// The Complex //

ARC DREAM PUBLISHING PRESENTS DELTA GREEN: THE COMPLEX

WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER GUNNING WITH SHANE IVEY DEVELOPERS & EDITORS DENNIS

DETWILLER & SHANE IVEY ART DIRECTOR DENNIS DETWILLER GRAPHIC DESIGNER

SIMEON COGSWELL COPY EDITOR LISA PADOL ADVICE & ASSISTANCE GREG CONANT, JAKE “CHIEFMCCLANE” COOK, JASON FRITZ, KEVIN HAM, BRAD SWEET & PETER TAYLOR

DELTA GREEN CREATED BY DENNIS DETWILLER, ADAM SCOTT GLANCY & JOHN SCOTT TYNES

Delta Green: The Complex is published by Arc Dream Publishing in arrangement with the Delta Green Partnership. The intellectual property known as Delta Green is ™ and © The Delta Green Partnership, which has licensed its use in this volume.

This is a work of fiction. Any similarity with people or events, past or present, is purely coincidental and unintentional except for those people and events described in historical context. Delta Green: The Complex is © 2019 Christopher Gunning. Cover illustration is © 2019 Dennis Detwiller. Interior illustrations are drawn from the public domain. All rights reserved worldwide by the copyright holders. For a free PDF of this book with your print purchase, contact Arc Dream Publishing at arcdream.com; at 12215 Highway 11, Chelsea, AL, 35043, USA; or by email, rachelkivey@arcdream.com.

For more Delta Green, visit delta-green.com. Updated 29 MAR 2019.

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Delta Green: The Complex product

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Printed in the United States

Contents

Introduction .............................................................. 4

Interior .....................................................................47

At a Glance ............................................................ 4

The National Park Service (NPS) ..........................47

Suggested Professions ............................................. 4

“Type 1 Hotshots” ................................................ 48

The Organizations ..................................................5

Public Safety ............................................................51

Law Enforcement ...................................................... 6

The Federal Emergency Management

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ................... 6

Agency (FEMA) ....................................................51

Background Checks ............................................... 6

Research ................................................................. 54

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms

The National Aeronautics and

and Explosives (ATF or BATFE) ...........................11

Space Administration (NASA) .............................. 54

Tracing Firearms .................................................. 13

Defense Advanced Research

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) ...............................15

Projects Agency (DARPA) .....................................57

Defense ................................................................... 20

The National Nuclear Security

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) ............................. 20

Administration (NNSA) ........................................61

“Cutters” ...............................................................21

Treasury ...................................................................65

Intelligence .............................................................. 26

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) .......................65

The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) .. 26

Private Sector ...........................................................67

The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) ................ 30

Constellis Group, Inc. ...........................................67

The National Security Agency (NSA) ................... 33

Firing and Prosecution in the Private Sector ......... 68

SCIFs ....................................................................35

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) ................. 70

“Five Eyes” Coordination (FVEY) ......................... 36

CACI International Inc. (CACI) &

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) .................37

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. (BAH) .......................... 73

The National Geospatial-Intelligence

RAND Corporation ............................................. 76

Agency (NGA) ......................................................41

Special NGA Programs ........................................ 42

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) ........ 44

// Introduction //

// The Complex //

Introduction

“Expected to Carry a Weapon?”

This indicates whether the public would be surprised The composition of Delta Green, whether the Program to see someone from the agency armed. Outside com-or the Outlaws, changes every year. Delta Green writ bat that usually means a pistol. Most law-enforcement large has always had its deepest roots in the military officers are expected to carry sidearms most of the and in the FBI, but it recruits co-conspirators where time while in the United States. Military personnel are it finds them.

expected to carry weapons in combat or on missions.

The National Parks Service is a surprisingly fruit-Everyone else is governed by the same laws as civilians.

ful source of Agents. But perhaps that is not so sur-Every city, county, and state in the U.S. has its prising when you consider the number of incursions own laws regarding civilians carrying weapons.

that emerge in national parks, where ordinary people Government facilities and airports forbid anyone venture into the unwatched dangers of the wilderness.

to have a firearm who is not not a guard or law-en-The Coast Guard responds to a wide range of disas-forcement officer on duty. They screen entrants with ters and emergencies in U.S. waters, and its sailors metal detectors, chemical sniffers, and/or pat-downs.

have more than once encountered shocking horrors.

Unbeknownst to most Delta Green agents in

“Access to Official Funds?”

the field, certain elements of the National Security Most agencies give their personnel credit cards to use Agency are crucial to catching possible incursions of for official purposes, especially when traveling.

the unnatural. Its technical specialists and analysts occasionally have to venture out of the Beltway to aid

“Operational Budget/Restricted Items?”

operations. The IRS has access to astonishingly broad This entry suggests unusual equipment and access and deep details on the activities of individuals and that an Agent from this agency can seek. (See OFFICIAL

organizations, legitimate and otherwise.

REQUISITION on page 86 of the Agent’s Handbook The private sector, meanwhile, receives roughly for details.)

an eighth of the U.S. government budget, depending on the year. Massive contractors like Constellis and Suggested Professions

Lockheed Martin are deeply engaged with the government’s most secret operations. For Agents whose Each profile suggests a few offices or units particularly crimes on behalf of Delta Green see them driven out suitable for Agent professions. Each entry includes of government service, they can be attractive places professional skills and Bonds (or else an existing proto start over.

fession to use); suggested bonus skills that are important to the office’s work; and equipment that an Agent At a Glance

from that office is likely to have.

Each agency includes a few questions that summarize what it offers to Delta Green.

“Powers of Arrest?”

This indicates whether the agency deploys law-enforcement officers trained and authorized to make arrests. (An Agent without arrest powers can make a so-called “citizen’s arrest” but has no special legal protections.)

4

// The Complex //

// Introduction //

>> The Organizations

These agencies and companies are detailed in The Complex or in the Agent’s Handbook.

Organization

Abbreviation

Function

Book and Page

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.

BAH

Private Sector

The Complex, 73

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms

ATF or BATFE

Law Enforcement

The Complex, 11

and Explosives

CACI International Inc.

CACI

Private Sector

The Complex, 73

Centers for Disease Control and

CDC

Public Safety

Agent’s Handbook, 158

Prevention

Central Intelligence Agency

CIA

Intelligence

Agent’s Handbook, 148

Constellis Group, Inc.

Constellis

Private Sector

The Complex, 67

Customs and Border Protection

CBP

Law Enforcement

The Complex, 6

Defense Advanced Research Projects

DARPA

Research

The Complex, 57

Agency

Defense Intelligence Agency

DIA

Intelligence

The Complex, 37

Department of Defense service branches DoD

Defense

Agent’s Handbook, 126

(overview)

Drug Enforcement Administration

DEA

Law Enforcement

Agent’s Handbook, 114

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

Public Safety

Agent’s Handbook, 161

Federal Bureau of Investigation

FBI

Law Enforcement

Agent’s Handbook, 109

Federal Emergency Management

FEMA

Public Safety

The Complex, 51

Agency

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement

ICE

Law Enforcement

Agent’s Handbook, 118

Internal Revenue Service

IRS

Treasury

The Complex, 65

Lockheed Martin Corporation

LMT

Private Sector

The Complex, 70

National Aeronautics and Space

NASA

Research

The Complex, 54

Administration

National Counterterrorism Center

NCTC

Intelligence

The Complex, 26

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency NGA Intelligence

The Complex, 41

National Nuclear Security

NNSA

Research

The Complex, 61

Administration

National Parks Service

NPS

Interior

The Complex, 47

National Reconnaissance Office

NRO

Intelligence

The Complex, 44

National Security Agency

NSA

Intelligence

The Complex, 33

Office of Naval Intelligence

ONI

Intelligence

The Complex, 30

RAND Corporation

RAND

Private Sector

The Complex, 76

U.S. Air Force

USAF

Defense

Agent’s Handbook, 132

U.S. Army

Army

Defense

Agent’s Handbook, 130

U.S. Coast Guard

USCG

Defense

The Complex, 20

U.S. Department of State

DoS

Diplomacy

Agent’s Handbook, 153

U.S. Marine Corps

USMC

Defense

Agent’s Handbook, 136

U.S. Marshals Service

USMS

Law Enforcement

Agent’s Handbook, 122

U.S. Navy

USN

Defense

Agent’s Handbook, 134

U.S. Secret Service

USSS

Law Enforcement

The Complex, 15

U.S. Special Operations Command

SOCOM

Defense

Agent’s Handbook, 140

5

// Law Enforcement //

// The Complex //

Law Enforcement

Customs and Border

Protection (CBP)

Background Checks

Customs and Border Protection is the largest law enforcement agency in the United States in terms of Most government employees and contractors who work with classified materials are subject to significant manpower. It enforces border regulations including background checks and screening. For example, key visitor access, trade, cargo, customs (import taxes), personnel in the intelligence community must receive and immigration. CBP works closely with Immigra-Top Secret and SCI clearance at a minimum, which tion and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement requires an extensive background check, psych screen-Administration, and the FBI to keep U.S. borders safe ing, and counterintelligence and lifestyle polygraph while facilitating legal immigration, visitation, busi-tests. In the background check, FBI agents call refer-ness and trade.

ences and walk around an applicant’s neighborhood, workplace, or school, asking people about habits and BUDGET: Approximately $12 billion in 2015.

associations. Applicants are also subject to a long, automated psych test that flags troubling personality traits.

The CBP Operative at a Glance

Previous drug use or indiscretions aren’t necessar-POWERS OF ARREST? Yes.

ily disqualifying. The background check looks for vul-EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? Yes.

nerabilities in the applicant’s lifestyle: things a foreign ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a cred-spy or agent could exploit or leverage into blackmail.

Large amounts of consumer debt are a major red flag, it line if traveling or on an investigation or mission.

as is any “secret” lifestyle. Sexuality is not an issue, as The credit line can be up to a Standard expense long as the applicant is “out” to colleagues and family.

without eliciting official review.

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

Using Bureaucracy, the operative can access surveillance and tracking equipment. Items like infrared of Field Operations (OFO, pronounced “oh foh”). All or low-light cameras or goggles are equivalent to three employ special agents and uniformed officers to an Unusual expense. Specialized vehicles including enforce U.S. law. OFO staffs the points of entry into dune buggies, improved police cruisers, improves the United States, including customs and immigration SUVs, hardened ATVs (quads), patrol boats, and offices and posts at land borders, maritime ports, and horses are Major expenses. Aerial vehicles like airports. Border Patrol covers the rest of the border drones or helicopters with surveillance equipment and is responsible for tracking and arresting illegal are equivalent to an Extreme expense.

entrants. AMO provides air and maritime support for OFO and BP and conducts maritime searches.

The Organization

Within the Office of Border Patrol is the elite Based in Washington, D.C., CBP employs over 50,000

Special Operations Group (SOG). SOG provides people (40,000 of whom are law enforcement person-Customs and Border Protection with specially trained nel) and maintains offices at over 300 points of entry and equipped teams capable of rapid response to into the United States, including preclearance posts at dangerous situations, including hostage rescue, tac-airports in foreign countries.

tical operations, search and rescue, and field medical In terms of law enforcement operations, CBP’s response. Within SOG there are two operational units.

three most important offices are Air and Marine The Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) deploys at Operations (AMO), Border Patrol (BP), and the Office a moment’s notice around the world, including into 6

// The Complex //

// Law Enforcement //

active combat zones. The Border Patrol Search, Trau-BP patrols the large stretches of the border, and OAM

ma, and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) provides advanced covers the skies. Each CBP trainee completes courses search and rescue and field medical support. SOG

in integrated law (including nationality, immigration, maintains a small in-house Intelligence Unit (SOG IU) and criminal law), physical training, firearms instruc-and deployable logistics team (the Mobile Response tion, and driving. Many CBP employees learn Spanish.

Team, or MRT). SOG IU conducts electronic targeting SOG officers train like other federal SWAT teams, and collections, and provides additional support for though they travel more than most. SOG specializes selected CBP missions and Border Patrol. MRT de-in remote-area tactical operations, and in many ways ploys into crisis areas to provide logistical and supply operates like a military unit.

management support for other SOG or federal law CBP canine officers use specially trained detector enforcement teams.

dogs to identify narcotics, concealed humans, smuggled agriculture products, explosives and ammunition, Key CBP Offices

and unreported currency. These teams are some of the

» Air and Marine Operations (AMO)

most effective means to catch explosives and contra-

» Border Patrol (BP)

band and are in high demand.

›Special Operations Group (SOG)

∙ Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC)

Authority and Mandate

∙ Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue In general, CBP ensures that authorized people and Unit (BORSTAR)

goods have minimal trouble entering the United States,

» Office of Field Operations (OFO)

while making it hard for illegal people and items to

›Cainine Enforcement Program

enter. CBP’s border-security missions include interdict-

» Office of Intelligence

ing illegal narcotics and other contraband; refusing entry to people attempting illegal entry or who pose a Operatives

risk to the U.S. (including known or suspected terror-CBP agents have the authority to stop, question, inists); protecting American agriculture from harmful spect, and examine any person or vehicle entering or pests and diseases; collecting import duties; and en-exiting the United States, and to arrest individuals sus-forcing trade, immigration, and agriculture laws.

pected of violating federal law. The primary difference between OFO, BP, and OAM is the parts of the border they focus on. OFO focuses on formal points of entry, 7

// Law Enforcement //

// The Complex //

Field Operations

CBP gets into bureaucratic trouble due to the For Border Patrol and AMO, the “field” is a breath-distinct cultures of its three operational arms. OFO, BP, taking amount of territory along the northern and and AMO all operate in different environments, with southern borders as well as maritime ports of entry.

different equipment, and sometimes with different pri-Agents usually spend more time out of the office than orities. The three offices often act like independent units in. An AMO patrol covers specific territory such as rather than part of a cohesive CBP, making information a marine port or shipping lane. AMO patrols board sharing and cooperation unnecessarily difficult.

ships and aircraft. Border Patrol covers large areas A series of operational failures and difficult of remote land. While most patrols only last a day or public relations stories about the treatment of refu-two, they can sometimes stretch into many days or gees and immigrants, particularly South Americans weeks, particularly if the team is looking into suspect-and Muslims, have subjected CBP to ongoing public ed criminal trafficking in remote wilderness.

criticism. Congress increasingly scrutinizes its day-to-It is increasingly common for surveillance drones day operations.

to support Border Patrol on routine outings. BP deploys advanced IR and low light cameras, and is open Playing CBP

to exploring new or untested surveillance technologies.

At land Ports of Entry, OFO officers look at the By setting up regular patrols over areas suspected to credentials of drivers who enter the U.S. from Canada be used by smugglers, the organization builds a large or Mexico. Travelers entering through portal facilities amount of time-lapse data on a discrete area. It discov-or airports are interviewed as CBP stations as the ers considerable detail by tracing physical evidence like last line of clearance to enter the United States. Even footprints, tire tracks, or even residual heat signatures.

at slow entry portals or airports, OFO officers and OFO works inside or nearby static facilities; agents perform hundreds of these interviews a day.

