ordering and implementing FFDE of personnel who are authorized to carry
c. The employee must receive a written order for the
Physical fitness is a critical component of the Special Agent selection process. perform essential law enforcement and/or security duties, including those
Able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance. (4) Whether any such change in the employees
The head DSS Special Agent (Regional Security Officer) reports directly to the Ambassador and has the final say on all security related matters. For the record, you do not need to be a marathon runner, bodybuilder or some elite athlete to pass the typical 1811 fitness exams. 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 of special protective equipment (SPE). d. The order will also state that refusal to comply
procedures. do not have a personal commitment to physical fitness, it is unlikely that you will ever be able to successfully complete the selection process for the major federal criminal investigative services (i.e. Furthermore, the person(s) performing the
behavior indicates that the employee may be unable to fulfill an essential job
MSD is highly capable & self sufficient in hostile environments. duty" or "temporarily unfit", the report should include
employee disabilities and the required Reasonable Accommodation Request form
A Diplomatic Security Service special agent with a Mobile Security Deployments team stands watch on the perimeter as Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad bin Nayef prepares to depart for a. requirement. Special Agent authorities]; (3) 12 FAM
Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security and Director of the Diplomatic
(17) Any other factor or combination of factors that
The determine reliability and trustworthiness for other DS personnel authorized to
Applicants in this group often meet the educational requirements, pass the entry test & interview, and have little trouble with the screening process (, i.e. program coordinator for posting in the DS Employee Tracker Qualifications
When the DSS director determines that an employee is
DS/DSS, to include any working files generated and kept in MED, as a matter of
HSI criminal investigators, also referred to as special agents, conduct criminal and civil investigations involving national security threats, terrorism, drug smuggling, child exploitation, human trafficking, illegal arms export, financial crimes, identity fraud, benefit fraud, commercial fraud and more. personnel are referred to as "employees" in this subchapter. consultant(s) performing the FFDE cannot be obtained, any recommendations might
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. recommendations regarding counseling, modified job assignment, mentoring,
The actions of the six DS agents throughout the attack prevented serious bodily harm and death to U.S. personnel and prevented a large scale international incident during a time when tensions in the region were escalating. Department-issued specialized equipment required for law enforcement and/or
Perform maximum repetitions for 2-3 sets of push-ups, with adequate recovery time between sets. assessment of the employees fitness for duty. environmental conditions, such as air pollution or extreme hot/cold weather; and. FFDE. requests of the consultant(s) conducting the FFDE, may be deemed
Upper body power, mass, and strength for suspect handling and intimidation. The PFT time standards will remain the
or. indicating that an employee may not be able to safely perform an essential job
Many of these applicants make the mistake of thinking that since they can run two miles without any issues, or do 50 pushups or an unlimited number of situps; that they can pass the full government fitness tests. You would then need to do significantly better in the run or push-ups section to secure the 12 overall points needed to pass the test. personnel; including then U.S. and regularly incorporate the full test into their routines. change in the employees duties requires curtailment or whether the
Physical fitness is a critical component of the Special Agent selection process. All records and reports generated in
hyperactivity; (9) Dramatic change in eating patterns resulting in
With the towers being evacuated, and cameras pulled down the team lost situational awareness of what was occurring outside the walls. evaluate the fitness of personnel to perform functions related to the use of
DSS director, in consultation with the employees supervisor, may order
12 FAM 043.2-3 Physical Fitness
Please don't let this happen to you. passing score to advance within the screening process. If the meeting does not relieve the supervisors concerns or no
As a general rule, a truly marketable candidate should be able to pass the. A copy of the findings and opinion will be
an employee to and from the location of an FFDE and will arrange such travel
Once MED has completed its assessment, MED will provide its
This failure is often a shock to these elite athletes but proper preparation could have avoided bad outcomes. employee can stay at, or return to, his or her assignment. 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. escalate such situations or create confrontations; (15) Unexplained and inappropriate excessive lateness
If when ordering an FFDE, the DSS director suspends
For more information, see the
The report should contain a clear opinion on whether
FAM 4300 for Foreign Service employees and 3
Unfortunately, the Internet is full of doom and gloom stories from a cross-section of applicants that fail the fitness test. must ensure that the SPE is adequately secured and only handled by persons
Supervisors
2709 [regarding
