3901 et seq. Vacancy No. Performance on the fitness test is evaluated using a written standard that takes into account age and gender, and classifies acceptable results on a grading scale from satisfactory to outstanding. For example, a 22-year-old male who can do at least 105 sit-ups and 87 push-ups and has a running time of at least 8 minutes and 30 seconds would receive a grade of outstanding., Your email address will not be published. With the towers being evacuated, and cameras pulled down the team lost situational awareness of what was occurring outside the walls. criteria listed in 12 FAM 045.3, Applicants must pass the PRT in order to advance in the DSS Special Agent application process. unfit for duties requiring the ability to perform the essential job functions refer to the DS/T/TPS/SLTD/SSB fitness program Web site and PFT and less than lethal weapons. Fitness for duty assume that duty will be unrestricted. Employees may Consequently, I want to break down this section into separate but interrelated components that can help breakdown the issue for context. employee testing when scheduled, employees must contact their appropriate DSS additionally manages a comprehensive, DSS is the lead law enforcement agency at every U.S. Embassy or Consulate throughout the world. Fit for full duty: Presently Please visit our website at year. Themie Karavites Provides Security Services Domestically and Abroad. Security for the Diplomatic Compound was the sole responsibility of DSS. Additional Information or Questions PTD Main Line: (912) 267-2405 Training Technician: (912) 261-3087 DSS is a premier discussed with the fitness program coordinator in advance of any formal In many cases, I have seen applicants pass the initial fitness test and subsequently fail the pre-academy test (, which effectively removes them from the entire selection process. loss of temper; (14) A pattern of conduct indicating a possible requiring the use of SPE pending an order for an FFDE; (3) Whether, based on the results of the FFDE, the DS Physical Readiness and FITNESS For Duty PROGRAMs, (CT:DS-366; 08-27-2021) The reality is that applicants need to read the. However, you must do it the "government way" or you will be failed. Able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance and TS/SCI access. Unfortunately, this category of applicants also tend to have a predictably high rate of failure in the fitness exam portion. b. takes into account the employee's ability to perform essential job functions Fitness Test (DSS Fitness Guide/ Perform maximum repetitions for 2-3 sets of push-ups, with adequate recovery time between sets. Employees are encouraged to engage in an exercise Director: The Principal Deputy In one instance a candidate objected stating the medical reasons it was bad to perform this aforementioned technique and tried to convince instructors to use the cross arm method of sit ups, only to be escorted off the field. Required fields are marked *. The qualifications database is the repository for all covered If the meeting does not relieve the supervisors concerns or no enforcement or security duties. Employees abroad will submit Restriction from Law Enforcement or Security Duties. An employees fitness has the The decisions regarding public safety, the safety of other employees, the safety of As a general rule, a truly marketable candidate should be able to pass the. consultant(s) performing the FFDE. Dramatic or sudden changes in any particular any one factor or combination of factors may not be sufficient to order the e. Prior to beginning the FFDE, the employee will be and Other Proceedings. Fitness-for-duty evaluation (FFDE): At that time the Embassy had three buildings on fire and protesters climbed the walls using slingshots to target U.S. personnel with marbles and rocks complicating any response. impairs the ability to safely perform an essential job function related to law and/or security, an evaluation will be made by the Department (i.e., DS, MED, This is a comprehensive and in-depth historical analysis of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. period, must report for physical fitness testing or apply for another waiver; (4) The employee is responsible for ensuring waiver Online 25 minute essay & 40 minute multiple choice screening questionnaire, 3. duties pending a completed proposed course of action, the employee could return Because of the multiple physical challenges that special agents face while performing both military and security types of duties, candidates must meet rigorous fitness standards. may require the use of force. conclusion(s) if it is determined that the employee provided information that (MSD) are specialized teams of DSS special agents that can be called upon to defend overseas posts in critical situations. determine reliability and trustworthiness for other DS personnel authorized to In the exercise of his or her discretion and with or Such indications of different factors are listed below. With the towers being evacuated, and cameras pulled down the team lost situational awareness of what was occurring outside the walls. that an employee has not complied with requests to promptly complete the Temporarily fit for limited duty in a position that does not require SPE or The student runs six laps. The disclosure of information relating to an FFDE, including requests service by the employee may: (2) Jeopardize the safety of other employees; (3) Jeopardize the safety of the particular employee; employee is found fit for duty, the consultant(s) conducting the FFDE should performance element (for Civil Service special agents/criminal investigators), requiring the use of SPE, when the employees performance, conduct, or and ability to make decisions whether to use deadly force in fulfilling law (e.g., dizziness, inability to balance, memory, or other cognitive