“ports of entry” at the land border, traditional ports, As a member of OFO, you likely wanted to be and airports.

part of law enforcement for some time. OFO provides the opportunity to guard the border and a Areas of Friction

comfortable and stable work environment. If are are CBP generally gets along well with other federal agen-family-oriented, this is a good job. Travel is light, your cies. It cooperates closely with DEA, ICE, ATF, and the assignments last years at a time, and your hours are FBI to combat terrorism and criminal syndicates. It is a regular. OFO-operated facilities and entry portals are large contributor to Joint Terrorism Task Forces. CBP

often the best and most reliable employers in some of works with the Department of State to identify poten-the most remote areas of the country.

tial criminals or terrorists who try to use fake or illegal-As part of OFO, your loyalty is to the American ly obtained passports or visas to enter the United States.

people, not to the traveler trying to get past you. You are sympathetic, but your job is to stop the wrong 8

// The Complex //

// Law Enforcement //

people from entering the U.S., even those who don’t Suggested Professions

know they are in the wrong. The law is the law, and the grey areas are few and far between. Travelers Border Protection (Preclearance

either have valid credentials and qualify to enter the or Portal Monitoring) (OFO/P)

U.S. or they don’t. Simple as that. You are amazingly These officers man points of entry into the United quick at evaluating someone’s intentions, even outside States. They screen visitors and cargo. Many are post-of work. You watch for micro-expressions, universal ed in dangerous border crossings and face well-armed tell-tale signs on a person’s face or in their demeanor.

and determined narcotics traffickers.

You listen to the pitch of their voice. You watch to see PROFESSION: Federal Agent.

how steady their hand is. You don’t so much listen to SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Bureaucracy, what someone says as much as how they say it.

HUMINT, Persuasion.

Border Patrol attracts a very different breed. Bor-EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

der Patrol agents tend to be happy to go out on long on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

patrols in everything from SUVs to kayaks. Border Patrol tends to rely on the judgment of its personnel Marine Interdiction (AMO/MI)

in the field. In the middle of the night, surrounded by Marine Interdiction Agents are drilled in boarding ac-desert, there isn’t always time to call headquarters for tions, particularly from a small ship onto a large vessel.

approval. On patrol, you use the same skills as a hunt-PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

er: patience and a keen eye for physical evidence.

» Alertness 50%

The primary activity of a Border Patrol agent is

» Bureaucracy 30%

“Line Watch.” Line Watch involves the detection, pre-

» Criminology 50%

vention, and apprehension of terrorists, illegal aliens

» Drive 50%

and smugglers near the border by maintaining an

» Firearms 50%

extensive surveillance network, both active and pass-

» Forensics 30%

ive. Active surveillance involves drones, canine units,

» Foreign Language (Spanish) 50%

remote cameras, and officers’ eyes. Passive surveillance

» Heavy Weapons 30%

involves sensing equipment like unmanned infrared

» HUMINT 60%

cameras and chemical sniffers to determine the num-

» Law 30%

bers and locations of illegal crossings.

» Persuade 40%

AMO is somewhere in between the outdoor

» Pilot (Boat) 60%

appeal of BP and the stable offices of OFO. If you

» Search 50%

are AMO, you like the fusion of law enforcement

» Swim 50%

and vehicles such as aircraft or boats. The wide-open

» Unarmed Combat 60%

environment means you have to think a bit differently BONDS: 2

than most police, constantly evaluating the environ-SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Athletics, ment and geography. AMO officers usually play a Search, SIGINT.

support role to Border Patrol and OFO, and that suits EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

you fine. Your team only gets called in when there is on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, along with a need that the other offices can’t cover. That means water survival gear.

much less wasted time.

Detection Canine Program (OFO/K9)

CBP canine teams assess and identify smuggled material, particularly contraband, illegal narcotics, and 9

// Law Enforcement //

// The Complex //

explosives. K9 teams are always in high demand and BONDS: 2

can travel extensively.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Firearms, Melee PROFESSION: Federal Agent.

Weapons, Military Science (Land).

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Craft (Dog EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

Training), Science (Veterinary Science), Search.

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, a canine Border Patrol Search, Trauma and

colleague (working or sporting breed), dog handling Rescue Unit (SOG/BORSTAR)

equipment, and veterinary medical supplies.

BORSTAR provides skilled medical and search and rescue personnel for BORTAC and other law enforce-U.S. Border Patrol

ment groups to provide. BORSTAR specializes in Border Patrol officers run interdiction, surveillance, operations in remote areas.

and search teams to identify trends in illegal entry and PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

capture illegal migrants or contraband. Border Patrol

» Bureaucracy 50%

officers are hardy and used to operating out of an SUV

» First Aid 60%

for extended periods of time.

» Forensics 50%

PROFESSION: Federal Agent.

» Medicine 60%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Athletics, Drive, Navi-

» Navigate 40%

gate, Survival.

» Persuade 40%

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

» Pharmacy 50%

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook and access to a

» Science (Biology) 50%

wide range of transportation.

» Search 50%

» Surgery 50%

Border Tactical Unit (SOG/BORTAC)

» Survival 30%

Deployable and mobile, the BORTAC is CBP’s primary BONDS: 2

tactical operations group. It specializes in both dense SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Firearms, First Aid, Medi-urban and remote environments and is designed to be cine, Survival.

self-sufficient for days without support or resupply.

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook and extensive

» Alertness 50%

medical supplies and trauma equipment.

» Bureaucracy 20%

» Criminology 50%

» Drive 50%

» Firearms 50%

» Forensics 30%

» Foreign Language (Spanish) 40%

» HUMINT 40%

» Law 30%

» Navigate 60%

» Persuade 50%

» Pharmacy 50%

» Search 50%

» Survival 60%

» Unarmed Combat 60%

10

// The Complex //

// Law Enforcement //

National Air Security

for examination or comparison with evidence from Operations (AMO/NASO)

another case. Checking out a firearm connected to NASO operates CBP’s long-range patrol aircraft, P3

an existing case, but that can be purchased in the surveillance planes and drones.

U.S. legally, is equivalent to an Unusual expense. Ex-PROFESSION: Pilot.

pensive or rare items, such as an impounded vehicle, SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, SIGINT, Pilot are equivalent to a Major expense. Accessing heavily (Airplane or Drone), Craft (Electronics).

modified or illegal weapons or ammunition such as EQUIPMENT: Troubleshooting manuals, flight check-hollow-tipped bullets, armor-piercing or high-veloc-lists, and access to a P3 aircraft or secure space to ity bullets, incendiary rounds, or handguns modified operate a drone.

to handle larger caliber ammunition is equivalent to a Major expense. Checking out evidence from a case The Bureau of Alcohol,

the Agent is not involved with automatically triggers official review unless the Agent takes steps to Tobacco, Firearms and

hide his or her identity. Hiding the Agent’s identity Explosives (ATF or BATFE)

requires a Criminology roll. If it fumbles, the Agent is caught and faces possible firing and prosecution.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and With Forensics or Bureaucracy, an ATF agent Explosives is under the Department of Justice and may request the use of special vehicles that contain usually goes by its older name, Alcohol, Tobacco, extensive scientific, analytical, and forensics gear. The and Firearms (ATF). Its role in tracking contraband request is equivalent to a Major expense.

alcohol and tobacco decreased after changes to its mandate and organization following 9/11. The ATF

The Organization

focuses heavily on reducing the threat of violent crime The ATF employs about 2,000 special agents and linked to firearms and explosives. The bulk of its work about 3,000 other employees, a relatively low number involves regulating firearm commerce and tracing compared to other federal law enforcement agencies.

firearms and explosives involved in crimes. The ATF

It is notably small considering the number of cases also arrests violent offenders who unlawfully pos-the ATF sends for prosecution. ATF is headed by a sess firearms.

director and is divided into offices.

BUDGET: About $1.2 billion in 2015.

The ATF Operative

at a Glance

POWERS OF ARREST? Yes.

EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? Yes.

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a credit line if traveling

or on an investigation or assign-

ment. The credit line is worth up to

a Standard expense without eliciting

official review.

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF

RESTRICTED ITEMS? With Bureaucracy, an Agent may check out confiscated evidence from previous busts, ostensibly

11

// Law Enforcement //

// The Complex //

The operational section is the Office of Field Opera-industry. These men and women are not armed law tions, which is supported by the Office of Intelligence enforcement officers but have administrative authority and Information and the Office of Enforcement to conduct inspections and searches, and to recom-Programs. Other offices are technical or bureaucratic.

mend revocation or non-renewal of Federal Firearms ATF operates a number of forensics laboratories and Licenses when licensees violate federal firearms laws.

ballistics/chemical identification centers. In its unique ATF uses criminal profilers who are trained at Fire Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, full-the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent scale mock-ups of criminal arson or crime scenes are Crime (NCAVC) in Quantico, Virginia. Behavioral reconstructed.

profilers analyze and interpret crime-scene behavior ATF’s SWAT component is its Special Response and witness and suspect testimonies to assess the Teams (SRTs). SRTs have a much wider range of mis-personality of the perpetrator. A geographic profiler sions than many federal SWAT teams. SRTs respond analyzes connected crime locations to pinpoint the to high-risk arrest and search warrants, home invasion most probable area where an offender would live. ATF

investigations, robberies, and undercover operations.

is the only federal agency to use geographic profilers.

They provide tracking in rural areas by human and canine operators, high-risk surveillance, precision Authority and Mandate

weapon systems, and high-threat VIP protection The ATF has the lead authority on federal crimes details. The ATF maintains a large number of working whose nature involves firearms or explosives. It dogs, many attached to SRTs.

regulates the sale, possession, and transportation of ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information firearms, ammunition, and explosives in interstate Network (NIBIN) provides federal, state, and mu-commerce and issues approvals to prospective gun nicipal agencies with an automated ballistic imaging sellers. The ATF conducts firearms licensee inspections system. NIBIN examines physical details such as bullet and background checks. The ATF investigates ciga-striation or types of entry wounds to link previously rette smuggling and narcotics investigations.

unrelated crimes.

Field Operations

Key ATF Offices

Travel budgets for ATF employees are reasonably

» Office of Field Operations and Investigation robust. Official travel is frequent and not heavily (OFO)

scrutinized. ATF agents have large caseloads and

›Special Response Teams (SRTs)

sometimes travel between states or overseas for weeks

∙Tactical Canine Program

at a time. When in the field, ATF agents, investigators,

» Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information and officials operate like other federal law enforce-

» Office of Enforcement Programs (OEP)

ment personnel. It is rare for an ATF agent to operate

›Explosives Enforcement

alone, and the ATF is likely to send a team composed

∙Accelerant and Explosives Detection Canine of at least an agent and an investigator. When violence Program

is expected (which is common in ATF operations),

∙ National Explosives Task Force (NETF)

multiple special agents are sent while investigators and other personnel are held back. If available, a Special Operatives

Response Team is deployed.

ATF special agents conduct criminal investigations ATF utilizes a National Response Team (NRT) to involving firearms, explosives or contraband, and deploy personnel to significant events. NRT members work with state and local police to reduce violent are expected to deploy within 24 hours. The NRT

crime. On the other side of the house, ATF investiga-is composed of veteran personnel, including explo-tors are charged with regulating the gun and explosive sives specialists, fire investigators, forensic mapping 12

// The Complex //

// Law Enforcement //

particularly the powerful and well-funded National Rifle Association (NRA). This places ATF operations Tracing Firearms

under constant public and political scrutiny.

When a trace request comes in to ATF’s National Playing the ATF

Tracing Center, the microfilm department is activated.

You don’t have time for niceties. ATF special agents This department stores over 500 million records in microfilm format. Employees retrieve microfilm cases consistently rank at the top of all federal agencies from a shelf, search the records using a special reader in cases referred for prosecution and arrests made.

that magnifies the images, and reports their findings Every agency bemoans the fact that it is understaffed to the law enforcement agency that put in the request.

and underfunded, but ATF has it particularly rough.

Urgent requests are turned around within 24 hours, Your supervisors place a premium on closing cases but the process usually takes five or more days. ATF

or sending them to jury. You wish you had more employs specialists trained to quickly search, analyze, time to go through the details, but you have to rely and verify information on microfilm. ATF uses microfilm technology because of legal restrictions on creating on your instincts to make sure you don’t get bogged electronic databases on firearms owners.

down in minutiae.

ATF investigations are intense. Every interaction with a suspect is potentially deadly. ATF personnel are specialists, explosive detection canine teams, elec-taught to be cautious and thorough until a situation trical engineers, and forensic chemists. A deployed begins to unravel. Then, the ATF personnel are expect-team is generally broken down into two components, ed to take control quickly and forcefully. Suspects are one that processes the scene and another to lead the often better armed than the ATF, so the best response investigation.

is to secure the initiative.

Most ATF agents perform well under stress. If Areas of Friction

they didn’t, they would have left long ago. Still, you Due to the databases the ATF maintains, it is often have to find ways to cope. For many that means drink-called upon by other federal and state law enforce-ing. Hopefully you have another outlet on your time ment bodies for forensic or firearms tracing data. The off to help you wind down and stay focused. Travel data never comes quickly enough. There is always is a significant part of your life, making a balance of more demand for data from the ATF than it has work and a personal life more difficult. You have to resources to quickly handle, leading to resentment make it work. If you don’t, something will break.

and a general sense that ATF personnel “aren’t do-You have a lot of face time with the worst ele-ing their job.”

ments of society on their own turf. ATF agents not Firearms are involved in many crimes in the only have to learn how criminal organizations work United States, but the ATF’s involvement in many of and the personalities involved, but must be able to these crimes is to focus on violations of firearms or blend in to their neighborhoods and communities.

explosives law rather than the primary criminal act.

This type of work is better learned in the field with This can lead to the ATF feuding with other agencies veteran agents than in classrooms.

over jurisdiction, especially when it comes to serving a warrant and getting credit for the operation. Frequent-Suggested Professions

ly, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and ATF often work at cross purposes against the same Tactical Canine Program (SRT/K9)

criminal organizations or suspects.

ATF’s canine program focuses on hidden or fleeing ATF’s mandate brings it into conflict with a suspects. The human member of the team is expected number of lobbying and special interest groups, to be good at tracking human suspects on their own, 13

// Law Enforcement //

// The Complex //

and with a canine partner, they are formidable. The

» Firearms 60%

duo is also trained to work in concert in a fight.

» First Aid 40%

PROFESSION: Federal Agent.

» Heavy Weapons 50%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Craft (Dog Training), Me-

» Melee Weapons 50%

lee Weapons, Search, Survival.

» Military Science (Land) 30%

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

» Navigate 50%

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, a canine col-

» Stealth 60%

league (working breed), dog handling equipment, and

» Survival 50%

limited veterinary medical supplies.

» Swim 50%

» Unarmed Combat 60%

Tactical Medic Program (SRT/TMP)

BONDS: 1

Tactical medics are special agents who specialize in SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Athletics, Demolitions, combat trauma care.

Firearms, HUMINT.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

» Alertness 50%

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

» Bureaucracy 40%

» Criminology 50%

Office of Field Operations

» Drive 50%

and Investigation (OFO)

» Firearms 50%

ATF special agents put cases together against suspected

» First Aid 50%

illegal weapons dealers and smugglers. That often means

» Forensics 30%

conflict with organized criminal gangs and syndicates.

» HUMINT 60%

PROFESSION: Federal Agent.

» Law 30%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Criminology, Forensics,

» Medicine 30%

Firearms, Law.

» Military Science (Land) 30%

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

» Persuade 50%

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

» Pharmacy 50%

» Search 50%

Criminal Investigative Analyst

» Unarmed Combat 60%

Geographic profilers and behavioral profilers antic-BONDS: 1

ipate a suspect’s tendencies and motives as well as SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Firearms, First Aid, Sci-areas they are likely to strike.

ence (Biology or Veterinary), Surgery.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

» Bureaucracy 40%

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook and extensive

» Computer Science 40%

(and portable) first aid and trauma gear.

