Episode 16: Federico Casso - Special Agent Diplomatic Security

Career Closeup

In our first installment of law enforcement-related fields, we get a great opportunity to learn about the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). To advance American interests and foreign policy, DSS protects people, property and information at more than 270 State Department missions worldwide. This agency is assigned many responsibilities as their agents are tasked with such missions as protecting the secretary of state and foreign dignitaries the U.S., combating international human trafficking, and investigation passport and visa fraud to help secure our borders. Given recent events such as the attack on the U.S. Embassy on December 31, 2019, this episode could not be more relevant today. Special Agent Federico Casso discusses DSS, his assignments and his experience working with this dynamic organization. If you are in college working towards your bachelor’s degree and considering a job in law enforcement, this may be the perfect career for you.

Timeline:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:51 What is Diplomatic Security and what do they do?
• 02:16 The job, the missions and assignments abroad.
• 07:32 Building relationships and support with host countries. Example Paraguay
• 16:13 Assignments within the United States.
• 18:32 Requirements to join the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
• 19:46 Factors that may affect you negatively in applying to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security or any Federal job.
• 23:38 Stages of Training to be a member of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security
• 28:44 What is a typical day for you like?
• 31:27 What are the challenges you have come across over the 16 years of your Career?
• 33:33 What are the rewarding aspects of your job?
• 34:58 How do you manage stress?
• 35:28 What kind of impact does your job have on spouse and family life?
• 39:00 Any other memorable experiences in the course of your career?
• 41:10 The diverse educational backgrounds of agents operating in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
• 43:27 What do you know now that you wish you knew back in college?
• 45:52 What other opportunities are available for someone with your career, your Background?
• 48:42 Closing and Summary

1. Photo credit: U.S. Department of State Photo(s)

Links:

https://www.globaltiesus.org/news/members-in-the-news/1431-agents-unknown-true-stories-of-life-as-a-special-agent-in-the-diplomatic-security-service

https://careers.state.gov/ds/

https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_SA_Brochure_v1.pdf

https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-management/bureau-of-diplomatic-security/

Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/StateDeptDSS/videos/458202725056748/

Link for career information and salary:

https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/career-tracks/diplomatic-security-special-agent/

Great YouTube videos:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/-QTzTP9vZRk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdlTm4q1s_4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pUwqAN4KtM