which vehicle the president will travel in, they'll plan the hotels and identify low risk hotel that they can book an entire floor out for. They also locate hospitals and any other emergency services nearby.

25. Food & letter testing

imagesource: thrillist

The secret service monitor the entire cooking process at any restaurant and if the president ever orders takeout, the food doesn't get delivered to the White House, it'll get delivered to a nearby address that they can pick it up from. Letters are also checked before they're given to the president.

26. Human shielding

imagesource: peoplehowstuffworks

The secret service are trained to circle the president and to scan crowds at all times if there is ever an attempt on the presidents life or if somebody ever tries to get too close to them. Without hesitation all agents put their bodies on the line and remain connected to one another to prevent confusion and remain connected to the protectee.

27. Marine One

imagesource: themirror

It's often easier and less expensive to let the president travel by air so the helicopter also known as Marine One is used for the POTUS and Marine Two being used for the Vice President. Typically HMX-1 nighthawks which are usually large Sikorsky VH3DC king helicopters.

28. Air Force One

imagesource: youtube

Whilst the POTUS travels around the world, the secret service is tasked with customising planes which are usually a Boeing 747 2b series aircraft as they have the ability to be refuelled midair and are extremely secure which allow the aircraft to be protected from electromagnetic pulses and coded communications equipment.

29. White House security tricks

imagesource: electronicproducts

You can actually get a tour around the White House, but you must book 21 days in advance so the secret service can do a background search on you. The entire house is covered in infred lasers from the floor to the ceiling so nothing, not even a squirrel can enter without the secret service being alerted. Its also a no fly zone, so if anything enters that air space, a set of drones are sent to find it.

30. Systema

imagesource: MMAunderground

Systema is a Russian military hand to hand martial art, which is known for being incredibly brutal and was only used by the likes of the KGB and Spetsnaz. It emphasises the use of natural and simple techniques to take advantage of an attackers biomechanics making it nearly impossible for the attack to hurt or kill the person they're trying to get to.

31. It's not a joke

image source: secretservice.gov

No, seriously - secret service agents have to even take 'jokes' very seriously, because anything and everything could be a threat. So if they're in a country were freedom of speech is a very big thing, they have to pay attention to every little thing everyone is saying to see if it's a veiled threat.

32. And if they think you're a threat? They're immediately going to get ALL your info up

image source: theguardian.com

If a secret service agent hears someone joking about the president's life and thinks it's sketchy, they then move into 'protective intelligence'. This is when they'll immediately research who you are, your friends, your family, the circles you move in and which organizations you're affiliated with.

33. And what do they do next if they find a threat?

image source: youtube.com

If this 'protective intelligence' then comes back with something worrying and they believe the person to be a valid threat, they can - and will - do one of three things: they can issue the person with an official warning, they can commit the person for psychiatric evaluation, or charge them with a felony resulting in up to 3 years in prison!

34. The president doesn't have one official 'food taster'

image source: lovefood.com

Most people think that important people - like royalty and presidents - have an official 'food taster' in case something has been tampered with - but according to an ex executive chef at the White House, that's not the case - and it's only White House kitchen staff who have access to the presidential food.

35. And the person who takes care of their food changes with every trip

image source: time.com

Because there isn't an official 'taster' who flies around everywhere with the president, it changes with every trip. There is a Navy-assigned chef for long trips, while Air Force One has a chef that takes over, or an airport chef. When going abroad, it gets a bit more complicated, where a secret service taster might have to step in.

36. Nobody can sell anything to the president without it being screened first

image source: bbc.com

This obviously makes sense when you think about the amount of suspicious things might otherwise make their way into the White House, but screening things which want to be sold to the president is just part of the job for his security team. No late night Amazon shopping for the president, then!

37. Their 'ink library' is looking to go digital

image source: nypost.com

As mentioned, the secret service have a library of ink that can recognize any used on paper if an anonymous letter is sent - and the secret service are looking to make this all digital in the future. This will obviously make it quicker, easier and have more refined techniques.