» Criminology 50%

» Foreign Language (Spanish) 40%

Tactical Operations (SRT/TO)

» HUMINT 60%

ATF’s Special Response Team tactical operators focus

» Forensics 40%

on highly dangerous manhunts.

» Law 40%

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

» Psychotherapy 30%

» Alertness 60%

» Science (Statistics) 50%

» Athletics 60%

» Science (Biology) 50%

» Demolitions 50%

BONDS: 3

» Dodge 60%

14

// The Complex //

// Law Enforcement //

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Criminology, Forensics, The U.S. Secret Service (USSS)

Law, Psychotherapy.

EQUIPMENT: Access to FBI and ATF databases and The United States Secret Service is a federal law files, access to academic research on psychology and enforcement agency within the Department of Home-behavioral sciences, and a respectable library on crim-land Security. The USSS has a two-fold mission: inal behavior.

protection of the nation’s leaders and protection of its financial infrastructure. The first mission is defensive Explosives Specialist

in nature, and involves ensuring the safety of the Pres-Certified Explosives Specialists (CES) are special agents ident, other key leaders and dignitaries, and high-vis-trained in explosives investigations, the disposal of ibility facilities. The second mission is investigative explosive materials, and how the commercial explo-in nature, and involves financial crimes such as wire sives industry operates. Some CES are also trained as fraud, money laundering, and counterfeiting.

Explosive Enforcement Officers with additional skills in BUDGET: Just over $1.6 billion in 2015.

defusing explosives during kinetic operations.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

The Secret Service Agent at a Glance

» Alertness 60%

POWERS OF ARREST? Yes. Special Officers and Uniformed

» Athletics 60%

Division officers can only make arrests connected

» Artillery 40%

to their official duties, as opposed to many other

» Demolitions 60%

federal agents, including USSS special agents, who

» Dodge 60%

can make arrests of nearly anyone suspected of a

» Firearms 50%

crime in their presence, and certainly anyone who

» First Aid 40%

commits a crime in front of them.

» Heavy Machinery 60%

EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? Yes.

» Heavy Weapons 50%

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a

» Military Science (Land) 20%

credit line if traveling or on an investigation or

» Stealth 50%

mission, up to a Standard expense without eliciting

» Survival 50%

official review.

» Swim 50%

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

» Unarmed Combat 50%

Using Bureaucracy, an operative may use advanced, BONDS: 1

converted armored civilian vehicles such SUVs and SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Criminology, Demolitions, limousines (always in black). These vehicles are not Forensics, Science (Chemistry or Physics).

only armored and have improved engines, they also EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

come with a wide range of encrypted communica-on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, explosives tions gear, advanced drone support, and surveillance protection gear, a large selection of tools, electronic gear. Such a vehicle is the equivalent of a Major and chemical diagnostics equipment, and access to expense. Operatives may request transport of their remotely operated vehicles to approach, surveil, and vehicles or any large piece of equipment by military neutralize suspected explosives.

aircraft to support VIP protection details as an Extreme expense. Because of the rarity of these vehicles,

“borrowing” one automatically elicits official review.

Hiding the agent’s identity requires a Criminology roll; if it fumbles, the agent is caught and faces possible firing and prosecution.

15

// Law Enforcement //

// The Complex //

The Organization

of targeted violence and the identification of attack-re-The missions of the Secret Service have evolved lated behaviors. NTAC conducts its own behavioral considerably. Originally part of the Department of research, and sets the standard for threat assessment the Treasury and tasked with investigating counter-and risk assessments on particular individuals.

feiting and financial fraud, the USSS was soon tasked To investigate financial crimes, the USSS utiliz-with protection of the President. Following 9/11, the es a nationwide network of Electronic Crimes Task USSS was transferred to the newly formed DHS. The Forces (ECTFs) to investigate and prevent attacks on Secret Service is one of the smaller agencies within financial and critical infrastructure. Electronic Crimes the DHS in terms of both personnel and budget. The Task Forces bring together federal, state, and local law agency employs over 3,000 special agents, around enforcement, prosecutors, private-sector companies, 1,300 Uniformed Division officers, and around 2,000

and academia to address serious financial or identi-support and technical personnel. The USSS has agents ty-theft crimes.

assigned to 136 field offices with the headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Key USSS Offices and Divisions

USSS is divided into offices. The most notable

» Office of Protective Operations

include the Office of Protective Operations, the Office

›Personal Protective Detail Division

of Investigation, and the Office of Strategic Intelli-

›Special Operations Division

gence and Information (SII). Protective Operations

∙ Counter Assault Team

focuses on protecting VIPs. Supporting USSS agents

∙ Counter Sniper Unit

on protective details is the Protective Intelligence and

›Uniformed Division

Assessment Division (PID), which engages in informa-

›Protective Intelligence and Assessment Divi-tion analysis, threat investigation, risk assessment, and sion (PID)

intelligence sharing.

» Office of Investigation

The National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC)

›Forgery Division

provides training on the prevention

›Electronic Financial Crimes Division

» Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information (SII)

» National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) Operatives

In general, there are three law enforcement career paths in the Secret Service. The most high-profile are the special agents who perform investigation and protection mandates. Special officers support the 16

// The Complex //

// Law Enforcement //

protective mission with a fusion of law enforcement Field Operations

skills and site surveillance equipment such as metal Special agents travel often, but they have little leeway detectors. The Uniformed Division uses traditional in their missions since most field operations are tied policing techniques to protect facilities like the White to high-visibility and extremely busy VIP protection House. The support network for the Secret Service details. Much of the Secret Service’s travel is for site includes specialized Administrative, Professional and preparation and reconnaissance missions in advance Technical (APT) personnel. APT includes bureaucratic of a visit by a VIP. These “Advance Teams” are usually and support staff as well as technical specialists like composed of one or two special agents and either digital forensics analysts. Much of the investigative technical personnel or a special officer. USSS always side of the USSS is performed by APT personnel.

operates as a team during VIP protective details. Most Special agents’ careers are more varied than other requests for material go through at least the Agent USSS personnel. They are expected to do stints in both in Charge (AIC) before being sent to Washington for the Office of Protective Operations and the Office of approval. While in the field, funding is tightly moni-Investigations. Special agents’ dual responsibilities in tored and is reviewed back in Washington, D.C., after protection and investigation mean they must excel at the operation.

different skill sets.

Field operations and travel connected to finan-Uniformed Division officers carry out their cial crimes leave the individual agent in command of protective responsibilities through a network of fixed their resource requests and locations of travel. Special security posts as well as foot and vehicular patrols.

agents and, occasionally, special officers execute arrest Within the Uniformed Division are a number of warrants across the United States connected to finan-specialized teams: the Counter Sniper Team (CS), the cial or identity crimes. These operations are generally Canine Explosives Detection Team (K-9), the Counter handled in conjunction with the local ECTF or field Assault Team (CAT), and the Emergency Response office. Field offices maintain small armories and a Team (ERT). Officers assigned to CS, ERT, and K9 are relatively large fleet of standard and armored vehicles designated “technicians” to recognize their advanced for agents’ use.

training. These units are part of the agency’s Special Operations Division.

Areas of Friction

The Secret Service must rely on local law enforcement Authority and Mandate

for crowd control and intelligence, but in terms of The Secret Service has primary jurisdiction in cases operations, it is loath to relinquish any control. This that involve threats against those it protects and cases makes USSS less than popular with state and local that involve certain financial crimes counterfeiting law enforcement, and creates animosity with other of U.S. currency, forgery or theft of federal monies, federal agencies whose personnel aren’t treated much credit card fraud, telecommunications fraud, computer better. The arrival of USSS is often seen with dread by fraud, money laundering involving federal funds, and local police.

identity fraud.

USSS works closely with the Department of the VIP protection remains the most visible mission of Treasury when investigating financial crimes. The the Secret Service. The USSS is tasked with protecting USSS’s primacy on financial investigations is not al-the President and Vice President of the United States ways well respected by Treasury investigators, leading and their families. Visiting heads of state and key dig-to overlapping and sometimes redundant cases.

nitaries are also protected by the USSS while they are within the United States.

Playing the Secret Service

As a Secret Service agent, you are smart and tough.

You work for one of the world’s most historic and 17

// Law Enforcement //

// The Complex //

elite law enforcement organizations. The Secret Protection involves much more than looking Service name means something, and the organization intimidating around a VIP. Your job is to be paranoid.

prides itself on its exclusivity. You get to be the best.

You constantly evaluate worst-case scenarios. Experi-You have no issue comparing yourself to SOCOM or enced agents know where to look for vulnerabilities other elite forces. What you do is different, but no like single-exit buildings, blind corners, and narrow less intense. Even the technical staff is a cut above roads that could serve as bottlenecks. You are expect-most agencies.

ed to be hyper vigilant. As cops everywhere say, your Secret Service agents look and act like those from head is on a swivel. You watch people’s shoulders.

any other federal agency, but with a stronger back-When you know what to look for, the shoulders are ground in Internet and financial crime. Investigations dead giveaways for hostile intent.

begin, evidence is gathered and cataloged, (digital) Protective details aren’t about winning a fight.

forensic techniques are applied, warrants are issued, You approach firefights or physical altercations differ-arrests are made, and assets are recovered.

ently than other law enforcement or military organiza-Secret Service agents are rarely talkative and tions. Your priority is not to take down a suspect but usually very cautious. Their constant proximity to get the protectee away safely. If that means emptying VIPs is part of the reason they need high-level security several magazines without hitting your target even clearances. It is usually better to stay quiet about what once, so be it.

is seen rather than risk breaching personal or profes-APT specialists form the bureaucratic backbone sional trust.

of the financial crimes division. These investigations require very specialized knowledge.

18

// The Complex //

// Law Enforcement //

Suggested Professions

Counter Assault Team (CAT)

The CAT is a unique SWAT team that specializes in Protective Intelligence and

defensive and suppressive combat to evacuate VIPs Assessment Division (PID)

who are under attack.

PID collects open-source and classified intelligence PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

from a wide range of sources and analyzes the data

» Alertness 60%

for indications of an attack against a VIP. If the data

» Athletics 60%

suggest an attack, PID then builds a case file on the

» Demolitions 40%

suspected nature of the attack and the perpetrators.

» Drive 50%

PROFESSION: Intelligence Analyst.

» Firearms 60%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Computer Science, Crimi-

» First Aid 40%

nology, HUMINT, SIGINT.

» Heavy Weapons 50%

EQUIPMENT: Access to classified reporting from

» Melee Weapons 50%

across the intelligence community.

» Military Science (Land) 60%

» Navigate 50%

Personal Protective Detail

» Stealth 50%

Division (PPD)

» Survival 50%

PPD agents and special officers are bodyguards and

» Swim 50%

site control officers for the most high-profile VIPs.

» Unarmed Combat 60%

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

BONDS: 1

» Alertness 60%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Criminology,

» Athletics 50%

Firearms, Law.

» Criminology 30%

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

» Demolitions 40%

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

» Drive 50%

» Firearms 60%

Financial Administrative, Professional

» Heavy Weapons 50%

and Technical Support

» HUMINT 60%

F-APT’s accountants and bureaucratic specialists

» Law 20%

perform financial investigations and analytical and

» Melee Weapons 50%

digital forensics.

» Navigate 50%

PROFESSION: Lawyer or Business Executive.

» Stealth 50%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Accounting, Computer

» Survival 50%

Science, Criminology, SIGINT.

» Swim 50%

EQUIPMENT: Access to significant classified report-

» Unarmed Combat 60%

ing from across the intelligence community.

BONDS: 1

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Athletics, First Aid, Military Science (Land), Search.

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

19

// Defense //

// The Complex //

Defense

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

40,000 active duty personnel, with another 18,000

civilian employees and reservists. The Coast Guard The Coast Guard patrols the maritime borders, ports, auxiliary employs another 30,000 civilians as special-and rivers of the United States. The USCG prevents ly-trained support personnel.

unauthorized vessels from entering, responds to mari-The Coast Guard divides its geographic respon-time disasters, and conducts search and rescue oper-sibilities into two area commands, the Atlantic Area ations. It occupies an odd space between the military Command and the Pacific Area Command. Each com-and federal law enforcement, and has a mandate that mand includes sub-district commands with their own applies to both. The USCG is a member of the the assets like cutters, boats, aircraft, installations, other armed forces but is part of the Department of Home-vehicles, and equipment. Aside from the area com-land Security. It is the only branch of the military with mands, “functional commands” provide support, intel-widespread federal law enforcement powers, and the ligence and training and are all based at Coast Guard only military branch within DHS. Coast Guardsmen Headquarters. The functional commands include are officially called “sailors,” and colloquially referred Intelligence and Criminal Investigations, Response to as “coasties.”

Policy, Command/Control and Information Technolo-BUDGET: Just over $8 billion in 2015.

gy, Prevention Policy, Operations, and administrative commands like Human Resources, Acquisitions, and The Coast Guard Operative

Engineering and Logistics.

at a Glance

Coast Guard specialized units respond to high-POWERS OF ARREST? Yes.

threat or difficult circumstances. These elite forces EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? Yes.

answer to the area commands. They include the ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON), credit line if traveling or on an investigation or Port Security Unit (PSU), Tactical Law Enforcement mission, up to a Standard expense without eliciting Teams (TACLET), the Maritime Safety and Security official review.

Teams (MSST), the Maritime Security Response Team OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS? A (MSRT), and the National Strike Force.

Bureaucracy roll can provide a wide range of maritime and survival gear. Survival and nautical gear such as thermal suits, wetsuits, and well-stocked medical kits are available as a Standard expense.

Surveillance and navigational data and logs are available as Incidental expenses.

The Organization

The USCG normally operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, and can be transferred to the U.S. Department of the Navy by the President or by Congress during times of war. The Commandant of the Coast Guard reports to the Secretary of Homeland Security and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The USCG employs approximately 20

// The Complex //

// Defense //

HITRON is an armed helicopter squadron specializing in the use of force to disable hostile watercraft in drug-interdiction missions. The Tactical Law “Cutters”

Enforcement Teams conduct boarding, interdiction, and armed security operations. The PSUs are manned The Coast Guard uses the term “cutter” for a ship 65

feet (19.8 m) or longer that has accommodations to primarily by reservists. They rapidly deploy patrol house personnel over extended periods. For other boats and security personnel to protect installations.

maritime vessels, the USCG uses the term “boat.” The The MSST use armed and transportable patrol boats major distinction is in terms of assignments. A coast-and provide high-threat interdiction and direct action.

ie assigned to a cutter is expected to live on board The MSRT is the Coast Guard’s primary SWAT equiv-during patrols or missions. Coasties on other craft are alent, focused on maritime tactical entry and boarding.

assigned to the base that operates the craft, not the vessel itself.

The NSF provides technical personnel (such as divers) and specialized equipment to respond to oil spills, hazardous materials releases, and possible weapons of mass destruction incidents.

and confidence. The Coast Guard does not emphasize training as strongly as the other military services, Key Coast Guard Commands

because its personnel are always on missions, giving

» Operations Command (G-0)

significant opportunities to learn on the job.

