They do not leave the president’s side. They are armed with deadly weapons which they do not hesitate to use. They go through a series of demanding tests and training to defend the head of state and even give their lives for him. These are the Secret Service agents – get a behind-the-scenes look at their work and find out what it’s like to protect the US President in practice!
Secret Service – security with an unusual history
Although nowadays the Secret Service is only associated with the protection of the US President, few people know about its main and initial intention. The federal law enforcement agency was established in 1865 to combat the problem of counterfeit money. At the time, this was a widespread phenomenon in the United States, the escalation of which had just led to the creation of the USSS – the United States Secret Service.
Over time, the threats changed. Towards the end of the 19th century, the risk of an assassination attempt on the US President increased. There were indications that Grover Cleveland was planning the assassination of the then head of state. In addition, there were high-profile events in Europe, where anarchists assassinated, among others, the Prime Minister of Spain and the King of Italy.
The authority is now combining responsibilities – there are anti-counterfeiting squads, as well as separate teams looking after presidential security.
Who are the Secret Service agents?
The ranks of the Secret Service currently number around 3,200 people. Each is a specially trained agent who must meet a number of conditions to be accepted into the most prestigious group.
To become a bodyguard to the President of the United States, a candidate must:
- have American citizenship,
- be between the ages of 21 and 37 at the time of admission (older veterans may also belong to the USSS in certain cases),
- have at least a high school education,
- pass a series of motor and psychological tests,
- be in the highest possible physical condition,
- have good eyesight,
- prove that he or she has no criminal record and has not used drugs in the past.
Potential candidates are screened from every possible aspect and even their creditworthiness is verified. In addition, prospective agents are compulsorily examined with a variograph.
After passing the demanding initial undercover stage, a 10-week basic training course awaits at the Federal Security Academy in Georgia, followed by a 17-week course at the Secret Service Academy in Maryland. There, adepts learn, among other things, weapons marksmanship, special combat techniques, first aid or defensive driving in the US President’s car
What does protecting the US President look like in practice?
The office of head of state of the United States is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. The duties belonging to his private security detail, however, are by no means easier. On the contrary, no matter what the President is doing or where he is, there is at least one agent guarding him.
Thus, the most important politician in the world most often shows up in public not in the company of his closest associates, first lady or children, but alongside an armed escort.
The Secret Service co-ordinates all possible aspects of security – from route planning to securing speaking venues to liaising with local police units. The agencies are also responsible for driving the presidential Cadillac and escorting it.
There are always armed bodyguards around the head of state, ready to shield him with their own bodies.
Wrongdoings and scandals. What are the US president’s special agents up to?
Despite rigorous admission criteria and weeks of training, Secret Service agents are no saints. High-profile cases in the past include the situation on a visit to Colombia, where several officers were caught partying with prostitutes in 2012. There have been far more similar scandals.
In contrast, in 2014, agents failed to stop an intruder armed with a knife from breaking through the White House fence. The man was only apprehended inside the building, and the whole situation could have ended much worse.
The events of 13 July 2024, when Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s candidate in this year’s election, was attacked , provide the best evidence of the fallibility of presidential bodyguards. There was much controversy about the behaviour of the security guards, who not only failed to notice the assassin, who was located about 150 metres away from the former president, but also carried out a clumsy-looking evacuation operation.
The agents’ carelessness nearly cost the 78-year-old his life.
Interesting facts about the Secret Service – what else do you need to know about protecting the US President?
The work of Secret Service officers still holds a lot of secrets. Some of the facts may surprise you greatly!
Find out interesting facts about protecting the President of the United States:
- Agents carry blood bags with them, in case an emergency transfusion is needed. This can save the life of a head of state if getting to hospital is difficult.
- Bodyguards accompany the president at every turn. They even stay with him in the bathroom or while he is relaxing outside his personal spaces.
- All dishes prepared for the Head of State are created under the supervision of officers.
- Secret Service agents use code names for the president, his family and other important personalities. Examples? Barack Obama was called ‘Renegade’, Bill Clinton was called ‘Eagle’ and Joe Biden is called ‘Celtic’.
- Not only current, but also former presidents are protected. However, they can voluntarily opt out, as Jimmy Carter, among others, has chosen to do.
- The children of the head of state, on the other hand, are compulsorily guarded by the Secret Service until the age of 16.
- How much does a US presidential bodyguard earn? Agents are paid approximately $104,000 per year for their work, but this amount can increase with overtime.
- The Secret Service appears at important events, such as the Super Bowl, even in the absence of the president. This is because officers cooperate with other authorities to prevent terrorist attacks.
The leader of the United States is protected at every turn. An armoured car, a high-tech Air Force One aircraft and Secret Service agents keep him safe whatever the circumstances. Thus, he is one of the most guarded people in the world.