38. The president's motorcade always travels with a mechanic - who's armed

image source: endurance.com

The presidential motorcade - 'the beast' - is never without a highly specialized mechanic, who's able to work on the vehicles should they need it at any point during their important journey. Not only is the mechanic present, but they're also heavily armed like all the other agents, too.

39. The motorcades used to be limos bought off the lot

image source: reddit.com

Back in the day, the presidential limos would actually be cars that were bought off the lot, as they were, and then modified for protection later. But the amount of modifications needed for security purposes made the limos breakdown, because they weren't made for such heavy mods!

40. Because they broke down, the motorcades would instead be built from scratch

image source: newsweek.com

Because it was then impossible to buy limos ready to go and then modify them, it was instead decided presidential vehicles should be completely manufactured from scratch with the presidential motorcade in mind. It's been done this way since the time of President Bush.

41. Important lessons were learned from JFK's assassination

image source: www.history.com

As you can imagine, the assassination of a president traveling via motorcade gave the secret service pause for thought on how they do things. It was the assassination of John F Kennedy that forced the service to rethink how they did things in terms of armored vehicles and protection.

42. The president never, ever goes out 'on a whim'

image source: bbc.com

Sometimes it might seem that the president has done something 'off the cuff' while out in public, or that some outings are decided on spontaneously, but this is never, ever the case. Any outing, no matter how short and casual, needs to first be cleared by an advanced secret service team.

43. The advanced team fully scouts out the location first

image source: yahoofinance.com

If the president wants to anywhere, whether planned months in advance or minutes in advance, the secret service team needs to fully scout out the place. This includes all entrances and all exits, all the bathrooms and even small hiding spaces like closets, for potential threats.

44. They also check in with local mental health institutions - in case of escapes

image source: wikipedia.org

When visiting another state, this is something the secret service team has to do, in case there has been an inmate who has escaped from a mental health institution, knowing the president is visiting, and could be a threat. This became an important check after President Reagan's attempted assassination.

45. They're trained to spot someone with a gun in a crowd

image source: financialtimes.com

Secret service agents will always be in the lookout in a large crowd of people for potential threats, but what they're mainly looking for is someone with a firearm. While there are many threats that can happen in a crowd, it's highly likely a gunman will be the biggest thing to worry about.

46. And they can tell whether you're left or right handed

image source: reddit.com

Service agents are so trained that they can tell whether you're left or right handed with just a look. This is so they can better understand which hand they might expect a gun to be pulled with. They can tell based on things like jewelry worn on the hand, or how the person lights a cigarette.

47. They watch for shooters checking if the weapon is still there

image source: wallstreetjournal.com

One thing they're also trained to look for is something people won't even realise they're doing. It's likely that a gunman will subconsciously check that their hidden weapon is still there, when they move, sit down or stand up. So that's what agents look for - the weapon check.

48. Baggy clothes might make them suspicious

image source: reddit.com

This is particularly true if it's a very hot day and someone in the crowd rocks up wearing a very baggy sweater or coat. Agents will immediately wonder whether they're concealing something - like a weapon - in the baggy clothing, so they're trained to pay attention to what people are wearing, too.

49. The 'water rescue' is one of the most demanding details

image source: chesapeakebaymagazine.com

There are many details and tasks that make up the secret service - but one of the most demanding can be the water rescue detail. These sees agents ready for any eventuality that can happen in water, where they need rigorous training to be able to save anyone from water hazards.

50. There are tactics that will forever remain... secret

image source: motherjones.com

Of course, the secret service has to keep some things close to their chest, which is why the world will never know every single one of the tactics they learn in order to do their job. This list covers only a small portion of what they're capable of doing - which is impressive enough!

51.  What makes an outstanding secret service agent? ..... Disciplined behavior

Image source: CBS News

A secret service agent's commitment to maintaining a high level of discipline is foundational. This involves adhering rigorously to orders, protocols, and codes of conduct. Disciplined behavior ensures operational efficiency, creating a culture of accountability within the agency.

52. Integrity is key

Image source: NY Post

Integral to a secret service agent's character is an unwavering commitment to integrity. A strong moral compass and honesty are not only personal virtues but are also critical for building trust with colleagues, superiors, and the public. Trust is the bedrock of effective intelligence work.