›Intelligence and Criminal Investigation

(CG-2)

Authority and Mandate

›Response Policy (CG-5R)

The Coast Guard’s primary missions include maritime

» Mission Support Command (G-M)

safety, security, and stewardship. It has a number of

» Investigative Services (G-I)

sub-missions including maritime homeland security

›Office of Investigations & Casualty Analysis (border protection), maritime law enforcement (MLE), (CG-INV)

search and rescue (SAR), marine environmental pro-

» Pacific Area Command

tection (MEP), and the maintenance of river, coastal,

» Atlantic Area Command

and offshore Aids To Navigation (ATON).

The Coast Guard patrols all of America’s coast-Operatives

lines, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Unlike the other branches of the United States Armed other territories and protectorates. Rivers and ports Forces, which are largely prevented from acting in a also fall under Coast Guard jurisdiction, though that domestic law enforcement capacity by the Posse Comi-responsibility is often concurrent with other federal tatus act, the Coast Guard has law enforcement powers agencies like Customs and Border Patrol and the EPA.

which apply to all commissioned officers, warrant offi-USCG vessels patrol international waters, especially cers, and petty officers. They are subject to the Uniform the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The USCG is Code of Military Justice and receive the same pay and especially active during and after maritime or coastal allowances as members of the other uniformed services.

disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

As a small service, the Coast Guard invests junior The USCG supports military operations overseas, officers with more operational responsibility than oth-working closely with the Navy.

er military branches. There is too much to do under difficult circumstances to consolidate command and Field Operations

control in the same way as the Army or Navy. Instead, The Coast Guard is best known for its search and res-the Coast Guard empowers officers to lead, especially cue missions. When a call for help comes in, the local when deployed on operations. This fosters self-reliance installation commander evaluates the suspected size of 21

// Defense //

// The Complex //

the distressed craft and what assets are available, then is law enforcement focused but with military tools. It’s dispatches a helicopter or boat (or, rarely, shore based a good thing, too, because with anything less, many fixed-wing aircraft or a nearby cutter).

more lives would be lost. The unofficial motto of the Daily responsibilities involve maintaining loca-Coast Guard is, “You have to go, but you don’t have tion buoys and maritime navigational aids as well as to come back.” Whether you fly a helicopter, man the inspecting suspected toxic spills or failing infrastructure.

radar on a cutter, or process travel vouchers for reim-The National Response Center (NRC), which is operat-bursement, the ethos of the Coast Guard is to do your ed by the Coast Guard, is the primary point of contact job and to take responsibility for your actions. For for reporting suspected oil, chemical, radiological, and most coasties, this is empowering.

biological spills in the United States and its territories.

The operational tempo of the Coast Guard is When conducting counter-drug and interdiction unrelenting. If you are on the operations side of operations, USCG cutters and aircraft (cutter-based things, you are busiest when weather or conditions helicopters and shore-based maritime patrol aircraft, are the worst. Your “office” may involve rough seas, or MPA) search for unidentified vehicles, usually boats.

darkness, bitter cold, equipment failure in the mid-If an MPA locates a suspicious craft that refuses to dle of nowhere, and Murphy’s Law. This is why the identify itself, a helicopter or interceptor boat launch-Coast Guard trusts you with tactical, operational, and es to check it out. If the vessel fails to stop after visual command decisions. If it always relied on the chain of and verbal warnings, things become more serious.

command, nothing would be done in time. The Coast The chase craft fires warning shots. If those do not Guard has to trust you to make smart decisions.

convince the suspects to stop, the gunner attempts to Because of the challenges, you take pride in your disable the vessel by shooting its engines. Once the work. The Coast Guard gets things done. It saves craft is stopped, it is boarded and searched.

lives. It makes the region safer. It catches bad guys. It does all these things because of its strong reliance on Areas of Friction

the team. You are often most comfortable working The Navy provides support in terms of personnel and within a group. You put a lot of faith in leaders who ships, platforms, and installations. The USCG also work with the people they lead and who use the team works closely with ICE and Customs and Border Patrol.

member’s strengths.

Sometimes the Coast Guard comes into conflict You likely value practical solutions to problems.

with other law enforcement agencies when mandates The mission is key. If the standard operating proce-overlap. The DEA is interested in the Coast Guard’s dure is an impediment, figure out a better way. Coas-role in stopping and confiscating illegal narcotics enties prefer to ask forgiveness rather than permission.

tering the U.S. When traffickers operate at a port, the More often than not, leadership supports decisions coasties and DEA may trip over one another due to that promoted a successful mission despite going miscommunication or parallel investigations. Similarly, against the “book.” But if you make a bad call, that’s ICE and Customs and Border Protection often have firmly on you. There will be analysis after the fact, rest crossover of mandates once illegal activities reach a assured. A fundamentally bad decision means punish-point of entry into the U.S.

ment, especially if it cost lives.

Generally, the Coast Guard is seen as competent Coast Guard basic training teaches that you aren’t and effective, if a little slow in producing neces-a hero. You may have signed up because you want to sary paperwork.

be a hero, but that is drilled out of you quickly. Heroes make stupid decisions. Heroes dive into obviously Playing a Coastie

dangerous waters when it would be smarter to use a Working for the Coast Guard means you understand harness. No, you aren’t a hero. You are a professional.

the importance of taking responsibility. Your mission Save yourself so you can save others.

22

// The Complex //

// Defense //

Suggested Professions

Office of Response Policy (CG-5R)

Response Policy works closely with other military Search and Rescue Team (SAR)

branches to create joint counterterrorism programs In many ways SAR teams are the hearts and soul of and training opportunities. Response Policy is also the the Coast Guard. SAR units are expected to face the primary point of contact on counterterrorism missions worst environmental conditions head on to save lives.

involving Coast Guard assets.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

PROFESSION: Program Manager.

» Alertness 60%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Accounting, Bureaucracy,

» Athletics 60%

Persuade, Military Science (Sea).

» Craft (Electrician) 40%

EQUIPMENT: Contacts throughout the military and

» Craft (Mechanic) 40%

access to classified terrorism or military operations files.

» First Aid 50%

» Foreign Language (Spanish) 20%

Office of Investigations and

» HUMINT 40%

Casualty Analysis (INV)

» Navigate 50%

INV builds detailed case analyses of deaths or serious

» Pilot (Small Boat) 50%

injuries that are the result of Coast Guard operations.

» Pilot (Helicopter) 30%

PROFESSION: Anthropologist or Historian.

» Science (Meteorology) 50%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Craft (Electrician or Me-

» Swim 60%

chanic), Forensics, HUMINT, Search.

BONDS: 2

EQUIPMENT: A sizeable online and physical library SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, First Aid, of disaster history and data (crashes, hurricanes, Navigate, Swim.

flooding, and so on).

EQUIPMENT: Portable search and rescue gear, water survival equipment, thermal wetsuit, swimming gear.

23

// Defense //

// The Complex //

The Helicopter Interdiction

Tactical Law Enforcement

Tactical Squadron (HITRON)

Team (TACLET)

HITRON combines the mobility of a helicopter with These teams deploy aboard U.S. and allied naval some of the military’s best and most experienced vessels to conduct maritime law enforcement missions sharpshooters. HITRON snipers specialize in dis-such as interdiction of narcotics smugglers and arrest-abling watercraft with large-caliber precision shots.

ing suspected pirates.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

» Alertness 60%

» Alertness 50%

» Athletics 40%

» Athletics 40%

» Bureaucracy 30%

» Bureaucracy 40%

» Craft (Electrician) 50%

» Criminology 50%

» Craft (Mechanic) 50%

» Drive 50%

» Firearms 60%

» Firearms 50%

» Heavy Machinery 40%

» Foreign Language (Spanish) 50%

» Military Science (Sea) 50%

» Forensics 30%

» Navigate 50%

» Heavy Weapons 50%

» Pilot (Helicopter) 50%

» HUMINT 60%

» Science (Meteorology) 40%

» Law 30%

» Swim 50%

» Persuade 50%

BONDS: 2

» Search 50%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Craft (Mechan-

» Swim 60%

ic), Firearms, Pilot (Helicopter).

» Unarmed Combat 60%

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: SPECIAL OPERA-BONDS: 2

TOR on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, as well as a SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Firearms, Mili-custom Barrett M82 .50 caliber sniper rifle with tele-tary Science (Sea), Pilot (Boat).

sopic, infrared, low light, holographic, or laser sights.

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, as well as basic water survival gear.

Maritime Safety and

Security Team (MSST)

MSSTs patrol the waterways around large ports with a focus on combating national security threats.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

» Alertness 60%

» Athletics 50%

» Bureaucracy 30%

» Craft (Mechanic) 40%

» Criminology 40%

» Firearms 40%

» Heavy Weapons 50%

» Law 40%

» Military Science (Sea) 50%

» Navigate 50%

24

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// Defense //

» Pilot (Small Boat) 60%

National Strike Force (NSF)

» Science (Meteorology) 40%

These teams mitigate disastrous oil discharges, haz-

» Search 30%

ardous substance releases, events suspected to involve

» Swim 60%

weapons of mass destruction, and other environ-BONDS: 1

ment-related emergencies. Strike teams are based in SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Forensics, Alabama, California, and New Jersey.

HUMINT, Stealth.

PROFESSION: Scientist.

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Science on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook as well as basic (Chemistry), Science (Environmental), Science water survival gear.

(Meteorology).

EQUIPMENT: Environmental and chemical surveil-Maritime Security Response

lance and technical gear.

Team (MSRT)

MSRT are a waterborne SWAT team that boards and secures vessels held by terrorists or hostage-takers.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

» Alertness 60%

» Athletics 60%

» Demolitions 40%

» Dodge 60%

» Firearms 60%

» Heavy Weapons 50%

» Melee Weapons 50%

» Military Science (Sea) 60%

» Navigate 50%

» Search 40%

» Stealth 50%

» Survival 50%

» Swim 50%

» Unarmed Combat 60%

BONDS: 1

SUGGESTED BONUS

SKILLS: Alertness, Athletics,

Firearms, Law.

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF

THE TRADE: SPECIAL OPERATOR

on page 85 of the Agent’s

Handbook, as well as

restraining gear to make

arrests and hold suspects.

25

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// The Complex //

Intelligence

The National

The Organization

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, NCTC was es-Counterterrorism

tablished to bring together analysts from the sprawl-Center (NCTC)

ing U.S. intelligence community under one roof. It collects information on terrorists and their plans, ana-The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) was lyzes that information, and warns of potential attacks.

established in 2004 to ensure that information about Sixteen federal agencies sit side by side at NCTC. It is potential terrorist acts could be made available to designed as a place where the various organizations in analysts throughout the government. As a component the intelligence community must work together and of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence learn from one another. But in the face of competing (ODNI), NCTC is composed of analysts with back-interests among its member agencies and the lack of grounds in many government agencies and with access authority to require them to cooperate, NCTC’s exe-to various agency databases. It prepares material cution of its goals has always been lackluster.

ranging from strategic assessments of potential ter-NCTC integrates foreign and domestic analysis rorist threats to daily briefings and situation reports.

from across the intelligence community and produces It is also responsible for planning (but not directing) assessments of those threats to inform senior policy-counterterrorism efforts.

makers and other agencies. NCTC is organized differ-BUDGET: Classified, but estimated to be $35

ently than other intelligence agencies due to its small million in 2015.

size and focused mandate. It maintains a number of regional desks. These regional desks are clearing hous-The NCTC Operative at a Glance

es for both raw and finished intelligence. Alongside POWERS OF ARREST? No.

but independent of the regional desks are a number EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

of focus cells who track, analyze, and anticipate the ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a cred-moves of terror groups and leaders. NCTC main-it line if traveling or on an investigation or fact-find-tains databases of international terrorist identities in ing mission, up to an Unusual expense without elica system known as the Terrorist Identities Datamart iting official review. NCTC provides its employees Environment (TIDE).

with more robust budgets than other agencies, but does not offer access to equipment of its own.

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

With Bureaucracy, an Agent can request access to classified security-related reports from any other federal agency as well “recovered” analysis from other countries’ intelligence services. These requests are the equivalent of an Unusual expense. A failed roll immediately triggers official review. A second failed roll triggers a criminal investigation into the Agent’s actions, as they are suspected of mishandling classified material or engaged in espionage.

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NCTC is the central player in a number of task too often, a detailee from another agency with back-forces and fusion groups. The ODNI’s Homeland ground in a specific subject or region is assigned to a Threat Task Force, which orchestrates interagency focus cell or regional desk that simply needs personnel collaboration and keeps senior policymakers informed to help with the workload. NCTC leadership suggest about threats, is chaired by members from NCTC.

that these assignments “broaden the experience” of NCTC’s Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordi-the detailee.

nation Group (ITACG) facilitates information shar-NCTC’s Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team ing between federal, state, local, tribal, and private is a blend of first responders (usually sheriff’s deputies partners in coordination with DHS, FBI, and other and state police officers) and public safety profession-members of the ITACG Advisory Council. NCTC

als who volunteer to be trained by NCTC and serve also heads the Radicalization and Extremist Messag-as impromptu terrorism analysts. JCAT members ing Group (REMG), which coordinates members of work with federal intelligence analysts, the Depart-the intelligence community on identifying radical-ment of Homeland Security (DHS), and the FBI to ization. NCTC’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, research, produce, and disseminate counterterrorism Nuclear Counterterrorism Group pools scarce ana-intelligence. JCAT participants provide local insights lytical, subject matter, and scientific expertise from to federal counterterrorism intelligence. After a year-NCTC and CIA.

long fellowship, a JCAT officer returns to his or her home department.

Key Offices, Desks, and Task Forces

» Africa Desk (AF)

Authority and Mandate

» Europe and Central Asia Desk (EUR)

Under law as well as executive order, NCTC serves as

» East Asia and the Pacific Desk (EAP)

the nation’s primary agency for analyzing and inte-

» Near East and Middle East (NE)

grating terrorism intelligence. It also conducts strategic

» Operations Center (Ops)

operational planning for counterterrorism operations

» Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordina-at home and abroad. In practice, it has few true lead-tion Group (ITACG)

ership responsibilities outside of sharing information

» Radicalization and Extremist Messaging Group and occasionally spearheading analysis on emerging (REMG)

threat groups.

NCTC is inadequately organized and resourced Operatives

for its missions. It simply doesn’t have enough peo-Intelligence analysts are at the core of NCTC. In all ple to sift through all the intelligence produced but a few cases, these analysts come from other agen-by other agencies and then refine that data into cies, especially the FBI and CIA. In theory, these are something useful.

terrorism-focused specialists. In reality, they are often junior or extremely senior (near retirement) members Field Operations

of their organizations who have little pull or influence.

