How Intelligence Work Strains Lives, Families and More

There is a basic and severe problem within all intelligence services of the world, a problem that is intrinsic to the profession and cannot be eliminated. Among the names by which I have heard it referred are conspiratorial neurosis and clandestine mentality. This article is based on the experiences of myself and other agents I have known, together with bits and pieces of information picked up during the course of my eight years of active service as an intelligence officer, special agent, analyst and linguist. I worked national security investigations and special operations on four continents.

The very nature of intelligence work stimulates an attitude of elitism, of arrogant superiority. To be a member of the "business" is a privilege. This is due in part to the nature of the work itself. It is also due to the extremely intense screening necessary for entry. A detailed and therefore highly expensive Special Background Investigation with on-the-ground records checking and interviews is required, as the agent will likely have continuing access to information that is classified TOP SECRET multiple codeword access. Therefore, he and any spouse he has must have backgrounds that are lily white. Many are called, but few are chosen, so going in the newly frocked agent knows he is a cut above the crowd.

From day one the newcomers are taught the dangers of trusting anyone outside of the "net," and to avoid aggressively if necessary being photographed. The handful of higher quality intelligence services become aware quickly of new recruits and open up dossiers on them, so there is no desire to fluff out the file with up to date photos of the agent.