CIA Officer Training
The Central Intelligence Agency provides a wide variety of training for the different tasks its officers are asked to perform. All officers that work for the CIA undergo extensive training as a recruit and ongoing training as needed in their area of expertise. To help the CIA fulfill its responsibility to gather and analyze intelligence, officers must be physically and mentally fit and well versed in foreign affairs.
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Features
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All CIA recruits and officers must complete a lengthy training period in a wide variety of specialties before they are ready to enter the field, or the office. CIA officer training includes learning the extensive history of the Central Intelligence Agency as well as the cultures and values expected of CIA officers. All CIA officers learn the basics of leadership as well as foreign affairs in different regions of the world. CIA officers need to be well-versed in foreign policy and affairs, however, many specialize in a particular region.
Language Training
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Much of the information gathered by CIA officers is from foreign sources, which is why the CIA provides officer training in more than 16 different languages. The Central Intelligence Language Institute utilizes the services of native speakers to train CIA officers to speak languages such as Chinese, Farsi or Romanian. Officers may take this training full time or part time, but they must become proficient to ensure the integrity of intelligence translations.
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Intelligence Gathering
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Throughout their training, all CIA officers will spend time at the Sherman Kent School for Intelligence Analysis. The Kent School is where CIA officers are trained on gathering intelligence and analyzing it. Within the Kent School, CIA officers training to become intelligence analysts will undergo further intelligence gathering, training through the Career Analyst Program. In this program, officers are trained on analytical thinking and writing, intelligence tools they'll utilize, and even how to determine what intelligence is reliable and should be passed on.
Clandestine Training
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Perhaps the most coveted position for any CIA officer is that of a clandestine officer, who works under cover overseas collecting data through human intelligence. Clandestine CIA officers must undergo a year-long training program known as the Clandestine Service Trainee (CST) Program. Throughout this year officers will receive language and culture training, intelligence collection training, in addition to physical and mental training to ensure officers are prepared.
Combat Training
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CIA officers must know how to protect themselves and fellow officers during any mission. Whether its a clandestine officer defending himself in a foreign land or a group on a mission, it is crucial that CIA agents undergo training that will keep them safe as they serve their country. This training includes balance, timing, and hand to hand fighting. CIA officers will complete individual defense training, and many will also undergo unit training for group missions.
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References
- Photo Credit Globe image by Sergei M. Kharitonov from Fotolia.com
