The Central Intelligence Agency is the primary federal intelligence apparatus responsible for gathering information related to foreign governments, people, and corporations. This information is then processed, analyzed and shared with top lawmakers to help shape both foreign and domestic policies.
CIA agents in Wisconsin are responsible for keeping the country safe and identifying when the nation’s security is in jeopardy. Agents also have the opportunity to work in foreign countries where they specialize in nuclear weaponry, analyzing intelligence, and identifying terrorist threats.
The agriculture industry in Wisconsin tops over $50 billion annually and the state is home to a number of chemical plants. Wisconsin’s CIA agents collect information about terrorist threats made against Americans or threats directed at big events that take place in Wisconsin. Domestically, agents gather and analyze intel related to white supremacist groups which have strong ties to the state.
The scope of a CIA agent’s job is determined by location and need, however, some of the most common duties of a CIA agent include:
- Gathering evidence
- Analyzing and collecting data
- Monitoring telecommunications
- Identifying and evaluating national security threats
- Conducting investigations
How to Become a CIA Core Collector in Wisconsin
Those interested in a career with the National Clandestine Service of the CIA in Wisconsin can apply for a position in one of two programs, matched to their qualifications: the Professional Trainee Program (PT) and the Clandestine Service Program (CST).
- PT Program
This program is for applicants from 21 to 25 years of age who have at least a Bachelor’s degree and no previous work experience.
- CST Program
This program is for applicants between 26 and 35 years old that hold a Bachelor’s degree and have previous work or military experience.
Both programs have similar qualifications for applicants to meet to be considered for the position:
- Have a bachelor’s degree, or higher, with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Applicants that major in global business relations, nuclear or physical science, biological or chemical engineering, economics or finance are preferred
To be considered, applicants need previous history in international residency, knowledge of foreign countries and a proficiency in specific foreign languages. Languages preferred by the CIA include Urdu, Korean, Kurdish, Pashto, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Indonesian, Persian, Russian, Somali, or Turkish.
When applying for employment, individuals must undergo two interviews prior to moving on in the employment process. They must also complete an extensive background check, medical examination, polygraph evaluation and psychological evaluation. Any results of illegal drug use in the previous 12 months automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration.
Meeting the Requirements to Join the CIA as an Investigator in Wisconsin
Special agents in Wisconsin deal with crimes that are of large scale and also apprehend criminals when needed. Part of the job entails collecting foreign intelligence and deciphering what it is, as well as how it affects the nation’s security.
Education and Experience:
To become a special agent, the following requirements that must be met:
- A Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of criminal investigation experience
- Knowledge of administrative and criminal investigative procedures and techniques
- An aptitude for piecing information together, analyzing it and understanding it
- The ability to work well under pressure and as part of a team
- World-class communication skills
- Cannot have used drugs within the last 12 months
Training and Course Completion:
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, all Special Agents must successfully complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) either prior to employment or as a requisite immediately after being hired. This 56-day program is designed to provide agents with their basic and fundamental knowledge of the job. It will explore the different techniques, methodologies, and concepts used throughout the course of the career.
Students participate in exercises, lectures, tests, and laboratories to practice and test their knowledge. Students also work hands-on and learn about the process of investigations through field training.
Wisconsin’s Tie to the CIA
Wisconsin is one of only 13 states where the Department of Justice has locked-in a terrorism conviction during the 9 years immediately following 9/11. Milwaukee, due to its population size and economy, is classified by the federal government as a “high threat, high density” risk for terrorism due to risks associated with key infrastructure locations. Milwaukee is deemed such a high threat that the Wisconsin Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) was established to identify and assess terrorist threats just two short weeks after 9/11. Wisconsin is one of 22 states that have more than one JTTF.
Special Agents in Wisconsin work closely with the Wisconsin Statewide Information Center (WSIC), which is a collaborative effort of several federal agencies including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. Based in Milwaukee, the Fusion Center was established after the president approved establishment of these networked locations within the United States in 2006. WISC enables the facilitation of information sharing between federal agencies, as well as state and local governments. As a result of this center in Wisconsin, The AMBER Alert Program, and the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network have been able to work together more efficiently.
Agents also work closely with the Department of Justice’s Field Operations Bureau, which has locations in Madison, Milwaukee, Appleton, Eau Claire and Wausau, and the FBI’s Field Intelligence Group.