What are important qualities for a spy

[gamblore99]

Earlier today I watched the Bourne Identity. I started to wonder, what are the most important qualities for being a spy? Martial arts? Charisma? intelligence? Looks? OOT give your answers. They may be general, or they may be specific (like speak multiple languages)

[THAY3R]

In general, being able to fit in.

[TheBlueMonster]

well, according to a recent US News article, language ability and willingness to relocate to a foreign country for an extended period of time. And of course a love of martinis.

[TheBlueMonster]

[ QUOTE ]
In general, being able to fit in.

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that's also how you get through high school

[Reef]

ability to think/react quickly, I'd assume.

[Blarg]

That's actually a good one.

There was a show on PBS last year where a dozen people or so were put through a "spy academy" conducted by ex-CIA, ex-MI6, and some other ex-something spy guy. Supposedly there was real overlap with what they had to do and what real spy candidates have to learn.

One thing they had to do was also in a fictional movie, as I recall. They had to get someone to let them get inside their apartment and make an appearance on the balcony for a certain amount of time. They had to make up stories on the spot; some were more successful than others. A little old lady type was very successful. One of the guys got bawled out for coming up with such a stupid pitch to get in.

There were a few little things like that which were actually pretty fun to watch. One really important one, and one that supposedly was very hard for people, was adopting your cover story of who you were and where you were from and all and sticking to it and talking about it fluently. A few people were surprised and blew it, amazing themselves on how easily they were caught. Life and death stuff in the field of course.

Interesting stuff really, though the show was a little slow in spots.

[BCPVP]

sexual prowess

[youtalkfunny]

Discipline. "Tradecraft" is simple, but you've got to get it right every single time.

At least, that's the impression I got from the early Tom Clancy books.

[pryor15]

i would love to be able to try something like this.

[MrMon]

From the CIA web page: [ QUOTE ]
Minimum requirements include a bachelor's or master's degree and an excellent academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA), with a strong interest in international affairs, solid interpersonal skills and the ability to write and brief clearly and accurately. Foreign travel, foreign language proficiency, prior residency abroad, military experience and a background in Central Eurasian, East Asian and Middle Eastern languages and cultures are preferred. A Master's degree and/or other degrees of interest include international business, finance or relations, economics, physical science or nuclear, biological or chemical engineering. Maximum age for entrance into this program is 35.

All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required for both applicant and spouse.

To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.



[/ QUOTE ]

To apply, go here:
National Clandestine Service