NCTC employees mostly work from cubicles and NCTC is seen by other agencies as a place to dump offices at headquarters. However, most offices have problem employees, or send junior analysts who small travel budgets that allow analysts to travel to need exposure to interagency processes. The result their regions of focus. In these cases, the analysts is that NCTC is often staffed by the expendable and sometimes travel undercover as civilians or as em-forgettable.

ployees of other agencies. While in the field, NCTC

In general, NCTC leadership likes to staff regional analysts work to gather firsthand information and do desks with detailees with specific regional experience, research that is otherwise unavailable at a computer.

but staffing patterns do not always facilitate this. Far 27

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Areas of Friction

NCTC also has issues finding an appropriate The relationships between NCTC and terrorism-fo-audience for its analysis. Since many other agencies cused departments in other agencies are often poor.

already have established and dedicated counterterror-Despite NCTC using personnel from those sister ism cells, it is often up to NCTC to justify the use of agencies, it is rare for those NCTC detailees to push its products and reports over something generated “in for NCTC’s interests. Many back down when faced house.” There is still a good deal of reluctance by the with opposition about roles or responsibilities from intelligence community to use “suspect” analysis from their home agencies; they still need a soft place to land other agencies, especially NCTC.

when their tour of duty concludes. The relationships between NCTC and the CIA’s Counterterrorism Cen-Playing NCTC

ter—which, prior to the establishment of NCTC, was You took the NCTC gig because someone from your responsible for performing much of NCTC’s current home agency had to do it and you drew the prover-mission—remains particularly acrimonious. The CIA’s bial short straw. In theory, NCTC’s job is critical, but CT Center largely disregards NCTC as ineffectual, it lacks the leadership and motivation from analysts amateurish, and disorganized.

like you to put it all together. Instead, NCTC ends up as a place where you have to spend a couple years in 28

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a “familiarization tour” that feels like you are wasting NSA, FBI, ONI, National Security Council, and allied time. Most NCTC analysts feel the same. The unspo-agencies in the U.K., Canada, and Australia. Badges ken reality is that you are here for a reason; because to access the main offices of all of the above (but not you were expendable.

their satellite offices or “black” sites). Because many The daily challenges in working at NCTC involve detailees to NCTC desks are on the outs with their sifting through mountains of data. NCTC has access home agencies or simply new to the job, they do not to an ever increasing number of agency reports and have access to their home agencies’ equipment until raw data on terrorists and suspected terrorists. NCTC

they return to full-time work there.

analysts must learn to process a lot of data in a short time. For inexperienced analysts and intelligence offi-Interagency Threat Assessment and

cers, this is a daunting task.

Coordination Group (ITACG)

If you are from the CIA or FBI, you and your ITACG is meant to coordinate intelligence and law leadership likely see NCTC as completely superflu-enforcement agencies in sharing critical information ous. If you are from State or Defense, you likely see on high priority groups (those identified by the JCAT).

NCTC as an oddity, with no meaningful pull and little While agreements are made in the ITACG, the task to offer. If you are from one of the other intelligence force often has little success in actually getting the or law enforcement agencies, you probably see your information to flow.

time at NCTC as a roadblock to getting your real PROFESSION: Intelligence Analyst or Federal Agent.

work done or, worse, as the place where middling SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Criminology, careers go to die.

Foreign Language (choose one), HUMINT.

So, when rare opportunities come up for you to EQUIPMENT: Access to NCTC’s extensive media and shine, you better be ready to take them. NCTC is intelligence stores, including reporting from the CIA, an agency that advises and recommends; it does not NSA, FBI, ONI, National Security Council, and allied have its own dedicated kinetic operations unit. This agencies in the U.K., Canada, and Australia. Badges undermines the credibility of the organization, since it to access the main offices of all of the above (but not always has to hand useful intelligence to the CIA, FBI, their satellite offices or “black” sites). Because many or SOCOM. It shouldn’t be important which agency detailees to NCTC desks are on the outs with their actually gets the bad guy, but in the age of limited con-home agencies or simply new to the job, they do not gressional budgets and competing resources, always have access to their home agencies’ equipment until being on the sidelines hurts.

they return to full-time work there.

Suggested Professions

Near East Desk, Analysis (NE)

The Near East desk focuses on terrorist threats orig-Joint Counterterrorism

inating in the Middle East and North Africa, both Assessment Team (JCAT)

groups and individuals. It gathers information from The most prestigious of the joint task forces, JCAT

the intelligence community and builds reports that it sets policy and threat priorities for the intelli-shares with other agencies.

gence community.

PROFESSION: Intelligence Analyst.

PROFESSION: Foreign Service Officer, Intelligence SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Criminology, Analyst, Intelligence Case Officer, or Federal Agent.

Foreign Language (Arabic, Berber, French, Kurdish, SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Foreign Persian, or Urdu), History

Language (choose one), HUMINT, Law.

EQUIPMENT: Access to NCTC’s extensive media and EQUIPMENT: Access to NCTC’s extensive media and intelligence stores, including reporting from the CIA, intelligence stores, including reporting from the CIA, NSA, FBI, ONI, National Security Council, and allied 29

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agencies in the U.K., Canada, and Australia. Badges Within ONI are a number of divisions and sub-to access the main offices of all of the above (but not divisions. Because ONI is a part of the Department their satellite offices or “black” sites). Because many of Defense, many of its offices have a regional focus detailees to NCTC desks are on the outs with their congruous with the unified combatant commands’

home agencies or simply new to the job, they do not areas of responsibilities (NORTHCOM, EUCOM, have access to their home agencies’ equipment until etc). ONI’s regional offices largely fall under its they return to full-time work there.

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) mandate, with each regional office tracking and identifying notable The Office of Naval

sea traffic in its area of responsibility. Technical and policy divisions house many of ONI’s mechanical and Intelligence (ONI)

scientific personnel. ONI’s intelligence departments The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) is the leading include: Scientific and Technical Intelligence, Maritime provider of maritime intelligence to the U.S. Navy and Intelligence, Ship Tracking, Counter Piracy, Counter joint warfighting forces, as well as to national decision Proliferation and Trafficking, Foreign Naval Analysis, makers. Established in 1882, ONI offers particularly and Fleet Intelligence Support.

strong technical analysis, focusing on the capabilities The small ONI Police Force (OPF) protects the of foreign military equipment and units.

National Maritime Intelligence Center. While not a BUDGET: Classified, but estimated to be approxi-true SWAT-equivalent, the ONI Police Force is highly mately $6 billion in 2015.

trained and well equipped and can handle many crisis situations. For serious or particularly dangerous The ONI Operative at a Glance

events, the ONI Police Force defers to a dedicated POWERS OF ARREST? No.

federal tactical response police unit, such as an FBI EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

SWAT team or HRT.

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a credit line if traveling or on an investigation or Key ONI Offices and Divisions

mission, up to a Standard expense without eliciting

» Office of Maritime Domain Awareness

official review.

›CENTCOM MDA

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

›SOUTHCOM MDA

With Bureaucracy an Agent can request access to

›PACOM MDA

classified reports from the other branches of the mil-

›EUCOM MDA

itary or CIA. These requests are the equivalent of a

» Science and Technical Analysis Division Major expense. If a report does not contain techni-

» Maritime Intelligence Division

cal data about a piece of equipment or a vehicle, the

» Foreign Naval Analysis Division

request triggers official review. It is often reasonable

» Counter Piracy Division

for ONI analysts to request non-technical analysis, but ONI leadership wants to verify the justification.

Operatives

ONI employs more than 3,000 military, civilian, mobi-The Organization

lized reservist and contract personnel worldwide, with Created at the beginning of the Spanish-American analysts, scientists, engineers, specialists and techni-War, ONI is the oldest member of the United States cians making up the majority. More than 800 mobi-intelligence community. It is headquartered at the lized Navy reservists provide specialized or technical National Maritime Intelligence Center (NMIC) in skills such as IT support and mechanical expertise.

Suitland, Maryland.

ONI recruits experienced active-duty intelligence officers and specialists, information professionals, 30

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aviators, surface warfare officers, and submariners for Field Operations

duty assignments. On the civilian side, ONI is likewise With no case officers, ONI relies heavily on SIGINT

selective in its hiring, and because of the prestige of and post-operation briefings by operational intel-the agency, usually has a large number of qualified ligence agents. Travel is relatively rare. Most ONI analyst candidates. In general, civilians and active duty work involves poring over digital intelligence, such as analysts work side by side, with active-duty personnel recovered cell phone transcripts or satellite imagery of providing real-world viewpoints while the civilians suspicious ships. Rarely, an ONI analyst specializing provide specialized knowledge.

in a particular subject or group may travel to an embassy or remote site to perform a first-hand interview Authority and Mandate

of a subject-matter expert. In most cases, if ONI needs In house, the Navy refers to ONI as the “Information a report, it tasks naval or intelligence personnel in Dominance Corps.” ONI produces maritime intelli-the field and expects it to be transmitted via classified gence for key decision makers within the Navy, for computer system.

the larger intelligence community, and for government An ONI analyst given the green light to travel leadership. Currently, ONI focuses on the analysis often does so with a large budget and little oversight.

of naval weapons, tracking technology proliferation, Since travel is relatively rare, and the nature of the early identification of transnational threats to civil mission classified, bureaucratic bookkeeping is kept to maritime operations, counter-proliferation of weapons, a low roar. Not all travel by ONI analysts is to some and counter-narcotics.

highly limited location in a foreign country. Some of it 31

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// The Complex //

is domestic, visiting other intelligence agencies or re-and engineers figure out just how dangerous it is. In ceiving a debrief of a recently-returned special opera-some cases, they make initial suggestions on likely tions team. Rarely, an analyst is sent to another agency countermeasures.

either on temporary detail (such as to NCTC) or to When Navy personnel or equipment are ordered consult for a time on a specialized area. Each travel into harm’s way, the Navy looks to ONI to produce event is specific to the person and the position.

up-to-the-minute briefings and analysis. This is where having good contacts with other members of the Areas of Friction

intelligence community is particularly helpful, because ONI is generally well-regarded in the intelligence they may have a more specific understanding of a community and armed forces because of its small size threat—especially if the threat is a terrorist group or a and longstanding reputation for focused and success-non-state actor.

ful work, and because its limited mandate to support Even when you pull information and data from the Navy means it doesn’t often step on other agencies’

other agencies, you are expected to repackage it and toes. However, ONI does have trouble with in-house give it the “Navy touch.” That means deconstructing intelligence units in other military branches. There is the raw intelligence and making it useful for Navy a distinct rivalry between the various armed forces’

decision-makers.

intelligence communities, and sharing information is still the exception rather than the rule.

Suggested Professions

Playing an ONI Analyst

Office of Foreign Naval Analysis

When you are hired, you hear the phrase “tip of the (FNA), Nimitz Operational Center

spear” a lot. It is an unofficial motto of ONI. What it FNA scrutinizes the capabilities of foreign naval assets means is that your work is used by the guys that get like ships, missiles and aircraft.

into the middle of the worst situations you can dream PROFESSION: Engineer or Sailor.

up. DEVGRU, other SEALs, Marine Force Recon, and SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Computer Science, Craft forward-deployed units around the world rely on your (Mechanic or Electrician), Science (Chemistry, Physics analysis and insight. Information wins wars, and ONI or Materials), Military Science (Sea).

is expected to be among the best at gathering and EQUIPMENT: Access to imagery intelligence from the analyzing the information the Navy needs. You work National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and National with experts at analyzing photographic and technical Reconnaissance Office, as well as technical schematics intelligence.

of nearly every ship, aircraft, and weapon ever made.

Other intelligence agencies have sweeping mandates to cover all aspects of national security. ONI Maritime Domain

does not. The core of your mission is to identify Awareness—PACOM

threats to Navy operations. You make sure the Navy The Pacific Command MDA team tracks the naval is one step ahead of its enemies and potential rivals.

assets of foreign militaries in the Pacific and Indian You are concerned about terrorism and asymmetri-Oceans so the Navy knows where those assets are and cal combats in so far as they touch on naval special what they carry, and can make logical guesses as to operations, but your bread and butter is keeping up where they are going and why. MDA is particularly with what the Russian, Chinese, and Indian militar-interested in tracking foreign submarines.

ies are doing.

PROFESSION: Intelligence Analyst.

Working for ONI means you are very focused SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Awareness, Foreign on analyzing new technology. When the Chinese roll Language (Chinese, Hindi, or Russian are most likely), out a new air-to-ship missile, ONI analysts, scientists, Military Science (Sea), Search.

32

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EQUIPMENT: Access to up-to-date tracking intelli-The NSA Operative at a Glance

gence from human reporting and military satellites POWERS OF ARREST? No.

(including the National Reconnaissance Office and EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency).

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a credit line if traveling or on an investigation or The National Security

mission, up to a Standard expense without eliciting official review.

Agency (NSA)

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

The National Security Agency (NSA) is on the fore-With Bureaucracy or SIGINT, an Agent can request front of technical, electronic and computer-driven access to classified security-related reports from any espionage. It is responsible for global monitoring, other federal agency as well “recovered” analysis collection, and processing of information for for-from other countries’ intelligence services. These eign intelligence and counterintelligence operations.

requests are the equivalent of a Major expense. A Originating as a unit to decipher coded communi-failed request roll immediately triggers official cations in World War II, the NSA is now one of the review. A second failed roll triggers criminal investi-largest U.S. intelligence organizations in personnel and gation for suspected mishandling classified material budget. The NSA is part of the Department of Defense or even espionage.

but also reports directly to the Director of National Intelligence. While scandals and leaks in recent years The Organization

have shaken confidence in the integrity of the NSA, it The NSA is led by the Director of the National Securi-remains powerful and influential.

ty Agency (DIRNSA), who also serves as Chief of the BUDGET: Classified, but estimated to be more than Central Security Service (CHCSS) and Commander of $11 billion in 2015.

the United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM).

NSA’s headquarters is at Fort Meade, near Baltimore.

The National Security Agency underwent a major reorganization process starting in 2017. During this process, NSA merged and rebranded a number of its core directorates. Key directorates include the Operations, 33

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// The Complex //

Capabilities and Research Directorate (“O Director-field, such as network engineering, cryptography, ate”), responsible for developing and implementing in-network security, or information assurance. NSA often telligence gathering programs and technology and for demands further qualifications, especially for comput-codebreaking and developing new encoding methods; er scientists and electronics specialists, including up to Information Assurance(“IA”), which is responsible for three years of experience with the Pentagon’s informa-securing NSA’s systems as well as thwarting hostile tion assurance certification process.

actions; the Business Management and Acquisition Di-NSA employees are usually law-abiding, though rectorate, which is responsible for outreach to import-there are a few notable exceptions. The NSA employs ant companies to improve their information security white-hat hackers who are usually identified by re-and to leverage private-sector developments for the cruiters after run-ins with law enforcement. The NSA NSA’s use; the Foreign Signals Intelligence Directorate does not blackmail a hacker into joining; such recruits (“S Directorate”), which collects, analyzes, produces, are likely to do damage or leak secrets. Instead, NSA and disseminates signals intelligence to partner orga-works with the hacker to clear their criminal record, nizations; and the Engagement and Policy Directorate, pays them well, and gives them the chance to explore which engages with other government agencies and their craft against the enemies of the United States.

the U.S. legislature and sets overall policy.

The National Security Agency Network (NSANet) Authority and Mandate

is a closed-system NSA intranet. NSANet is a highly By presidential directive, NSA is the lead agency to secured network consisting of fiber-optic and satellite monitor and protect the federal government’s com-communication channels, almost completely sepa-puter networks. NSA’s eavesdropping mission includes rated from the public Internet. The network allows radio broadcasting, personal communication over the NSA personnel, and civilian and military intelligence Internet, website activity and browsing history, tele-analysts anywhere in the world, access to the agency’s phone calls, and other intercepted forms of commu-systems and databases. Access is tightly controlled and nication. Its secure communications mission includes monitored. Every keystroke is logged, activities are military, diplomatic, and other sensitive, confidential, audited at random, and downloading and printing of or secret government communications. NSA is also documents from NSANet are recorded and reviewed charged with protecting government communications by Information Assurance.

and information systems against penetration and network warfare. NSA assists with and coordinates Key NSA Directorates

government SIGINT collection.