53. Adaptability in rapidly changing situations

Image source: NY Post

In the dynamic world of espionage, adaptability is a key trait. Agents must be adept at adjusting to speedily changing situations, whether it involves shifting mission parameters, unexpected challenges, or alterations in the geopolitical landscape. Flexibility ensures success in diverse and unpredictable scenarios.

54. They have to always be in peak physical fitness

Image source: Aerotech

Agents need to maintain peak physical condition to handle the demanding tasks inherent in their roles. Physical fitness not only ensures readiness for strenuous missions but also contributes to overall resilience, allowing agents to perform effectively in high-stress situations.

55. Mental toughness on another level

Image source: Medium

The nature of secret service work often involves high-stress situations. Mental toughness is crucial for agents to remain composed, think clearly, and make sound decisions under pressure. Resilience in the face of adversity is a hallmark of a successful agent.

56. Observational skills to identify threats

Image source: Grand Canyon University

Keen attention to detail is a fundamental aspect of an agent's observational skills. The ability to notice subtle cues, patterns, and anomalies is essential for identifying potential threats, gathering intelligence, and making informed decisions in the field.

57. Thinking on their feet

Image source: Insider

Rapid decision-making under pressure is one of the defining characteristic of effective secret service agents. The ability to assess situations swiftly and choose the most appropriate course of action is critical for mission success and personal safety.

58. Communication skills are paramount

Image source: Quora

Effective communication is absolutely paramount for coordination within a team and with external entities. Agents must convey information quickly, clearly, concisely, and securely to ensure seamless collaboration, intelligence sharing, and mission execution.

59. It's all about the teamwork

Image source: Quora

Secret service operations heavily rely on spot-on teamwork. Agents must work seamlessly with colleagues, leveraging each other's strengths and expertise. Team cohesion is essential for executing complex missions that require a coordinated effort.

60. Leadership to take charge at a moment's notice

Image source: NY Post

While teamwork is crucial, there are often instances where agents must take charge. Leadership skills enable agents to provide direction, make critical decisions, and guide the team effectively in situations that demand decisive action, within literally seconds.

61. Got to be exceptional at problem solving

Image source: Royal Security Group

Secret service agents encounter diverse and complex challenges. The ability to think on one's feet and solve problems efficiently is vital. Resourcefulness and adaptability always contribute to overcoming obstacles and achieving mission objectives.

62. Understanding diverse cultures

Image source: Mercy University

Being aware of diverse cultures is imperative for navigating various environments. Cultural awareness enhances an agent's ability to blend in, build rapport, and operate effectively in different regions, resulting in successful intelligence gathering.

63. Being multi-lingual

Image source: The Sun

Knowing multiple languages is an asset for international assignments. Language proficiency facilitates communication with individuals from different linguistic backgrounds, easing information gathering and enhancing undercover operations.

64. Proficient in advanced technology

Image source Trend Hunter

Familiarity with advanced technologies is crucial in the modern era of espionage. Being tech-savvy enables agents to leverage cutting-edge tools for surveillance, communication, and data analysis, enhancing their effectiveness in their specialist  field.

65. Utmost discretion

Image source: Secret Service

The ability to keep confidential information confidential is a core tenet of secret service work. Discretion ensures that sensitive intelligence is protected, maintaining the integrity of ongoing operations and safeguarding national security.  Leaking information could get you kicked out.

66. Keeping hold of your emotions

Image source: TPSO Magazine

Maintaining emotional composure is crucial in challenging situations. The ability to stay calm under pressure prevents impulsive actions, allowing agents to think clearly and execute missions with precision.  Dropping their guard can lead to emotional decisions.

67. 

Analytical skills to make informed decisions

Image source: Saint Leo University

Agents must analyse information so much quicker than the average man on the street to accurately extract actionable intelligence. Strong analytical skills enable agents to make informed decisions, identify patterns, and understand the implications of gathered data.

68. Surveillance skills, traditional and technological

Image source: Secret Service

Mastery of surveillance techniques is essential for monitoring targets covertly. A deep understanding of surveillance methods, both traditional and technological, enhances an agent's ability to gather critical intelligence without being detected or causing suspicion.