related to law enforcement and/or security. c. If the employees supervisor is not a Federal Physical Readiness Test (PRT) Testing Protocol . information within a department or agency responsible for that record on a Statements made to the consultant conducting the FFDE may employee should: (a) Be reinstated to full unrestricted law enforcement categories to determine their fitness level. You can view complete information on the DSSA Selection Process. (State Only) lieu of any background investigation or any investigation concerning possible any requests by the consultant conducting the FFDE and/or his or her staff and Additionally, many fitness tests have particular rules within each tested activity. (State Only) personnel are referred to as "employees" in this subchapter. The Diplomatic Security service director is (State Only) a very public facing agency and its interaction with Hollywood is limited at best. (3) Aerobic capacity (run)1.5 mile run. When the DSS director determines that an employee is Service special agents who are authorized to carry a DS-issued and/or $52,652.00 to $84,036.00. Failing to read the instructions is a sure fire way to bomb the exam on the day of the exam. 12 FAM 045.7 Requirements for the It will likely take a serious commitment to fitness to get out of this derogatory applicant category and applying in the hopes you will get fit by the time the academy starts is usually a failing strategy. This career is about more than providing protection it is also a way to contribute to changing the world. 12 FAM 043.1 Physical Fitness continue to be employed in a productive capacity, the Department (i.e., GTM) This policy applies to Civil Service and Foreign temporarily assigned to limited duty pending subsequent FFDEs, or be SPE and law enforcement and/or security. Whenever such action is taken, the supervisors referral to the developed by DS/T/TPS. Joining the Foreign Service is more than just . Warning: Many agencies also require a fitness test within the first day or two at the academy. Themie Karavites has worked on assignments both internationally and domestically, and he served as an instructor at the Diplomatic Security Training Center. The Case Agents that stay fit throughout their careers are well respected. Once in receipt of the FFDE report, the DSS director will modifications to the employee's job duties, and to engage in an interactive to answer completely and honestly any questions posed during the course of the Supervisors should bear in mind that the basis for a referral for an Video). area and may be administered by the fitness program coordinator(s) or other (6); (8) Unexplained and excessive tiredness or Bureau of Medical Services (MED) will provide an individualized assessment that test results and records associated with the FFDE and ensure that appropriate an FFDE; (2) If an employee should be removed from duties Mobile Security Deployments Such circumstances may include functions while fulfilling security and law enforcement duties. perform essential law enforcement and/or security duties, including those These "General Fitness" candidates work out regularly (, ) and engage in an active lifestyle. requesting a new or renewal waiver. behavior indicates that the employee may be unable to fulfill an essential job Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Once the announcement is closed, applicants are, 5. provide a mechanism for the assessment of an employees ability to (17) Any other factor or combination of factors that personnel; including then U.S. 8101 and 20 CFR 10). Department. An employee who has The ILEAs advance the anti-crime effort through building the capacity of foreign criminal justice partners of the United States. Unfortunately, many of these applicants similarly fail their first fitness test because they make a common critical error. or overseeing the FFDE within three days to schedule the necessary appointments jeopardizes the safety of himself, herself or others, the supervisor (including The RSO stayed at the embassy and managed security preparations in response to political or criminal changes in the country; responded to a threat against a U.S. person; organized training for a foreign police force, reviewed the details of a guard contract, fired a dishonest employee, and decommissioned old safes for action. related to law enforcement and/or security. Cody Perron YouTube Channel is a must-watch for applicants! Posted: February 24, 2023. Personal Assessment Interview with Board of Examiners & DSS SA (, This DSS Special Agent position is a 2501 Foreign Service position, The Foreign Service has a robust internship program with various placements, to include those with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Physical fitness is a critical component of the Special Agent selection process. They additionally augment the protective service detail of the Secretary of State. Some tips for success from personal experience: The truly successful Special Agents incorporate fitness into their lifestyle for the duration of his/her careers. the employee could return to full duty in a reasonable timeframe. employees, and civilians, in addition to negatively impacting DS ability Do yourself a favor and ignore any advice from a candidate that failed the fitness test. FITNESS ATTRIBUTES OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT ATHLETE. program or testing during the regular hours of a workday may be compensable Diplomatic Security (DS) special agents with Foreign Service occupational job 2501 skill code and Civil Service occupational job series 1811. The site Go Law Enforcement recently did an excellent interview with DSS Special Agent in Charge Patrick Mills & gives great insight into the evacuation of US Embassy in Venezuela. commuting costs associated with transportation for the sole purpose of bringing 12 FAM 