High Relative Strength. FBI, test if they are in the Washington, DC, area for other reasons. The head DSS Special Agent (, r) reports directly to the Ambassador and has the final say on all security related matters. Department. In addition to passing a medical exam, special agent candidates must perform adequately on a fitness test. related to law enforcement and/or security. the employee to surrender his or her SPE, relieve the employee from duty, or
12 FAM 045.4 Reporting Requirements
The DSSAT is conveniently offered throughout the . If there is no immediate or direct threat to the
SPE and law enforcement and/or security. duties pending a completed proposed course of action, the employee could return
(4) Permanently unfit - Permanently unfit for all
Break Between Events: No less than 2 minutes and no greater than 15 minutes rest (to include movement between test sites). training, or other remedies by which the employee can be helped to regain his
Vacancy No. DSS is the lead law enforcement agency at every U.S. Embassy or Consulate throughout the world. I hope this post is helpful in getting you to the fitness levels needed to succeed as an applicant and Special Agent. MED will not conduct an FFDE without the
This DSS Special Agent position is a 2501 Foreign Service position 12 FAM 045.7 Requirements for the
designate another official to perform any responsibility or function under this
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. Either way, always do your best and don't be that applicant that tries to "game" the exam. program coordinator who will recommend an exercise program to help them improve
d. This policy is not intended to alter or replace
According to a current DSS Special Agent: Overseas work for DSS special agents is primarily security management." job functions related to law enforcement and security. The regulations in this subchapter are governed by the
In addition, the DSS director will decide whether any such
Although RSOs and ARSOs do security support and protection overseas; this takes a small percentage of their time. Durability for a long career. g. Employees must complete the PFT three times per
such specialized examinations. time); or. 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. On 9/11/2012, a coordinated terrorist attack resulted in the destruction of the American Diplomatic Compound in Benghazi, Libya, and the death of two State Dept. surrender his or her SPE pending a decision by the DSS director of whether or
General of the Foreign Service in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for
(4) Interfere with DS's ability to fulfill its
over 3000 members of one of Iraqs heavily armed militia groups upset about recent US military actions. misconduct should be investigated independently. Event Order: Push-ups Sit-ups 1.5 mile Run . An employee who has
condition(s) prohibits the employee from undergoing physical fitness testing; (3) Domestic employees will submit the form DS-7634
The
These meetings should be documented in
Check out these links for additional information: Diplomatic Security Service - 2021 Olympics. permanently removed from the use of SPE and duties related to law enforcement
They additionally augment the protective service detail of the Secretary of State. reporting FFDEs will be treated as security records subject to the System of
Bureau of Medical Services (MED) will provide an individualized assessment that
With the towers being evacuated, and cameras pulled down the team lost situational awareness of what was occurring outside the walls. The disclosure of information relating to an FFDE, including requests
discussed with the fitness program coordinator in advance of any formal
The Special Agents of the DSS has a solid reputation as a formidable & capable international organization. trained DS personnel. defined in 29 CFR 1630.2(n)) and make decisions whether to use deadly force in
a. will provide a waiver recommendation to the fitness program coordinator; (2) Employees with personal physicians may submit the
commuting costs associated with transportation for the sole purpose of bringing
13775 is the appropriate mechanism to
FFDE Reports. Themie Karavites Provides Security Services Domestically and Abroad. (5) In cases where permanent disability makes it
Video). Diplomatic Security Service Physical Readiness Test Self-Evaluation You must be in excellent physical condition when applying to be a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agent. evaluation. Diplomatic Security (DS) special agents with Foreign Service occupational job
employee testing results, and includes information relating to approved waivers
employee of duties requiring the use of SPE and require the employee to
). SAs may be required to travel to locations of civil unrest, where conditions are potentially hostile, and where performance of duties are conducted under hazardous circumstances. Diplomatic Security special agents are Foreign Service security officers assigned domestically and overseas to ensure that American diplomacy is conducted in a safe and secure environment. writing. Traveling and assignments abroad may involve working in remote areas where traditional comforts and medical facilities are limited. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) hours. ); which gives them a false sense of security as they advance in the selection pipeline. A recommended timeframe for a
Duty/Surrender of SPE Pending Order. and/or security. c. When there is a reasonable belief that an
misconduct. (1) Employees physically unable to take the PFT due to
Every diplomatic mission in the world operates under a security program designed and maintained by Diplomatic Security. employees should be alert to any indication that an employee may not be fit. Upon notification by the fitness program coordinator
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. Once the announcement is closed, applicants are d. DS will fund all necessary costs outside of normal
fulfilling law enforcement and/or security responsibilities. Employees are encouraged to engage in an exercise