69. Evaluating risk assessment

Image source: Insider

Evaluating risks and making informed decisions based on that assessment is a key responsibility. Agents must balance the pursuit of mission objectives with considerations of personal and team safety, requiring a nuanced understanding of potential threats.

70. Be confident handling firearms

Image source: Quora

Skill in handling firearms is essential for self-defence and protection during covert missions. Agents undergo rigorous training to ensure they can effectively use firearms when necessary, contributing to their overall safety and operational capability.

71. Be able to remain unnoticed

Image source: Quora

The ability to blend in and go unnoticed is crucial for undercover work. Infiltration skills involve adopting disguises, adjusting behavior, and seamlessly integrating into diverse environments without arousing suspicion.  This is a skill that is easier said than done!

72. Networking to gather information

Image source:  NY Times

Building and maintaining a network of contacts is paramount for gathering intelligence. Agents cultivate relationships with individuals who may provide valuable information, expanding their reach and enhancing their ability to stay ahead of emerging threats.

73. Having knowledge of the law

Image source: Insider

Legal knowledge, understanding the laws and regulations related to espionage, is essential. Agents operate within legal frameworks, ensuring that their actions align with national and international laws, mitigating legal risks associated with intelligence work.

74. Defusing conflicts without violence

Image source: NY Times

Agents may encounter tense situations that require defusing without resorting to violence. Conflict resolution skills are crucial for navigating delicate scenarios, maintaining control, and preventing escalations that could jeopardize mission success.

75. Strategic planning and thinking

Image source: Reddit

Planning and executing strategic operations demand a thoughtful and strategic approach. Agents must assess long-term objectives, anticipate potential obstacles, and develop plans that maximize the likelihood of success.  They must be able to change their strategy instantly if it's not working.

76. Having the patience of a saint!

Image source: Quora

Gathering intelligence often requires waiting for the right moment. Patience is a virtue in the world of espionage, allowing agents to observe, analyze, and strike when the timing is optimal for achieving mission objectives.  It can be a long wait, for the outcome to arise.

77. Know how to evade detection

Image source: Insider

Knowing how to evade detection is important for personal safety. Evasion techniques involve a combination of awareness, stealth, and strategic manoeuvres to avoid being identified or targeted by adversaries.  Months of planning could otherwise go out of the window.

78. Have interpersonal skills

Image source: Quora

Building a good rapport with individuals is crucial for information gathering. Strong interpersonal skills enable agents to establish trust, extract valuable information, and manipulate situations to their advantage in the pursuit of mission objectives.

79. Being decisive for mission success

Image source: Pride Source

Being able to make decisions decisively is crucial for mission success. Agents must weigh available information, assess risks, and take decisive actions, ensuring that they can adapt swiftly to evolving situations in the field.  Full concentration is key in this case.

80. Undercover specialized training

Image source: Quora

Specialized training in undercover operations is beneficial. Agents undergo rigorous training to develop the skills necessary for blending in, maintaining cover, and effectively gathering intelligence without attracting attention.  Staying under the radar is crucial.

81. Having crazy stamina

Image source: Quora

Prolonged missions may require enduring physical and mental challenges lasting many hours or even days. Agents need the stamina to persevere through extended periods of surveillance, travel, and operational activities, ensuring sustained effectiveness in the field.

82. Resourcefulness and adaptation

Image source: Oakley Forum

Agents must be able to think on their feet, improvising and adapting to unexpected situations. Resourcefulness involves creatively finding solutions to challenges, utilizing available tools and information to overcome obstacles and achieve mission objectives.

83. Absolute attention to detail

Image source: The Guardian

Small details can be critical in intelligence work. A meticulous attention to detail will ensure that agents capture and analyse information accurately, therefore minimizing the risk of overlooking any important clues or some specific connections.

84. Understanding legal ethics

Image source: NY Post

This is a sensitive one. Understanding the legal and ethical boundaries of the job is crucial. Agents must navigate complex ethical considerations, ensuring that their actions align with legal standards and ethical principles, preventing potential legal and reputational risks.