» Operations Directorate (“O”)

The NSA is authorized to plant bugs and intercept

›Cryptoanalysis Unit

wireless communication in and outside the U.S., par-

›Encryption and Confidentiality Unit

ticularly against foreign nationals. The NSA, like other

›Signals Intelligence

domestic intelligence agencies, is limited by the 4th

» Information Assurance

Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in how it targets

›Installation Security

American citizens. However, the Patriot Act and more

›Investigations

recent legislation gave the NSA broad discretion in collecting intelligence on Americans while pursuing Operatives

terrorism and national security leads. The NSA gener-NSA has a reputation for hiring bookish types such as ally tries to avoid collecting Americans’ data, partic-coders, lawyers, translators, and electrical engineers.

ularly domestically. Nevertheless, bulk data gathering Alongside a Top Secret clearance, technical certifica-means the NSA collects much more intelligence on tions, and a successful polygraph, applicants must Americans, including domestically, than it is allowed have at least four years of experience in a relevant by law to use.

34

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// Intelligence //

analyst or employee to travel. NSA relies on delicate equipment which must be maintained and repaired.

SCIFs

Engineers, mechanics, and software coders are sent around the world when NSA equipment “goes black.”

A sensitive compartmentalized information facility (SCIF) can be found anywhere classified material is Because of the ultra-secret and sensitive nature processed. A SCIF is generally a room or a series of NSA’s work, its operatives typically use a cover. In of rooms behind a limited-access door. Some are many cases, they are provided basic credentials (often portable for temporary use, others permanent. Some created by the CIA) to pass for a bureaucrat from a comprise entire buildings. The floors and ceiling are re-different, and innocuous, government agency.

cessed and raised from the building’s structure, making it easier to monitor the wires and pipes that feed the electronics in the room. Some SCIFs have noise-damp-Areas of Friction ening acoustical tile and conductive mesh linings to The NSA’s biggest critics are in Congress, and the pub-block electronic signals. Windows are never allowed lic and media that congressmen and women rely upon in a SCIF.

to get reelected. The Wikileaks and Snowden scandals With the surge in security spending in the years placed NSA under a microscope by legislators, many after 9/11, SCIFs became ubiquitous. They were a sta-of whom view the NSA’s mandate as a violation of U.S.

tus symbol, a sign of a department’s importance and law or constitutional rights. Thus, NSA is under as credibility. Every organization wanted one. Insiders wryly called the phenomenon “SCIF envy.”

much scrutiny and criticism as the executive office will allow (which isn’t that much). NSA employees are instructed that it is illegal to look at a U.S. citizen’s data Unlike the Defense Intelligence Agency and the without a court order—but gathering that information Central Intelligence Agency, NSA does not unilaterally is legal. Occasionally, NSA run into complication with conduct human-source intelligence gathering. In fact, other intelligence or defense agencies, particularly the NSA is prevented by law from engaging in the recruit-FBI, CIA, or ONI, but this is generally rare.

ment of traditional human assets without the approval of the Secretary of Defense. The NSA can recruit Playing the NSA

assets only under very specific circumstances, usually You are changing the way governments approach intel-connected to gaining long-term access to telecommu-ligence gathering. CIA officers get to play spy, but they nication nodes.

are relics. Congress talks up the importance of HUMINT, NSA works closely with USCYBERCOM, the

but the old way of cultivating and using assets is highly Department of Defense’s cyber domain combatant inefficient compared to what you do. Bulk data collec-command. The Director of the NSA is also command-tion and filing—everything from cell phone conversa-er of CYBERCOM.

tions to texts to email—is where the real work of fighting terrorism and national security threats is performed.

Field Operations

These days, everything important happens over electron-NSA’s work usually is focused on computers, not ic media. Intelligence is about math and circuits. It’s just fieldwork. However, because of NSA’s worldwide taking the CIA longer than most to figure this out.

mission and the need to gather intelligence in the most For a government job, the paycheck starts out remote places, travel to domestic and overseas listen-quite good and only gets better. It is nothing like what ing stations and NSA facilities is more common than you could command on the civilian market, but the with other SIGINT-focused agencies. Periodic checks NSA offers perks and a mission that you cannot find on domestic and international field offices, on-site in the private sector.

verification of intercepted data, localized hacking, and You work with some of the best in very deep area familiarization are all likely reasons for an NSA fields: mathematics, electrical engineering, coding, and 35

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// The Complex //

even physics. NSA values intelligence and problem You spend all day in a SCIF. Security teams solving. This makes your work environment a bit like regularly go through contents of your desk and wave a competitive grad school. Morale is usually good, equipment along the walls and ceiling looking for but personal rivalries and one-upsmanship sometimes electronic bugs. You don’t get to goof off on the Inter-leads to bad blood. It’s best to just keep your head net, because you use NSANet almost all the time, and down and do a good job.

it isn’t connected to the World Wide Web except on Your whole life is a secret. You are not allowed to restricted and heavily monitored terminals. That’s OK, talk about your job outside of work. It is not necessari-since you have a driven and work-focused personality.

ly a secret that you work at NSA, but you are instructed NSA employees don’t last too long if they can’t handle not to discuss anything but the most basic information being part of Big Brother.

about your role in the agency with friends and fami-You are trained to stay away from data collected ly. People may know you do “computers” with NSA, about Americans unless it is “hot.” Deciding what but have no idea you are a cryptographer working on is hot is more art than science, and getting that call “smart” code-breaking systems. You should keep it that wrong has embarrassed the NSA in the past. When a way. Everything you do or touch is classified to hell conversation or electronic message is flagged and re-and back, so it’s easier to talk sports or video games. If turned in a database, you review it and decide if there you work in a branch office under cover—likely some is anything to it. In the vast majority of cases, there innocuous law or accounting firm—no one really wants is nothing nefarious and you move on. In those rare to talk about your work anyway, so it is easy to keep cases where things in the readout look “off,” you take cover. The need for secrecy and deception makes it eas-it to your supervisor and a deeper dive is authorized.

iest to simply date within the organization. If you are married, your spouse probably works for NSA.

Suggested Professions

As an NSA employee, you self-selected into your position. You wouldn’t have applied for the job if you Cryptoanalysis Unit,

weren’t reasonably sure you would pass the clearance Operations Directorate

process. Even if legal trouble is what brought you to This unit creates algorithms to defeat foreign encryption.

the agency’s attention, your talent, drive, and motiva-PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

tions were enough to pass muster. You probably have

» Accounting 50%

a sense of morality that lines up with the core values

» Bureaucracy 40%

espoused by the United States: global security, democra-

» Computer Science 60%

cy, free access to markets, and human rights. Even if the

» Craft (Microelectronics) 60%

NSA’s ubiquitous intrusion gives you pause, its mission

» Criminology 50%

of protecting the country is something you can honor.

» Foreign Language (choose one) 40%

» Science (Engineering or Physics) 60%

“Five Eyes” Coordination (FVEY)

The UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. are known as the “Five Eyes” countries. Their gover clandestinely-gathered intelligence. Ever by default shared with the Five Eyes, though it is routine for NSA nments agree to share most employees to restrict materials from view by all foreign gover ything the NSA collects is

nments.

36

// The Complex //

// Intelligence //

» Science (Mathematics or Predictive Analytics) 60%

» Dodge 40%

» SIGINT 60%

» Drive 50%

BONDS: 3

» Firearms 40%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Computer Science, Craft

» Law 40%

(Microelectronics), Science (Mathematics), SIGINT.

» Melee Weapons 40%

EQUIPMENT: A large library of technical manuals

» Persuade 50%

and professional journals on math and computer sci-

» Search 60%

ence (and, perhaps, quantum mechanics).

» Stealth 60%

» Unarmed Combat 50%

Tailored Access Operations

BONDS: 2

Unit (TAO), Foreign

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Craft (mechanic), Craft Intelligence Directorate

(microelectronics), Science (physics), Search.

TAO operatives hack into foreign computers to con-EQUIPMENT: Lockpicks, operations and technical duct cyber-espionage.

manuals of equipment that houses surveillance devices, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

disguises, specialized equipment to recover data stores

» Accounting 50%

(such as acoustical lasers or tailored RFID readers).

» Bureaucracy 50%

» Computer Science 60%

Counterintelligence

» Craft (Electrician) 30%

Investigator, Q Directorate

» Craft (Mechanic) 30%

An NSA counterintelligence investigator investigates

» Craft (Microelectronics) 50%

security risks and suspicious activities, audits securi-

» Criminology 60%

ty practices, conducts background investigations on

» Foreign Language (choose one) 60%

NSA employees and contractors, and gives weekly

» HUMINT 50%

security briefings for NSA employees, contractors,

» Science (Mathematics) 40%

and military affiliates. The investigator works often

» SIGINT 60%

with subject-matter experts from other agencies and BONDS: 2

backgrounds to prepare briefings on specific threats.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Computer A threat briefing could be a private meeting with a Science, Foreign Language, SIGINT.

senior official or a walk-in staffer who has a concern, EQUIPMENT: A large library of reports and classified a presentation to an entire branch, or a speech to hun-analysis of hacking techniques as well as more estab-dreds of NSA industrial partner employees.

lished literature on advanced language studies.

PROFESSION: Federal Agent.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Computer Science, For-Remote Device Activities Unit,

eign Language, SIGINT, Stealth.

Operations Directorate

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

This unit designs and installs clandestine surveillance on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

equipment and physically recovers intelligence that is gathered remotely.

The Defense Intelligence

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

Agency (DIA)

» Alertness 50%

» Craft (Electrician) 40%

The DIA is the Pentagon’s primary all-source in-

» Craft (Locksmithing) 60%

telligence agency, and the chief rival to the CIA for

» Criminology 50%

conducting intelligence analysis and covert operations.

» Disguise 50%

The DIA reports to the Undersecretary of Defense for 37

// Intelligence //

// The Complex //

Intelligence (USDI) and to the Director of National request experimental technology as an Extreme ex-Intelligence (DNI). As the principal military intelli-pense, but this automatically initiates official review.

gence agency, DIA focuses most of its analytical and With Bureaucracy or SIGINT, an Agent can access clandestine activities on support to the warfighter.

classified security-related reports from the military DIA’s activities cover everything from foreign leader branches, CIA, NSA, NRO, or NGA. Such a re-intent to medical intelligence, scientific advances, and quest is equivalent to a Major expense. A failed roll foreign economic infrastructure. DIA officers do not immediately triggers official review. A second failed typically conduct operations within the United States, roll triggers criminal investigation into the charac-but may operate in support of other intelligence and ter’s actions for suspicion of mishandling classified law enforcement agencies on a case-by-case basis.

material or even espionage.

BUDGET: Classified, but estimated over $2

billion in 2015.

The Organization

DIA provides intelligence to the Joint Chiefs of Staff The Agency Operative at a Glance

and to the Joint Intelligence Centers within the Com-POWERS OF ARREST? No.

batant Commands around the world. DIA headquar-EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? Frequently when operat-ters is located at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washing overseas, rarely when within the U.S.

ington, D.C., though it also has a large presence at the ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a sig-Pentagon. DIA has public and clandestine facilities nificant credit line, up to a Major expense without scattered around the U.S. Nearly 17,000 people work eliciting official review.

for DIA around the world.

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

DIA is organized into operational, functional and With Bureaucracy, an Agent can access a wide range support directorates, each with a specific mission. The of equipment including military-grade weapons and Directorate for Analysis (DI) reports on key foreign communications gear as a Standard expense. Access military forces and leaders based on intelligence to an armored SUV or unarmed military transport gathered by the other directorates and the Service vehicle counts as a Major expense. An Agent can Intelligence Centers in each branch of the military.

The Directorate of Operations (DO) carries out covert 38

// The Complex //

// Intelligence //

intelligence collection operations in conflict zones The Directorate for Analysis refines raw intelli-and against hostile foreign governments. The Defense gence into succinct reports for policy-makers. Writing Clandestine Service (DCS) deploys expert teams of is its analysts’ key ability, and those who can distill case officers, cultural and linguistic specialists, and important information into succinct summaries are interrogators to gather human intelligence. DCS also likely to go far. DI has a large list of priorities and supports special operations forces (particularly SO-specialized offices: analyzing and evaluating foreign COM). The Defense Cover Office (DCO) creates false military capabilities, anticipating economic shifts that identities for intelligence operatives and facilitates may impact a country’s stability or the budget of its their access to denied locations and installations.

military, assessing political leadership’s relationship The Directorate for Science and Technology (DT) within their country’s military.

serves as a hub for DIA’s highly specialized technical Defense attachés are part diplomat, part intelli-assets and personnel. Composed mostly of scientists, gence collector, with a wide mandate. Their status as a engineers and technicians, DT brings to bear unique DIA employee is not secret, though it is rarely high-capabilities such as Measurement and Signals Intel-lighted. A defense attaché heads a Defense Attaché ligence (MASINT) techniques, which can identify Office and oversees a number of other DIA staff. The the distinctive signatures of mechanical or electronic defense attaché is the primary military advisor to the targets using terrestrial and orbital radars, acoustic ambassador and embassy team.

sensors, chemical and biological detection arrays, and other collection platforms.

Authority and Mandate

The Defense Attaché Service (DAS) is composed The worldwide mandate of the Department of Defense exclusively of active-duty military officers operating extends to the DIA, demanding that it track myriad out of Defense Attaché Offices (DAO) within U.S.

threats to the U.S. and its military. Whatever the DoD

embassies. These attachés liaise with foreign militaries or the service branches are interested in, DIA is ex-and collect intelligence on foreign military systems pected to either be the expert or become the expert.

and capabilities.

In the intelligence community, DIA is the authority on most military matters. Given the size of the U.S.

Key DIA Directorates

military, and the influence of military issues, this gives

» Directorate for Analysis (DI)

DIA significant credibility and authority.

» Directorate of Operations (DO)

›The Defense Cover Office (DCO)

Field Operations

» Directorate for Science and Technology (DT) DIA expects its employees to travel. Even office-bound

» Directorate for Mission Services (DA)

analysts often travel on familiarization trips. As DIA

›Defense Attaché Service (DAS)

employees become more senior, travel increases. DIA terms employees as an “expeditionary workforce” and Operatives

budgets accordingly. DIA deploys its workforce to DIA supports two missions, intelligence collection conflict zones, areas of emerging threats, combatant and analysis. Within the collections sphere, DO case commands, U.S. embassies, and allied military bases.

officers and DCS operatives recruit human assets to Securing approval to travel as a DIA agent is relatively provide insights into some aspect of a foreign military.

easy. Travel budgets are reasonably robust. The orga-DIA case officers operate much like their CIA counter-nizational culture of promoting travel as an essential parts but with a focus on military assets. Case officers part of the job means oversight is professional but not and DCS operatives work SIGINT clandestine mis-overly diligent.

sions, placing bugs or wiretaps.

39

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// The Complex //

Areas of Friction

need to be accurate and timely. After too many fail-Competition between DIA and CIA often runs deep, ures you will be benched: transferred to an analyst with case officers often working at cross purposes billet or assigned to a portfolio or issue that no one while trying to recruit the best assets. Each see itself as prioritizes. Until then, you are an alpha. The prospect the premier member of the intelligence community.

of not being at the center of this exciting career or DIA also runs into conflict with service branch-focused on an issue that matters is disturbing.

es’ intelligence bodies, such as the Office of Naval If you are in the military, your work will be Intelligence. The two organizations often report on valued when you return to your home unit. DIA is the same issues and sometimes cooperate, but conflict respected throughout the services. This is a good spot and resentment are more common. DIA pulls rank as to do a joint tour and check that box for promotion the senior intelligence body with more resources, and without setting your career back.

