The CIA’s Clandestine Service is on the forefront of U.S. intelligence gathering. It’s a world-class division that provides crucial information that aids U.S. policymakers, law enforcement services, and the military in making strategic decisions. New Mexico’s CIA agents engage in intelligence gathering designed to protect national-security interests both domestically and abroad. For someone who wants more than a job, the CIA provides a unique career path that challenges both intellect and resolve.
New Mexico is home to a number of military bases, including Cannon Air Force Base (AFB), Holloman AFB, and Kirtland AFB. In partnership with other federal agencies, New Mexico’s CIA agents are tasked with gathering and analyzing the intelligence used to protect the vital technological resources and military secrets housed within these federal facilities. New Mexico is also home to the Roswell-based Walker AFB, which was closed in 1967. Walker AFB was the largest base of the Strategic Air Command during World War II and is also where the Roswell UFO incident took place. Although the CIA or the FBI will not confirm any suspicious activity related to this incident, CIA agents in New Mexico are still responsible for maintaining a level of security within the area, despite the fact that it is closed.
Requirements to Join the CIA’s National Clandestine Service in New Mexico
In New Mexico, the National Clandestine Service of the CIA offers individuals seeking a career as a Core Collector the opportunity to apply to one of two entry-level positions.
- The Professional Trainee Program
This program is for individuals between the ages of 21-25 who hold a Bachelor’s degree and have no prior work experience.
- The Clandestine Service Trainee Program
This program has been designed for individuals between the ages of 26-35 who hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and have several years of work or military experience.
Educational Requirements
- A GPA of 3.0 during undergraduate studies
- Applicants who have studied biological or chemical engineering, economics, finance, international business, international relations, nuclear or physical science are preferred.
Occupational Skills
Each applicant should have specific job related skills, which include the ability to maintain overseas interactions, superior communication and interpersonal skills, quick thinking skills in stressful or fast-moving situations and comfortable working in a team environment or on their own.
Second Language Knowledge, National Expertise, Overseas Experience
Each candidate needs to have prior residency overseas or have extensive knowledge of foreign countries. Fluency in a second language is also required, with the preferred languages being:, Korean, Kurdish, Pashto, Persian, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Indonesian Russian, Somali, Turkish or Urdu.
Employment Success Stipulation
- Comprehensive psychological evaluation
- Two personal interviews
- No drug usage for 12 months prior to applying
- Polygraph interview
- Fully medical examination
- Background screening
Becoming a CIA Specail Agent Investigator In New Mexico
Requirements for Employment: CIA agents must be citizens of the United States, currently residing in the country. The CIA does not engage nor accept any information in communications with individuals located out of the country for security purposes.
Individuals must possess a minimum of:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
- Three years of complex matter criminal investigative experience
While the CIA does not require a specific major for candidates meeting the bachelor’s degree requirement; they highly recommend that all candidates have a history of academic excellence. In truth, candidates without a GPA of at least 3.0 are typically not considered. Common areas of study for candidates interested in becoming a CIA Special Agent in New Mexico include:
- Sociology
- Homeland Security
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Criminal Justice
- Forensic Psychology
The CIA looks for candidates with a diverse background; thus candidates with degrees in technology, science, foreign language, engineering, or business administration are highly desired.
Employment Process: Applying for a career as a CIA special agent in New Mexico requires that candidates complete an online application, which provides the agency with background and personal information, expertise, work history and education experience. Candidates may also supply the CIA with any of the following:
- Foreign language knowledge
- Military experience
- Certifications and licenses
The CIA also requires that individuals in New Mexico complete a personnel evaluation form (PEF) which can be used to obtain additional information about the applicant through a background check, polygraph test, military issues, security clearance, and any employment issues. Any past criminal violations, convictions, drug use, and delinquent debt may be uncovered during this time.
Training Process: The training to become a CIA agent in New Mexico is both meticulous and extensive. Before starting the training process, applicants must complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) provided at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, GA. Completing this program is a condition of securing employment within the CIA.
New Mexico’s Connection to the CIA
The White Sands Missile Range is a US Army rocket range located in New Mexico. With current NASA operations at the facility, CIA agents are responsible for maintaining a level of security over the country’s most valuable assets, some of which are located there.
The agency also has dedicated agents that work with classified government agencies and defense contractors. One of their primary focuses is the safety and security of Los Alamos National Laboratory, one of only two labs in the US where nuclear weapons are designed. In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, the United States created specialized agencies such as the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security, to help coordinate, protect, and prosecute acts of terrorism.
In partnership with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security, CIA Agents in New Mexico also help to provide intelligence services as it relates to the war on drugs. Due to its close proximity with Mexico, New Mexico is a hub for drug trafficking. From a geographic standpoint, the state is positioned perfectly for the battle against Mexican drug cartels.