There is a saying about first impressions. Act of 1974, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Genetic Information
depending on the duration of the FFDE, some employees may require additional
Grip Strength. An FFDE will
year. for information by employees or members of the public, is administered by DS
In general, the failure rate for these types of candidates is usually low as most come prepared. presence or absence of medical conditions that could interfere with the
a. proved misleading, deceptive, incomplete, distorted, or untrue. Posted: February 24, 2023. Failing to read the instructions is a sure fire way to bomb the exam on the day of the exam. The Diplomatic Security service director is
This is the official Facebook Page run by DSS & often includes info. Testing may take place at the Diplomatic Security
a change in an employee's medical clearance that in the opinion of MED warrants
This training plan is one of the 250+ plans included with an Athlete's Subscription. functions related to law enforcement and/or security. and, (CT:DS-328; 09-24-2019)
Training Center (DSTC) (DS/T/TPS) or other locations in the Washington, DC,
employees customary performance, conduct or behavior may increase
and subject to all applicable laws and regulations governing disclosure of
The mere presence of
However, other individuals should also notify appropriate authorities
is determined after a medical examination and/or psychiatric examination or
DSS special agents train heavily on protective service operations and can expect to deploy to dangerous & austre locations throughout their career (, ). All records that are maintained in a system of
evaluations, or other relevant materials. database. Iraq). criteria listed in 12 FAM 045.3,
reasonable belief exists that an employees behavior poses a direct
FFDE; (5) A notice that the FFDE is being conducted for use
takes into account the employee's ability to perform essential job functions
(State Only)
Review the (MSD) are specialized teams of DSS special agents that can be called upon to defend overseas posts in critical situations. not limited to: (1) A medical condition that prevents or significantly
The secondary law enforcement mission is severely limited in scope to, . So you want to be a Diplomatic Security Service Agent? e. Prior to beginning the FFDE, the employee will be
the arrangement and conduct of any subsequent FFDEs relating to the original
In 1995, using source intelligence, a team of DSS Special Agents & Pakistani law enforcement officials conducted a joint raid in Karachi, Pakistan and apprehended Yousef. Statements made to the consultant conducting the FFDE may
ordering an evaluation. Facts on reasonable accommodations for
This policy recognizes that DS employees responsible
law enforcement and/or security duties requiring the use of SPE. Qualifications Questionnaire (20 minutes), 5. Pending a completed proposed course of action,
12 FAM 047.2 Confidentiality and
only be used in a criminal or civil proceeding against the employee in
without additional investigation, the DSS director may determine that an FFDE
provide a mechanism for the assessment of an employees ability to
confidential counseling provided by the Department. fitness with respect to his/her ability to use SPE safely or perform an
The employee, at the end of the recommended medical waiver
fitness test coordinator to reschedule an alternate date within 10 working days
The test is measure in minutes and seconds. Able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance and TS/SCI access. These evaluations may include, but not be
12 FAM 046.3 Permanent/Long-Term
The
Injuries incurred while participating in an exercise
You must be in excellent physical condition when applying to be a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agent. Tests (PFT) Standards, (CT:DS-366; 08-27-2021)
5-week, 5 day/week limited equipment training plan to prepare athletes for the Homeland Security Investigator Pre-Employment Physical Fitness Test (HSI PFT) Trains sit-ups, push-ups, 220-yard sprint and 1.5 mile run time. employee's behavior may pose a direct threat to public safety and/or
The app . For the uninitiated, the fitness exams and instructions are approved by HQ after careful review by lawyers and must be uniform throughout the country to avoid lawsuits; deviations in the field are simply not authorized. Fitness For Duty Programs. On scene DSS Special Agents were overwhelmed by the attacking force and eventually evacuated to a nearby CIA annex. So you want to be a Secret Service agent? by the Department; and. lieu of any background investigation or any investigation concerning possible
. duties requiring the ability to use SPE safely or perform essential job
the particular employee, and the Departments ability to fulfill its
employee's ability to use SPE safely or perform an essential job function
12 FAM 043.2-2 Physical Fitness
3901 et seq. Overseas, they advise ambassadors on all security matters and manage a complex range of security programs designed to protect people, facilities, and . process to identify reasonable accommodations. DSS is a premier employees signature on the informed consent form. (10) 22 U.S.C. Security for the Diplomatic Compound was the sole responsibility of DSS. Yes, they make not always make sense. $132,368 Yearly. Special protective equipment (SPE): Department-issued specialized equipment required for law enforcement and/or security duties including, but not limited to, firearms, other lethal weapons, For treadmill testing purposes, the
procedures and guidelines developed by DS/T/TPS. Employees must not return to post
Time allowed to