ONI insists that it can better serve its Navy customers.

Suggested Professions

Playing DIA

DIA may look like a civilian organization from the Defense Clandestine Service (DCS)

outside, and many of its positions are filled by civilian The DCS’ well trained and versatile agents work over-employees or contractors, but it is very much part of seas, gathering intelligence on foreign militaries. DCS

the U.S. military. If you are a civilian, you must con-operatives train alongside CIA spies and paramilitaries form to military standards. You don’t salute, but you at “the Farm,” and are expected to work closely with need to understand rank and military jargon. Even SOCOM and other special operations forces when moreso than civilian employees within the service kinetic operations are ordered.

branches, you need to have at least a passing familiar-PROFESSION: Intelligence Case Officer.

ity with all the services: service-specific phrases, the SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Foreign Lan-equivalent ranks and terms for officer positions, what guage (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish are most each letter and number combination indicates for an likely), HUMINT, Military Science (choose one).

occupational specialty, and so on. No one expects you EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: SPECIAL OPERAto be an expert on the differences between the services, TOR on page 85 of the Agent's Handbook, though this but you are expected to get the basics right and know equipment is hidden and secured to maintain cover.

a little bit about each service’s culture.

If you are a HUMINT collector or case officer, Directorate for Analysis

you provide critical intelligence to decision makers (DI), Americas Division

and warfighters working on the front lines. You serve DI Americas Division provides research and analysis among best-in-class professionals on the front lines on the militaries of Central and South America as well of the nation’s defense. You are expected to immerse as the Caribbean. Because of regional proximity, the yourself in foreign cultures, and to take initiative and Americas Division pays the closest attention to the make decisions on your own. You interact with people United States. Many Americas Division analysts come around the world, speak multiple languages, analyze from humanities backgrounds.

global events, and make an invaluable difference to PROFESSION: Intelligence Analyst.

national security.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: History, Foreign Lan-You have wide latitude to get the job done. DIA guage, HUMINT, Military Science (choose one).

is an empowering work environment, your position EQUIPMENT: Access to classified reporting from commands a certain amount of respect and deference throughout the military, and a large library of military from non-operative colleagues. It is also a unforgiving history, geography, and biographies.

environment. Results are expected, and your insights 40

// The Complex //

// Intelligence //

Defense Attaché (DATT)

reconnaissance or field support. This is equivalent to A DATT leads a Defense Attaché Office, which does a an Extreme expense.

bit of everything. A DATT gathers and reports intelli-With Bureaucracy or SIGINT, an Agent can access gence, recruits assets, and represents the U.S. military classified reports from the other branches of the to a foreign government.

military, the NSA, or the NRO. This is equivalent of a PROFESSION: Soldier or Sailor.

Major expense. If a report does not contain technical SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Foreign or geographic data, the request triggers official review.

Language (choose one), HUMINT, Law.

EQUIPMENT: Access to an embassy building, ar-The Organization

mored SUV (with a driver), and diplomatic credentials.

NGA serves as the Pentagon’s primary means of collecting, analyzing, and distributing geospatial intel-The National Geospatial-

ligence (GEOINT), usually from maps and imagery products created by satellite and aircraft reconnais-Intelligence Agency (NGA)

sance missions. NGA is headquartered at Fort Belvoir, The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) outside Washington, D.C. NGA employs approxi-is a combat support agency under the Department mately 14,500 personnel, including a mix of military of Defense and an intelligence agency. It collects, and civilian engineers, technicians, imagery analysts, analyzes, and distributes geospatial intelligence and mapmakers.

(GEOINT) in support of national security. As a com-The Source Operations and Management Direc-bat support agency, NGA provides maps and targeting torate (S Directorate) facilitates the acquisition of documents for strikes against enemy locations and imagery intelligence (IMINT) and measurement and military units. As an intelligence agency, NGA uses im-signature intelligence (MASINT). Its personnel are ex-agery intelligence (IMINT) to create strategic briefing perts in technologies that peer into hidden corners and documents, atlases, and battle damage assessments.

denied locations, including underground and under-NGA is a leader in utilizing data and imagery collect-sea. The Analysis Directorate (A Directorate) uses the ed from space and high-altitude drones.

source material acquired by S to assess facilities and BUDGET: Classified, but estimated over $5 bil-locations that catch NGA’s attention. The Directorate lion in 2015.

of Military Support (MS Directorate) is the primary liaison to the various branches of the military, NGA’s The Agency Operative at a Glance

primary customers.

POWERS OF ARREST? No.

EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? Fre-

quently when operating overseas,

rarely when within the U.S.

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Limited

credit line, up to a Standard expense

without eliciting an official review.

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF

RESTRICTED ITEMS? Using Bureaucracy or an appropriate Craft skill (such as

Mechanics or Electronics), an Agent

can access experimental military or ci-

vilian technologies being evaluated for

41

// Intelligence //

// The Complex //

NGA has a strong interest in the civilian technol-computer and telecommunication engineering, ogy sector, with two directorates focused on innova-and photography.

tive technologies. NGA Research invests in emerging At the core of NGA are its geospatial analysts, technologies found in the private sector. It particularly who are trained to analyze the most minute details of focuses on radars, automation, electromagnetic de-imagery and electronic data. Geospatial analysts protection, cyber and anticipatory analytics. Its scientists duce reports that cover everything from the number and engineers closely monitor promising tech start-of armored vehicles parked at a military depot to the ups and academic research programs. The Xperience exact location of ventilation shafts or sensor arrays Directorate (X Directorate) designs user interfaces at a supposedly hidden facility. The other disciplines and graphical presentations so non-specialists can work with NGA’s analysts to draw logical conclusions understand NGA’s analysis. Its personnel tend to have from the vast amounts of data.

strong networks in the tech industry and academia.

Authority and Mandate

Key NGA Directorates

NGA covers a wide range of intelligence, from tactical

» Source Operations and Management Directorate (S) details to estimating crop yields in foreign countries.

›GEOCELL (joint with NSA)

NGA intelligence officers typically work in conjunc-

» Analysis Directorate (A)

tion with other military personnel or intelligence agen-

» InnoVision Directorate (I)

cies, providing key expertise and skills when needed.

Perhaps more than any other intelligence agency, Operatives

NGA works closely with civilian agencies to assist NGA’s personnel are experts in aeronautical analysis, with disaster recovery by providing up-to-date maps cartography, geospatial analysis, imagery analysis, of affected areas and security planning for important marine analysis, the physical sciences, architecture, national events.

Special NGA Programs

t national security and counterterrorism. One example is NGA operates a number of programs to suppor the joint NSA-NGA “GEOCELL” program. Its purpose is to track terrorists through telephone traffic. The s point of y to accurately pinpoint the call’

NSA intercepts the signal and the NGA uses satellite imager origin. NGA was instrumental in Operation NEPTUNE SPEAR, the mission to kill Osama Bin Laden. Its imagery and architectural specialists created a replica of the Abbottabad compound using laser radar and imagery.

went an aggressive in-

During the war in Iraq, the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) under med to help troops on the ground is “NGA SKOPE.” JSOC uses the telligence overhaul. One program for program to merge data collected from various sources and predict where insurgents might strike. Among other tasks, SKOPE identifies trends in improvised explosive placement and the use of specific types of vehicles by terrorists.

NGA’s analysis and vast inventory of digital maps are used in the civilian world on things such as

-

Google Maps and Google Earth as well as support for disaster recovery. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, NGA provided near real-time maps and updates to rescue personnel, and it helped city plan m reconstruction of New Orleans.

ners and engineers with the long-ter

42

// The Complex //

// Intelligence //

Field Operations

drone picks up something out of the ordinary, NGA Despite the worldwide nature of NGA’s work, travel puts resources into figuring it out. NGA operatives are is relatively rare. Analysts focus on digital and elec-particularly well placed to identify unnatural incursions tronic data. Occasionally, senior members of a team before anyone else, and if need be, to cover them up.

or project travel to a partner agency like the Air Force Working relationships are collegial, and you have or to a civilian partner for consultations. NGA’s travel little problem asking colleagues with different back-budgets are low, and use of those limited funds comes grounds for input on a particularly interesting or puz-with considerable scrutiny.

zling piece of data. Other intelligence agencies see a lot of unhealthy competition and professional intrigue, Areas of Friction

but that’s not the case at NGA.

NGA has a good reputation for cooperation with oth-There is one downside of work in NGA for a er agencies. It has relatively strong relationships with civilian. Many of the employees and managers are the Air Force, NRO, NSA, NASA, and SOCOM, all of ex-military, with no experience in private industry, ac-whom provide images to be analyzed.

ademia, or not-for-profit work. The culture is heavily influenced by military training styles. It is common Playing NGA

for a manager or team analyst to yell at the top of NGA provides a work environment that is interesting, their lungs to “inspire” you to work longer, faster, and fast-paced, and demanding. It is home to unusual skill harder. You either adapt to this thinly-veiled military sets such as cartography. It is staffed mostly by intel-structure or you simply keep your head down, do the lectuals with advanced degrees in esoteric technical job, and build up resentment against those in uniform.

disciplines. Morale is generally high, as most people feel fortunate to have found a well-paying job that Suggested Professions

allows them to indulge their passions.

Your daily routine brings you in contact with fasci-InnoVision Directorate (I)

nating data. If there is a major event, NGA is watching InnoVision researchers explore new ways to gather and analyzing, even things that don’t make the news.

and use intelligence, particularly in creating expert or You get to see the events of the world, up close, in the predictive systems.

comfort of your cubicle. Your analysis sets the tone for PROFESSION: Scientist or Computer Scientist.

further research by organizations like NSA, NCTC, and SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Craft CIA. In a very real way, your assessment of a situation (Engineering or Microengineering), SIGINT, Science sets the standard by which the other intelligence agen-

(Chemistry, Geology, or Physics).

cies react to a situation. Your analysis is reused and EQUIPMENT: Access to a program budget (see page recycled by the intelligence community. Your colleagues 90 of the Agent’s Handbook).

across the U.S. government are hungry for your insights.

NGA analysts are the first line for discovering the Analysis Directorate (A)

weird and the surprising. If a satellite or reconnaissance Analysis creates detailed reports about imagery and intelligence and uses that data for predictive modeling.

PROFESSION: Intelligence Analyst.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Accounting, Bureaucracy, SIGINT, Science (Cartography or Mathematics).

EQUIPMENT: A large library on mathematics, quantum mechanics, statistics-based modeling techniques, and game theory.

43

// Intelligence //

// The Complex //

The National

of government-controlled satellites and the data they capture.

Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

The Advanced Systems and Technology Directorate NRO builds the secret satellites used by the Pentagon (AS&T) coordinates NRO’s research and development and the intelligence community to monitor the world of new sensing and communications technologies. The by collecting imagery intelligence (IMINT), signals Imagery Intelligence Systems Directorate (IMINT) seeks intelligence (SIGINT), and measurement and signature to constantly improve the resolution and clarity of im-intelligence (MASINT). Unlike many combat-support ages from cameras placed on reconnaissance satellites.

and intelligence agencies, NRO’s contributions to The Signals Intelligence Systems Directorate (SIGINT) national security occur long before a conflict or crisis refines the technologies needed to intercept electronic breaks out. The United States relies on NRO’s satel-signals worldwide, including the ability to eavesdrop lites to monitor looming threats and to provide early on protected signal channels. The Communications Ac-warning of potential attacks. With a workforce of only quisition and Operations Directorate (COMM) ensures about 3,000 military and civilian staff, NRO relies that NRO’s own communications remain secure and heavily on civilian contractors with specialized skills reliable, using advanced communications technologies and experience to integrate technically sophisticated such as lasers. Missions Operations Directorate (MOD) and ultra-fragile components in billion-dollar satellites.

operates and reports on NRO’s satellites and ground BUDGET: Classified, but estimated more than $10

support systems. Systems Operations (SO), the Office billion in 2015.

of Space Launch (OSL), and the Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED) all support the launch and mainte-The Agency Operative at a Glance

nance of NRO’s satellites and space-borne data arrays.

POWERS OF ARREST? No.

Other offices and directorates provide support for the EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

operational directorates.

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? A credit line worth up to a Major expense without eliciting official review.

Key NRO Directorates

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

» Advanced Systems and Technology Directorate Using Bureaucracy, an Agent can access some (AS&T)

advanced civilian or military technology, such as an

» Imagery Intelligence Systems Directorate experimental sensor or communications device, for (IMINT)

a “field test.” This is equivalent to at least a Major

» Signals Intelligence Systems Directorate expense, although really experimental equipment (SIGINT)

would likely be an Extreme expense. As a Standard

» Missions Operations Directorate (MOD)

expense, an Agent can access detailed maps from around the world. As a Major expense, an Agent Operatives

can request that a map be made of a specific area The NRO is jointly staffed by members of the armed using satellites. This request automatically triggers services (primarily the Air Force and Navy), the official review and takes at least a week to complete.

CIA, NGA, NSA, including civilian personnel. These detailees usually spend at least two years with NRO.

The Organization

They serve with one of the directorates, represent their NRO was secretly created on 6 SEP 1961 with the home organizations, and, when necessary, advocate purpose of overseeing “all satellite and overflight for their organizations’ access to satellites. More reconnaissance projects whether overt or covert.”

than half of NRO’s employees are contractors The existence of the organization was declassified with many key analyst and technical positions filled in 1992. The NRO continues to coordinate the use by companies like SAIC and Booz Allen Hamilton.

44

// The Complex //

// Intelligence //

Authority and Mandate

Field Operations

The NRO designs, builds, launches, and maintains There are few reasons for an NRO employee to travel America’s intelligence satellites. Together with other on duty. The controlled and classified nature of the Defense Department satellites, NRO systems play a work means that travel draws considerable scrutiny.

crucial role in global communications, precision navi-When travel does occur, it is often to brief partner orgation, early warning of missile launches and potential ganizations or to recruit at a contractor headquarters military aggression, signals intelligence, and near-real-or other agency.

time imagery to support counterterrorism. Satellite use Technicians and engineers have an easier time is in high demand across the government, and NRO

traveling to support systems. If a remote ground track-prioritizes requests for the use of satellites with its ing facility goes dark, NRO specialists travel quickly partner organizations.

to the site and make the necessary repairs.

NRO systems are often the only collectors able to access critical areas of interest. Data from overhead Areas of Friction

sensors provide unique information and perspectives NRO’s technical and specialized role in the intelli-not available from other sources. NRO monitors gence community and its willingness to share its prod-the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, ucts with other agencies mean it is generally well-re-develops accurate military targeting data and dam-garded throughout the U.S. government.

age assessments, supports international peacekeep-ing and humanitarian relief operations, and tracks international terrorists, drug traffickers, and criminal organizations.

45

// Intelligence //

// The Complex //

Playing the NRO

has maintained a small wargaming office to explore When you arrive at work, you say goodbye to the the ways that its imagery and electronic data can best sun. Your office is in a building that is basically one be used. NRO works in non-standard visual projects, enormous SCIF. Information security and Internet pro-such as “Patterns of Life” projects which process mas-tocols are top priorities. You are constantly reminded sive data sets to identify patterns in targets’ daily lives that you have no right to privacy while at work, and and identify abnormal behaviors.

you know security people review everything you do on your work computer. The government takes its Suggested Professions

satellite program seriously. You must be vigilant about what you are doing in case something looks askance.