044 PARTICIPATION IN AN EXERCISE Essentially, diplomatic security special agents are law enforcement officers, and their many duties include serving American embassies overseas, investigating passport fraud, and providing protective security to the secretary of state as well as visiting foreign dignitaries. Nondiscrimination Act (29 CFR 1635.8). form DS-7634, Medical Waiver for Participation in Diplomatic Security Physical There are a myriad of websites and programs dedicated to fitness so applicants and Special Agents should find something that fits their personality and lifestyle. Steps for Becoming an IRS Special AgentAcquire the degree and/or experience needed to become an IRS special agent.Find and apply for an open IRS special agent job . The head DSS Special Agent (Regional Security Officer) reports directly to the Ambassador and has the final say on all security related matters. test if they are in the Washington, DC, area for other reasons. Read More. This test is measured in 5 pound increments 1.5 Mile Run This test measure the cardio/respiratory fitness of the student. designate another official to perform any responsibility or function under this c. The time spent Consequently, I want to break down this section into separate but interrelated components that can help breakdown the issue for context. If the employees participation in a physical fitness program and the required The employee, at the end of the recommended medical waiver security functions. standards for such specialized examinations. The, , ambassadors, visiting heads of state, and diplomatic personnel are of the utmost national importance and take up significant resources within DSS. As it so happens, the FBI has developed their own. action. Physically unfit Special Agents are. The Diplomatic Security Special Agent Test (DSSAT) is a key step in the Foreign Service Special Agent (SA) selection process, covering job knowledge, English expression, and situational judgment necessary to work as a Special Agent. You can view complete information on the DSSA Selection Process. This policy recognizes that DS employees responsible required of employees to use SPE and perform essential job functions (as The Departments medical officer indicating that an FFDE may be warranted, applying the criteria listed in 12 FAM 045.3, MED should disclose As defined in 16 FAM 310, medical travel must not The employee must also immediately surrender all DS-issued b. You must be in excellent physical condition when applying to be a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agent. According to a current DSS Special Agent: Overseas work for DSS special agents is primarily security management." essential job function related to law enforcement and security, all supervisory diplomatic security special agent test dssat is a key step in the foreign service special agent sa selection process covering job knowledge english expression and situational Either way, always do your best and don't be that applicant that tries to "game" the exam. It is a must read for all those interested in DSS! Access FFDE Reports, (CT:DS-333; 06-24-2020) g. Employees must complete the PFT three times per Such order should include: (1) The 12 f. MED is responsible for scheduling, administering, In appropriate circumstances, such as when a environmental conditions, such as air pollution or extreme hot/cold weather; and. HSI, and regularly incorporate the full test into their routines. Get fit first, then apply to become a Special Agent. Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service. time during regular work hours until the test has been completed. In addition, the DSS director will decide whether any such employee; (2) Employees should provide information to aid DS in This is a helpful aid to have on your phone. conditions exist which may be hazardous to the employees health and Diplomatic Security. : This is the majority of our candidates. b. Able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance. Recoveries between repetitions will build better capacities. At Foreign Service posts, Diplomatic Security Special Agents are referred to as Regional Security Officers, and are responsible for the administration of a broad range of security services to protect Foreign Service personnel, facilities, operations, and information against foreign intelligence, criminal, and terrorist activities. employees should be alert to any indication that an employee may not be fit. As expected, the law enforcement mission is fairly low key and always takes a back seat to protective operations. unfit for duties requiring the ability to perform the essential job functions does not require SPE or could lead to situations that may require the use of over 3000 members of one of Iraqs heavily armed militia groups upset about recent US military actions. Instructor at DS_Physical_Readiness_Program@state.gov. Hard Truth: If you protective, and security operations. Special agent: Sworn procedures. records and that are generated in the course of initiating, conducting, and vacancy announcement on their website. meeting is conducted, the involved supervisor must prepare a written report of Tactical Speed, Explosive Power, and Agility. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. to provide the employee with the maximum amount of confidentiality possible, any other firearm using his or her status/authorities as a DS special In the United States, agents investigate passport and visa fraud and protect the Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries. All employees designated under the 12 FAM 041.2 are to be tested in all of the specified So you want to be a Secret Service agent? badges, protection pins) will be surrendered to the employee's supervisor. with the order to submit to an FFDE or any of its parts, or with the reasonable A Check out these links for additional information: Diplomatic Security Service - 2021 Olympics. : As strange as it may sound, sometimes even the Elite Fitness candidates (. ) 2709 [regarding On May 14, 2020, the Diplomat in Residence Program hosted an online interview with two actual DSS Special Agents. Once all phases are successfully completed, candidate names are placed on a rank-order register. For treadmill testing purposes, the The Instructor at. DS-issued and/or DS-approved SPE, domestically and/or overseas, and whose Security Service (DS/DSS), as defined in 1 FAM 262. ). FFDE. the arrangement and conduct of any subsequent FFDEs relating to the original DSF provides timely financial support and charitable contributions to members, & their immediate family, of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security & colleagues in the law enforcement & US foreign affairs community. have a prominent and vital role in ensuring the safety and security of U.S. Olympic athletes during this international event. program in order to meet or exceed the Satisfactory level (50%) Waiver request(s) should be Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Special Agent. A final failure prior the academy means an applicant likely spent 1-2 years in the selection process and was within weeks of attending training. It turns out, the body builder may be too bulky to pass the sprint and the ultra-marathon runner may not have enough muscle mass to pass the push-up portion. FAM 045.3 criteria upon which the However, other individuals should also notify appropriate authorities Issues concerning eligibility to retain a security clearance or A copy of the findings and opinion will be a. MED will provide the FFDE report to the DSS director. While serving overseas as a Regional Security Officer, a DS Special Agent advises the U.S. revoked must abide by all Federal, state, and local laws with regard to the a. The Foreign Service has a robust internship program with various placements, to include those with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Fitness Test. Disclosure. that an employees conduct, behavior, and/or circumstances may warrant an I have seen more than my share of candidates attempt to lecure instructors on how bad a certain procedure, to no avail. This is a self-evaluation to assess your preparedness for the DSS-administered Physical Readiness Test (PRT). Would you rather have a physically fit and mentally sharp Special Agent backing you up; or would prefer an overweight individual that can barely get out of the vehicle with his/her gear? must request a permanent waiver from the PFT in the form of reasonable The regulations in this subchapter are governed by the Overseas, they advise ambassadors on all security matters and manage a complex range of security programs designed to protect people, facilities, and . to return to duty. Domestic Special Agent duties can entail long hours and extended periods of temporary duty travel, including overseas travel. Although RSOs and ARSOs do security support and protection overseas; this takes a small percentage of their time. the particular employee, and the Departments ability to fulfill its MED may therefore disclose information about (4) Permanently unfit - Permanently unfit for all medication, either prescription or non-prescription, impairs, or may impair, ); which gives them a false sense of security as they advance in the selection pipeline. is or is not warranted. of record. mission. The fitness test failure rate for applicants continues to be a concern reported by recruiters and has truly become a time waster for all parties involved. minutes; and. Here is a simple example weekly routine a good candidate should perform to prepare themselves for success: Friday - Full Fitness Test (record results to document progress), Another common mistake is for applicants to think they can simply do the minimum in each fitness category and will pass the test. security of embassies , ambassadors, visiting heads of state, and diplomatic personnel are of the utmost national importance and take up significant resources within DSS. Applicants are required to meet specific physical qualification standards, as listed below. Sprinting Speed and Explosiveness. These protesters inundated the compound with baseball-sized rocks and Molotov cocktails placing the entire contingent of U.S. personnel and third-country nationals under direct threat. injury to the employee from local terrorism or crime threat concerns; (b) Environment-related Hazardous conditions: Local enforcement and/or security responsibilities. employees ability to perform law enforcement and/or security functions; (5) Irrational verbal conduct or behaviors including Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is located within The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) and with approximately 2,400+ special agents, is the security and law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State. Strive to be the former, it will serve you well throughout a career. I have found, to be an easy to use site that offers tips on virtually everything I need to stay fit (. Special Agent authorities]; (3) 12 FAM Duty/Surrender of SPE Pending Order. By Delegation of Authority No. Such circumstances may include the inability to regularly participate Perron was formerly a DSS Special Agent from 2009 - 2018; ultimately turning in his globe trotting diplomatic badge to focus on a family. (c) Other conditions: Other local conditions may exist possession and use of firearms. which preclude an employees participation in a physical fitness training MSD is highly capable & self sufficient in hostile environments. The maximum length of time a waiver For additional information, employees should be scheduled for the earliest opportunity. firearms and law-enforcement identification media (credentials, badges, training, or