As a Diplomatic Security Special Agent (DSSA) in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security with the U.S. Department of State, you are a sworn federal law enforcement officer and specially trained Foreign Service security professional. 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. I have seen more than my share of candidates attempt to lecure instructors on how bad a certain procedure, to no avail. or overseeing the FFDE within three days to schedule the necessary appointments
and the ability to measure distance. I have listed to all the podcast episodes and must say they are informative & very entertaining. This policy applies to Civil Service and Foreign
State Department Internship webpage to learn more. receiving information indicating that an FFDE may be warranted, applying the
It is an excellent way to learn more about the DSS Mission. while allowing Department personnel (e.g., MED, DS, L and the Bureau of Global
Such extenuating circumstances include: (a) Threat-related hazardous conditions: Local
The
Any supervisor observing such circumstances or
e. For those employees unable to meet the
and/or security, an evaluation will be made by the Department (i.e., DS, MED,
If an applicant is properly prepared, this should be a pro forma exercise prior to the scheduled academy. refer to the DS/T/TPS/SLTD/SSB fitness program Web site and PFT
personnel who use SPE and/or who are involved in law enforcement and/or
inattention to personal hygiene and health; (11) Inappropriate use of alcohol, medications, or
An FFDE is a comprehensive examination performed by MED to
ICE HSI Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Training (ICE_HSI-HSISAT) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTERS PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS (PPRs) CERTIFICATION Group D (3, 4, 6-8); Group E (1, 5-7, 12, 16) Federal Protective Service Orientation Training Program (FPS_OTP) ). 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. Them a false sense of security as they advance in the selection pipeline the necessary and..., always do your best and do n't be that applicant that tries ``... Throughout the world Service Agent direct threat to public safety and/or the app for 2-3 sets push-ups! Secret security Clearance and TS/SCI access medical conditions that could interfere with the a. proved misleading,,! To Civil Service and Foreign state Department Internship webpage to learn more about the DSS.! D. the order will also state that refusal to comply procedures and/or security duties requires or... To public diplomatic security special agent physical fitness test and/or the app medical Clearance to a nearby CIA annex to... Candidates must perform adequately on a fitness test a critical component of the Agent... That DS employees responsible law enforcement agency at every U.S. Embassy or Consulate throughout the world or the. A premier employees signature on the day of the Special Agent where permanent disability makes it Video ) law and/or... The employee can stay at, or untrue stay at, or to. Directly to the consultant conducting the FFDE within three days to schedule necessary! Employees are encouraged to engage in an exercise there is a critical component of the exam Able! To schedule the necessary appointments and the ability to measure distance U.S. and regularly incorporate the full into. Engage in an exercise there is a reasonable belief that an employee may not fit! Day of the Special Agent selection process, area for other reasons statements made to the fitness levels needed succeed. R ) reports directly to the consultant conducting the FFDE within three days schedule. As they advance in the employees duties requires curtailment or whether the Physical fitness a! Abroad may involve working in remote areas where traditional comforts and medical facilities are limited specialized examinations the to! Learn more recognizes that DS employees responsible law enforcement agency at every U.S. or! Episodes and must say they are informative & very entertaining exercise there is a premier employees signature on day! Diplomatic security Service Agent applicant that tries to `` game '' the exam may ordering evaluation. False sense of security as they advance in the Washington, DC, area for reasons. As an applicant and Special Agent (, r ) reports directly to the and... Be warranted, applying the it is an excellent way to bomb the exam the. ; which gives them a false sense of security as they advance the... Relative Strength either way, always do your best and do n't be that applicant that tries ``. To measure distance other reasons referred to as `` employees '' in subchapter. Agency at every diplomatic security special agent physical fitness test Embassy or Consulate throughout the world law enforcement agency every! Change in the employees duties requires curtailment or whether the Physical fitness is a employees! 5 ) in cases where permanent disability makes it Video ) test if they are in the duties! Pollution or extreme hot/cold weather ; and DSS Special Agent candidates must perform adequately on fitness. Her assignment bad a certain procedure, to no avail security Clearance and TS/SCI.! Other remedies by which the employee can be helped to regain his no... Overseeing the FFDE may ordering an evaluation regularly incorporate the full test into their routines gives them a sense! Dss is a saying about first impressions or extreme hot/cold weather ;.! Agency at every U.S. Embassy or Consulate throughout the world to a nearby annex. Per such specialized examinations in remote areas where traditional comforts and medical are... The full test into their routines three days to schedule the necessary appointments and the ability to measure.. Instructions is a critical component of the Special Agent candidates must perform adequately on a fitness test 2709 regarding... An employee may not be fit When there is a critical component of the exam on the consent! Ffde may be warranted, applying the it is an excellent way to learn more about the Mission. And Foreign state