85. Be able to handle a crisis

Image source: PBS

The ability to adequately handle crises effectively is important for protecting assets. Crisis management skills involve remaining composed, making strategic decisions, and implementing emergency protocols to mitigate the impact of unexpected events.

86. Self defence combat skills

Image source: Quora

Basic hand-to-hand combat skills are essential, as well as being valuable, for personal safety. Agents undergo training to defend themselves physically, ensuring they can protect against potential threats when firearms or other weapons are not viable options.

87. Knowledge of tech countermeasures

Image source: Stratfor

Knowledge of counter-surveillance techniques is extremely beneficial. Understanding how adversaries might use technology to monitor or interfere with operations allows agents to employ countermeasures, safeguarding their communications and activities.

88. Being aware of surroundings

Image source: Quora

Being aware of one's surroundings is crucial for safety and none more so than a secret service agent. Situational awareness involves constantly assessing the environment, identifying potential threats, and adjusting behavior accordingly to minimize risks to oneself and the mission.

89. Unusual driving skills!

Image source: Quora

Skill in driving under various and often dangerous conditions is important for mobility. It could be tactical driving or moving at speed and this training equips agents with the skills to navigate different terrains, evade pursuers, and execute escape plans effectively.

90. Investigate background check

Image source: NY Times

Thorough investigative skills are crucial for vetting individuals and situations. Agents conduct comprehensive background checks to assess the trustworthiness of sources, collaborators, and potential threats, ensuring informed and confident decision-making.

91. Knowledge of codebreaking

Image source: TraderX

This is what most of us American citizens would associate with a secret agent! Basic knowledge of codes and ciphers can be advantageous. Codebreaking skills enhance an agent's ability to decipher encrypted messages, gaining access to concealed information critical for intelligence analysis.

92. Managing emotions of yourself and others

Image source: SpecOps

Understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others is vital. Secret agents have to enforce a tough approach. Emotional intelligence facilitates effective communication, builds rapport, and allows agents to navigate interpersonal dynamics with sensitivity and astuteness.

93. Effective forgery skills

Image source: Quora

Having a knowledge of document forgery may be very useful in certain situations. Agents with forgery skills can create convincing documents, IDs, or credentials, enhancing their ability to operate undercover and manipulate situations to their advantage.

94. Having cybersecurity knowledge

Image source: Insider

Understanding digital threats and defences can be of national importance. In tis world, the digital age, cybersecurity knowledge is essential for safeguarding sensitive information, preventing cyber-attacks, and ensuring secure communication channels.

95. A perseverance like no other

Image source: The Sun

Facing setbacks and continuing to pursue objectives is key. Perseverance involves maintaining determination and resilience in the face of challenges, ensuring that agents stay focused on their goals despite the many obstacles or setbacks they come across.

96. Having a global awareness

Image source: Jacksonville Journal

Understanding geopolitical events is crucial for strategic planning. Global awareness enables agents to contextualize intelligence within broader geopolitical dynamics, enhancing their ability to anticipate threats and navigate complex international scenarios.

97. Instinct and intuition

Image source: The Guardian

Trusting one's instincts is important for personal safety. Intuition, honed through experience and training, allows secret agents to sense potential dangers or anomalies, prompting them to take pre-emptive actions for self-preservation.  This is something that's usually inbuilt in them.

98. Understanding limitations

Image source: Christian Science

Understanding the legal protections and limitations of the role is crucial. Agents need to be aware of legal immunities afforded to them in the execution of their duties, balancing the need for operational effectiveness with legal compliance.  Thy can easily be pulled up if they fall short.

99. Being loyal and dedicated

Image source: The Guardian

Being dedicated to the mission and the team is essential. Loyalty brings with it a sense of unity within the agency, ensuring that agents can totally rely on each other in high-stakes situations and reinforcing the overall effectiveness of the specialist team.

100. Always willing to learn and improve

Image source: Clearance Security News

Staying updated on new technologies and tactics is important for staying effective. Continuous learning involves staying abreast of advancements in espionage, technology, and security, ensuring that agents remain at the forefront of their field. Regular training and professional development are integral to maintaining operational excellence.