Intelligence Officers

Intelligence officers may find themselves in a laboratory, at a computer station, or in a jungle. Those working in counterintelligence and covert operations often face danger on a daily basis. In addition to gathering information to protect the security of the United States, intelligence officers may be called upon to spy on the defenses of nations hostile to the United States or to prevent foreign spies from learning U.S. government secrets. They may work indoors or outdoors in a variety of climates and conditions. Many agents travel often, and travel may include everything from jet planes to small boats to traveling on foot. Most intelligence officers, however, are employed in offices in the Washington, D.C., area or other cities. Even those agents who are not working in the field generally work long and erratic hours to meet deadlines for filing reports, especially in times of crisis.