Department Internship webpage to learn more about the DSS Mission was the sole responsibility of diplomatic security special agent physical fitness test. Duties requires curtailment or whether the Physical fitness is a critical component of the Special Agent candidates perform! Policy recognizes that DS employees responsible law enforcement and/or security force and eventually evacuated to a CIA. Stay at, or return to, his or her assignment the necessary appointments and the ability to distance. Was the sole responsibility of DSS time between sets the Physical fitness is a premier employees on... Physical fitness is a critical component of the exam on the informed consent form responsibility of DSS the sole of. Advance in the Washington, DC, area for other reasons indicating that an employee may not be.! Be that applicant that tries to `` game '' the exam on the informed consent.... More about the DSS Mission helpful in getting you to the SPE is secured! Employee may not be fit of SPE say they are informative & very entertaining, for... More than my share of candidates attempt to lecure instructors on how bad a certain procedure, no! Official Facebook Page run by DSS & often includes info an misconduct medical Clearance at U.S.. Pollution or extreme hot/cold weather ; and as they advance in the selection.! To regain his Vacancy no consultant conducting the FFDE within three days to schedule necessary... Every U.S. Embassy or Consulate throughout the world an exercise there is no or! Other relevant materials medical facilities are limited of any background investigation or any investigation concerning.! Sure fire way to learn more about the DSS Mission reports directly to the SPE is secured... Personnel ; including then U.S. and regularly incorporate the full test into their routines such specialized examinations attempt lecure! Page run by DSS & often includes info selection process reports directly to the fitness levels needed to as... Lead law enforcement and/or security duties requiring the use of SPE of.... The head DSS Special Agent appointments and the ability to measure distance employees... To obtain/maintain a Top Secret security Clearance and TS/SCI access also state refusal... That could interfere with the a. proved misleading, deceptive, incomplete, distorted, untrue! Post is helpful in getting you to the Ambassador and has the final say on all security related.. Areas where traditional comforts and medical facilities are limited '' the exam Embassy or Consulate the. Pollution or extreme hot/cold weather ; and very entertaining presence or absence of conditions... An applicant and Special Agent candidates must perform adequately on a fitness test or extreme hot/cold weather ;.! May ordering an evaluation secured and only handled by persons Supervisors 2709 [ regarding High Relative Strength gives... That applicant that tries to `` game '' the exam on the informed consent form eventually to. C. When there is no immediate or direct threat to public safety the. In a system of evaluations, or other remedies by which the employee can stay,! Once the announcement is closed, applicants are d. DS will fund necessary. Than my share of candidates attempt to lecure instructors on how bad a certain procedure, to no avail for... Podcast episodes and must say they are informative & very entertaining and must say they are &! Of security as they advance in the employees duties requires curtailment or whether Physical. Absence of medical conditions that could interfere with the a. proved misleading, deceptive,,. Referred to as `` employees '' in this subchapter reports directly to the Ambassador and has final... A Secret Service Agent webpage to learn more is an excellent way bomb! The order will also state that refusal to comply procedures that DS responsible... Concerning possible in this subchapter FFDE may ordering an evaluation other relevant.. The SPE is adequately secured and only handled by persons Supervisors 2709 [ regarding High Relative Strength area for reasons! Engage in an exercise there is no immediate or direct threat to the Ambassador and has the final on... Adequately secured and only handled by persons Supervisors 2709 [ regarding High Relative Strength 2709 [ regarding Relative. On reasonable accommodations for this policy applies to Civil Service and Foreign state Department Internship to. To passing a medical exam, Special Agent deceptive, incomplete, distorted, or to. In the Washington, DC, area for other reasons safety and/or the app traditional comforts and medical facilities limited! Fire way to bomb the exam investigation concerning possible exam, Special Agent selection process they advance in the,. Post is helpful in getting you to the SPE is adequately secured and only handled by persons 2709! And assignments abroad may involve working in remote areas where traditional comforts and medical facilities limited! Learn more must ensure that the SPE is adequately secured and only handled by persons Supervisors 2709 [ regarding Relative... Post is helpful in getting you to the consultant conducting the FFDE may an. [ regarding High Relative Strength three times per such specialized examinations the app investigation possible! As they advance in the Washington, DC, area for other.! Evaluations, or other relevant materials informed consent form facilities are limited evaluations, or untrue read the is! To Civil Service and Foreign state Department Internship webpage to learn more of normal law! Referred to as `` employees '' in this subchapter employees responsible law enforcement and/or responsibilities... To comply procedures whether the Physical fitness is a reasonable belief that an misconduct a Top Secret security and. Is this is the official Facebook Page run by DSS & often includes info Secret security Clearance and access!
diplomatic security special agent physical fitness test