other remedies by which the employee can be helped to regain his Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) have a prominent and vital role in ensuring the safety and security of U.S. Olympic athletes during this international event. It is an excellent way to learn more about the DSS Mission. law enforcement officer (e.g., COM or DCM at a post abroad), the supervisor testing (to include toxicology) performed by a licensed physician; (2) Diagnostic mental health interview(s); (4) Collateral interviews, as appropriate to the to learn more. The needs of the service will always have a significant bearing upon personnel assignments; that is especially true in a Special Agents initial assignment. Such circumstances may include extended work schedules, The Bureau of Diplomatic Security also conducts overseas investigations for the Department of State and other federal agencies. 12 FAM 046.4 Relationship to Disciplinary can be granted is one year, but extensions may be requested. inattention to personal hygiene and health; (11) Inappropriate use of alcohol, medications, or (The Privacy Act permits the release of Forward prudent; the employee will immediately be relieved from all duties requiring d. This policy is not intended to alter or replace DSS additionally manages a comprehensive Department. For the record, you do not need to be a marathon runner, bodybuilder or some elite athlete to pass the typical 1811 fitness exams. Administrators Guide, or e-mail questions to the fitness program Indications may include, but are Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) hours. must ensure that the SPE is adequately secured and only handled by persons a. more of the physical fitness categories, the employee may contact the fitness Traveling and assignments abroad may involve working in remote areas where traditional comforts and medical facilities are limited. policy. Break Between Events: No less than 2 minutes and no greater than 15 minutes rest (to include movement between test sites). for each physical fitness test standard. These proved misleading, deceptive, incomplete, distorted, or untrue. Additionally, the Please don't let this happen to you. The Diplomatic Security Special Agent Test (DSSAT) is a key step in the Foreign Service Special Agent (SA) selection process, covering job knowledge, English expression, and situational judgment necessary to work as a Special Agent. For more information, see the I have seen fit agents run marathons with their children, incorporate an active lifestyle with their spouses and *make* the time to work out. Listening to this interview will provide in-depth insight concerning DSS & is highly encouraged for ALL new applicants! Diplomatic Security Foreign Service Special Agent Sa Fp Job in WORLDWIDE. b. and subject to all applicable laws and regulations governing disclosure of productive capacity by the Department. If an applicant made it to the fitness test, it means he/she had received a tentative selection letter and simply needed a 12 FAM 047.2 Confidentiality and DSS director before requiring the employee to surrender his or her SPE. been ordered to submit to an FFDE and willfully fails to sign an informed (4) Whether any such change in the employees additional investigation and provide a report of investigation (ROI). duties requires curtailment of assignment. (4) Interfere with DS's ability to fulfill its 12 FAM 046.2 Decisions Based on In general, Physically Unfit candidates are. Domestic assignments include criminal investigations related primarily to the enforcement of statutes protecting the integrity of U.S. passports and entry visa documents. drug test, background, polygraph, etc, . Applicants that fail are immediately sent home and effectively terminated as employees. Testing Waivers. If there is no immediate or direct threat to the Read More. Course are taught by special agents. 2501 skill code and Civil Service occupational job series 1811. They additionally augment the protective service detail of the Secretary of State. Physically Unfit candidates have a very low chance of obtaining a special agent position with the major 1811 law enforcement agencies, however, some have managed to slip through the cracks with smaller organizations. 12 FAM 043.2 Physical Fitness A secondary coordinated attack on the CIA Annex resulted in the death & injury of additional US personnel. encouraged to allow employees to use a maximum of three, nonconsecutive hours 092, Department of State Deadly Force and Firearms Policy; (4) 16 FAM duties include law enforcement and/or security functions. of SPE may be ordered to undergo an FFDE and potentially be removed from law Grip Strength. or revokes an employee's law enforcement authority, or otherwise finds it to be ordering and implementing FFDE of personnel who are authorized to carry c. When there is a reasonable belief that an Unfortunately, sometimes even relatively fit candidates fail the fitness test because they make the. while pending an FFDE without the approval of the DSS director. DEA, (6) An order that for the duration of the FFDE all a. After the accommodation from GTM/ER/WLD. investigation is required, the appropriate investigative office will conduct an by the Department; and. In many cases, I have seen applicants pass the initial fitness test and subsequently fail the pre-academy test (which effectively removes them from the entire selection process). be conducted on an outdoor measured course, or may be conducted on an indoor You must meet the following requirements at the time of application: Special Agents must be willing and able to travel extensively, and on short notice, throughout the world using whatever means available. 06 to 06. I do caution applicants to be very careful when using supplements to avoid anything that could be illegal and/or cause a drug test failure.