The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a federal agency responsible for obtaining vital information on foreign corporations and governments, as well as high profile individuals and “persons of interest” who are deemed a potential threat to the United States. This information is processed, thoroughly analyzed and shared with top politicians to help shape the country’s domestic and foreign policies.
CIA Agents from Wyoming have a duty to both country and countrymen. Their main responsibility is to keep the country and home state safe and secure when national security could potentially be jeopardized. Select special agents may be presented with the opportunity to work outside the country in international locations on assignments that involve analyzing foreign intelligence, identifying terroristic threats, and assessing nuclear weapon technology. Whether based domestically or internationally, CIA Agents in Wyoming can look forward to an exciting career path in one of the most recognized agencies in the world.
Over 28% of Wyoming’s gross domestic product comes from mineral extraction, including coal, natural gas and crude oil. Given the United States energy dependency on these items, special agents in Wyoming are tasked with ensuring that there is no terrorist activity that could cause major devastation to the industry and disrupt domestic energy supply.
Wyoming is also home to Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, which is a strategic missile base located halfway between Canada and Mexico. It’s one of only three of its kind and its mission is simple: to defend the United States against hostilities. Given its importance to national security and strategic location, special agents work closely with the military, sharing intel that is critical in keeping the country safe. In addition, Wyoming-based special agents may be involved in collecting vital information about threats made against U.S. citizens or those directed to larger-scale events.
The scope of work for a Wyoming-based CIA agent varies based on education, experience, location and assignment. Some common tasks include:
- Performing covert and extensive investigations
- Collecting and analyzing intel
- Analyzing and collecting intel
- Identifying and uncovering threats to national security – both nationally and internationally
- Keeping “eyes open” and “ears on the ground” as it relates to information exchange via telephone and digitally
Requirements for Joining the CIA National Clandestine Service in Wyoming
In Wyoming, the National Clandestine Service Division of the CIA offers two options for candidates interested in a position as an entry-level Core Collector. These include the Clandestine Service Program (CST) and The Professional Trainee Program (PT).
The PT Program is for candidates from the age of 21 to 25 who have a Bachelor’s Degree. Since most candidates lack “real world,” applicable experience, they gain the necessary experience through assignments that give exposure to the fundamental aspects of NCS missions before joining the CST program for field deployment and training.
The CST Program is designed for individuals from the age or 26 to 35 who have a Bachelor’s degree at minimum, as well as several years of work experience or military experience. The maximum age for qualification is 35.
Educational requirements for the Core Collector position includes:
- Bachelors or Master’s degree
- Strong academic record
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Interest in International affairs
Traits of ideal Core Collector candidates:
- Solid communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to write clearly and succinctly
- Prior residency abroad or extensive travel experience.
- Foreign language proficiency in languages including Urdu, Kurdish, Turkish, Somali, Russian, Persian, Pashto, Korean, Indonesian, Dari, Chinese and Arabic is desired.
Desirable degrees for Core Collectors include:
- Biological Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Economics
- Finance
- International Business
- International Relations
- Physical or Nuclear Science
When applying for a Core Collector with the CIA in Wyoming, it is beneficial if candidates possess the ability to:
- Work as a member of a team or independently
- Think on their feet
- Effectively deal with individuals on all levels
Work environments for Core Collectors often times rapidly changes, which means a candidate should be able to handle the stress associated with this type of work environment.
To be considered for a Core Collectors position with the CIA, each applicant must complete two interviews and undergo psychological and medical examinations, a background investigation and polygraph interview. Applicants must be free of drug use for the previous 12 months, which is evaluated during the security and medical processing process.
Requirements Necessary to Become a CIA Special Agent Investigator
CIA agents in Wyoming deal with collecting sensitive foreign intelligence, and decoding all-important details to determine how the nation’s security could be affected.
Academic Performance and Related Experience
To become a CIA investigator in Wyoming, the following qualifications must be met:
- A Bachelor’s degree in addition to 3 years of qualifying investigative experience
- Comprehension of managerial and criminal investigative methods and procedures
- An inclination for sorting through data, organizing it, investigating it and establishing a clear understanding of what it means
- The capacity to work in a stressful, pressured environment alone and as a member of a team
- Impeccable communication abilities, especially when dealing with people from different countries and cultures
- Drug free for the past 12 months
Training Process and Course Completion
All special agents must also complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) either prior to employment or immediately upon being hired. CITP is 56 days and is designed to provide new agents with a basic fundamental understanding of the job. Trainees participate in lectures, hands-on exercises, quizzes, and lab work to help put their newly required skills and knowledge to the test prior to embarking on their new careers.
Wyoming’s Connection to the CIA
Wyoming is associated with the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and the Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN). While Wyoming does not have a formal fusion center focused solely on counterterrorism, the state’s Criminal Intelligence Center (CIT) serves the same purpose. In addition, the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security (WOHS) works with agents to monitor all possible hazards and educate residents on state preparedness. While these organizations are not direct extensions of the CIA, agents work closely with them, often sharing intelligence and working closely in relation to both domestic and international offenses.
While Wyoming is ranked 46 out of 50 states in terms of domestically focused homeland security and counterterrorism efforts. It is one of only 15 states that have had no convictions on terrorism since 9/11, but this isn’t to suggest terrorism isn’t a concern.
For example, in 2005 one major terrorist incident involving a pipeline and oil refinery was thwarted in Casper, WY. Wyoming resident, Michael Reynolds, allegedly vocalized his idea of bombing major US-based oil pipelines in October of 2005. In partnership with federal agencies including the FBI, Reynolds was never able to see his plan through. In 2007, he was convicted of planning to blow up energy installations and foolishly rallying support online.