Imagery Intelligence Systems

You work on incredibly cool projects, with some Directorate (IMINT)

of the best professionals in the business. Partner IMINIT is the heart and soul of NRO, bringing to-agencies and organizations that send detailees to NRO

gether capable visual analysts and dedicated engineers often send their best. NRO is seen by the Air Force to improve the intelligence produced by satellites and the intelligence community as a desirable place to and drones. Most IMINT detailees are from the Air do interagency work. If you are a detailee, your home Force and NASA.

agency remains supportive and management keeps PROFESSION: Intelligence Analyst.

you as much in the loop as you want. If you are a SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Art (Drafting or Map-full-time NRO employee, you likely thank your lucky making), Computer Science, Science (Engineering or stars that the partner agencies and contractors send Geography), SIGINT.

qualified people to help. From engineers to imagery EQUIPMENT: Access to a dizzying array of maps and analysts, NRO has some of the best in the business, photographic records from decades back, much of it and morale is routinely high. Even human resources is classified.

and IT have a reputation for strong and supportive work. You like this job. You want to keep it.

Advanced Systems and

Priority usually goes to the military during an Technology Directorate (AS&T)

operation. NRO’s electronic assets mean that, when AS&T develops groundbreaking and extremely classi-fully dedicated, real-time satellite coverage is pos-fied technologies and applies them to gathering remote sible. Advanced filters and optics can allow better intelligence. Members of AS&T are expected to think resolution to defeat countermeasures such as smoke creatively and use non-standard processes. AS&T

or physical housing.

works closely with academia and the corporate world, The competing demands for NRO’s data collec-not discriminating against revolutionary technologies tion capabilities means that priorities must be as-no matter where they come from.

signed and time over a target must be regulated. NRO

PROFESSION: Scientist.

analysts work with detailees to create useful products.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Art (Graphic Design), Bu-Those can include everything from a series of still reaucracy, Computer Science, Science (choose one, but pictures identifying armored vehicles to incredibly Chemistry, Physics, and Geology are most likely).

detailed hydrographic maps identifying structural EQUIPMENT: AS&T employees are on permanent damage after a flood.

visitor lists to many prestigious universities, think NRO’s leadership is demanding and thorough tanks, and corporate labs.

but is open to creativity. Offices and cells constantly work to upgrade the quality and readability of their data and analytical products, exploring non-standard ways of presenting their findings. For decades, NRO

46

// The Complex //

// Interior //

Interior

The National Park

Under the NPS director are a number of depu-ty directors, including those for Congressional and Service (NPS)

External Relations, Management and Administra-The National Park Service (NPS) manages all national tion, and Operations. Operations is by far the largest parks, many national monuments, and a number of subdivision, covering the day-to-day issues of running other conservation and historical properties. The agency the agency. Within Operations are functional subdi-employs just under 30,000 people from a broad range rectorates such as the Natural Resource Stewardship of backgrounds, including scientists, archeologists, histo-and Science Directorate, Park Planning Directorate, rians, park rangers, and specialized firefighters.

Facilities and Lands, Visitors and Resource Protection, BUDGET: Approximately $3 billion, with an esti-and the Interpretation, Education and Volunteers mated $12 billion maintenance backlog.

Directorates.

Offices generally cover geographical areas or The National Park Service

focused functional issues. Independent offices include Agent at a Glance

the Alaska, Intermountain, Midwest, National Cap-POWERS OF ARREST? Yes for Parks Police and Pro-ital, Northeast, Pacific West and Southeast Regional tection Rangers.

Offices. Other offices are found under the direcorates, EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? Yes for Parks Police, and include the Law Enforcement, Security, and sometimes for Parks Rangers.

Emergency Services Office in the Visitor and Resource ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a Protection Directorate.

credit line if traveling or on an investigation or mission, up to a Standard expense without eliciting Key NPS Divisions

official review.

» Visitor and Resource Protection Directorate OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

› Division of Fire and Aviation Management An Agent in the field and from an appropriate career (DFAM)

may use Bureaucracy to requisition specialized ve-

›Park Police

hicles or camping/survival gear from a nearby office.

›Law Enforcement, Security, and Emergency Vehicles can include SUVs, boats, horses, swamp Services

buggies, and hydroplanes. NPS employees operating

∙ Investigative Services Branch

in the field in areas of dangerous wildlife can request

» Natural Resource Stewardship and Science rifles. Those in science careers may to requisition Directorate

monitoring equipment appropriate to their specialties,

›Biological Resources Division

including cameras, audio recorders, tracking equip-

›Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division

ment, remote sensing equipment, and animal traps.

» National Capital Regional Office

» Southeast Regional Office

The Organization

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NPS manag-Operatives

es locations of national interest. NPS is administered NPS employs architects, police (Parks Police), histo-within the Department of Interior, along with the rians, scientists (biologists, botanists, ecologists, and Bureau of Indian Affairs, the USDA Forest Service, the others), firefighters, support staff, and administrative Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and personnel. NPS employs a relatively large number Wildlife Service.

of scientists and history-focused professions. Many 47

// Interior //

// The Complex //

including elite “hotshot” crews), Type 2, and Type 3.

Each crew consists of 18 to 20 men and women. Type

“Type 1 Hotshots”

1 Wildlands Crews include Helitack crews, which deploy via helicopter to gain early control of a wild-An Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) is a team of 20

wildland firefighters drawn from agencies like NPS, fire. They are supported by helicopters to lift loads, the USDA Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land redeploy teams, and drop water and other fire retar-Management. Hotshot crews are coordinated through dants. The famed Smokejumpers (a Type 1 crew) do the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

not normally work for NPS, but are loaned from the These crews battle the most serious fires, and can be USDA Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Manage-deployed abroad if requested by a host government.

ment during emergencies.

All hotshot firefighters meet and exceed the require-ments of Type 1 firefighters in terms of additional training, high physical fitness standards, and ability to Authority and Mandate undertake exceptionally stressful assignments.

NPS is charged with a dual role of preserving the Hotshot crew vehicles become their homes during ecological and historical integrity of places of nation-the peak fire season. These large and rugged off-road al importance, while also making those locations are vehicles, also known as “Crew Haulers,” “Buggies,” or available and accessible for public enjoyment. There “Boxes,” carry Hotshots along with their personal gear, are about 60 national parks, but the NPS manages over tools, and everything else necessary to make the crew self-sufficient for several days.

400 “units”: entities that include monuments, battle-fields, historic sites, and special wilderness preserves.

The National Park System includes all properties man-types of ecologists, botanists and biologists work for aged by the National Park Service, and includes areas NPS, both at headquarters and in regional offices and within American-administered territories like Puerto sites. Archaeologists, librarians, and historians are also Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

employed in high numbers in order to help preserve locations or items of significance. These professions Field Operations

are usually located in Washington, D.C.

Many NPS careers come with a considerable amount

“Park Ranger” is a broad term for a multi-faceted of autonomy. Many of the field careers, like ecologists, and diverse career path. Park Rangers are responsible biologists, and Park Rangers, spend many hours on for protecting state and national parks; the natural their own within the parks.

resources, ecosystems, and wildlife within them; and Historians, scientists and archaeologists are the people who visit them. Park Rangers serve as law expected to keep up with their disciplines and travel enforcement officers, environmental experts, and pub-routinely within the U.S. and internationally to con-lic-facing historians.

ferences and symposiums. They also travel to various Although some modern NPS Park Rangers per-parks and facilities that are in need of their expertise.

form law enforcement duties (“Protection Rangers”), NPS employees travel overseas as speakers or as the varied environments in which they work require advisors to foreign governments and conservation so-competency in a variety of safety skills. Within the cieties. International technical assistance projects focus Law Enforcement, Security, and Emergency Services primarily on counties in close proximity to the U.S., Office, the Investigative Services Branch (ISB) employs such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Russia, and Canada.

federal agents who focus on long-term or complex Wildlands firefighter crews are deployed for months crimes committed on NPS land.

at a time. Their living conditions on assignments can be Wildland firefighters within the National Park primitive. While in the field, daily work shifts can aver-Service contain and suppress major fires. Crews are age sixteen hours, sometimes extending to 48–64 hours.

differentiated between Type 1 (the most experienced, Sleep deprivation and exhaustion are common.

48

// The Complex //

// Interior //

Areas of Friction

season), you work long hours in austere environments Although all units of the National Park System in the for months on end. You know the importance of team-United States are the responsibility of NPS, they are work, since backup is either days away or simply does all managed under diverse pieces of authorizing leg-not exist. You have the scars to go toe-to-toe with any islation or, in the case of national monuments, under of the combat arms. The demands are intense. A stable the Antiquities Act or special executive order. Each family life is often not possible for NPS firefighters park can be administered differently. Some allow eco-Fewer than 40 ISB agents cover the entire United nomic activity such as tourism or mining while others States. There are more Protection Rangers and Parks do not. That can create friction and resernment with Police, but even their numbers are paltry compared to local communities.

the FBI or Marshals. NPS has a dearth of resources. It NPS has a strong relationship with its sister agen-lacks extensive IT or forensics support. Because of the cy, the USDA Forest Service, despite the fact that the remote nature of the work, there is little chance to call two often have overlapping areas of responsibility.

in reinforcements.

“Frontcountry” criminals do their deeds in places Playing the NPS

with electricity, a luxury the “backcountry” does not You don’t happen upon a job at NPS by chance. NPS

afford. ISB and Protection Ranger crime scenes are is composed of some very specific and coveted career often at the bottom of steep cliffs or in the middle of paths. People who like the outdoors enjoy working at rivers. The underfunding of the Park Service means NPS. Computers and archives absolutely have their that ISB Agents and Rangers often personally carry place, but that’s not why you sought this career. NPS

equipment through the backcountry, sometimes at tends to hire people that tend towards the meticu-night, in the rain or snow. Truth be told, that is part of lous. Even in muddy, dusty or downright dirty careers, the allure. You are part of a scrappy service that looks there is a sense of propriety.

for you to take lead on the entirety of an investigation, Because of its focus on locales and specific pieces of history, NPS instills a sense of ownership and paro-chialism in its employees. You see the world through the lens of the park or piece of history you protect.

This is especially true for Rangers. A career as a Park Ranger means you are front and center in the public’s eye. There are only a relative handful of careers like Park Ranger, so you probably consider yourself quite lucky to do the work.

If you are a firefighter, you are one of the best of the best. You face some

of the largest and nastiest

fires anywhere in the

world. Mortality is a

very real threat. When

it is go-time, you

are at war with an

inhuman, uncaring,

voracious entity.

During summer

and autumn (fire

49

// Interior //

// The Complex //

from initial discovery to gathering and analyzing SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Athletics, Navigation, evidence, paperwork, and hopefully arrest. If there is Stealth, Survival.

a need for a long-term deep cover assignment, that is EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

you, too. You do it all.

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

Suggested Professions

Biological Resources Division (BRD)

BRD’s biological scientists and ecologists preserve the Park Ranger

natural splendor of the national park system. BRD

Park Rangers are the front lines for NPS. They are also uses its practical expertise to advise policy makers expected to be jacks of all trades when it comes to law on how best to preserve history and natural locations.

enforcement and security.

PROFESSION: Scientist.

PROFESSION: Police Officer.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: History, Law, SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Athletics, Navigate, Sci-Search, Survival.

ence (Ecology), Survival.

EQUIPMENT: Scientific equipment appropriate to EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

your profession, survival and camping equipment.

on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

Wildland Fire Division

Interpretive Ranger

NPS fire management includes hand crews, wildland Interpretive Rangers (also called “Cultural Rangers”) fire modules, engine and helitack crews, as well as the are public-facing rangers who spend equal times edu-elite hotshot firefighters.

cating the public and protecting their site.

PROFESSION: Firefighter.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Athletics, First Aid,

» Bureaucracy 50%

Survival, Swim.

» First Aid 60%

EQUIPMENT: Rugged and well-worn wilderness

» Forensics 50%

survival gear (tent, brush pants and shirt, food,

» History 60%

back-country pack and harness, goggles and safe-

» HUMINT 60%

ty glasses, shovel, camelback, and water bladders).

» Navigate 40%

Firefighting gear includes Personal Protective Equip-

» Persuade 60%

ment (PPE: helmet, hood, pants, coat, gloves, boots,

» Science (choose one) 60%

air pack/respirator, and air filter/mask), halligan bar,

» Search 50%

Pulaski axe, McLeod tool, multitool, infrared cam-

» Survival 60%

era, forehead lamp, firepump/firedrip, a radio with a BONDS: 2

chest harness, an emergency fire shelter, climbing gear SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Firearms, First Aid, (pitons, pulley kit, lots of types of rope, helmet, a har-Medic ine, Survival.

ness), and a well-stocked personal medical kit.

EQUIPMENT:Uniform, badge, camping tools, a small library including books on the history of the area, sur-Federal Archeology Program

vival techniques, and ecology, biology, and botany.

Federal archeologists identify undiscovered locations or items of significance and preserve or restore histori-Investigative Services Branch (ISB)

cal artifacts and locations.

ISB’s Protection Rangers have gone through extra PROFESSION: Historian.

training to investigate crimes and build prose-SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Archeology, Navigate, cutable cases.

Search, Survival.

PROFESSION: Federal Agent.

EQUIPMENT: Lots of aging books and camping gear.

50

// The Complex //

// Public Safety //

Public Safety

The Federal Emergency

The Organization

FEMA’s administrator reports to the Secretary of Management Agency (FEMA)

Homeland Security and is headquartered is in Wash-FEMA’s primary purpose is to coordinate disaster ington, D.C. Unlike other agencies, FEMA’s personnel response within the United States, especially when constantly fluctuates. It is small when there is no crisis the crisis overwhelms the resources of local and state but swells in personnel and budget when disaster authorities. Part of the Department of Homeland Se-strikes. This surge happens regionally, so a disaster on curity, FEMA ensures that first responders are trained the East Coast sees FEMA’s ranks increase dramatical-and equipped to deal with natural disasters and the ly there they remain unchanged elsewhere. More than use of weapons of mass destruction.

half of FEMA’s nearly 10,000 personnel are reservists, BUDGET: $10.4 billion in 2015.

employed on a part-time or temporary basis.

FEMA divides the country into ten regions, each The FEMA Operative at a Glance

containing multiple states. Regions are treated as offic-POWERS OF ARREST? No.

es in their own right and are coupled with functional EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

offices in the overall bureaucratic structure. Function-ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a al offices include the Office of Response and Recov-credit line if traveling or on an investigation or ery (including the Field Operations Directorate, the mission, up to a Standard expense without eliciting Response Directorate, the Logistics Directorate, and official review.

the Recovery Directorate) and the Office of Protection OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

and Natural Preparedness (including the National With a Bureaucracy roll, an Agent can access first Preparedness Directorate and a number of funding responder safety gear and professional rescue and grant programs).

equipment as a Standard expense. Communications equipment designed to operate in austere environments is available as an Unusual expense.

Agents may request off-road vehicles such as SUVs as a Major expense.

51

// Public Safety //

// The Complex //

Key FEMA Offices

are working-class and middle-class workers who see

» Office of Response Recovery

the program as a way to augment their income.

›Field Operations Directorate

›Response Directorate

Authority and Mandate

» Office of Mission Support

FEMA is the central point of coordination in a major

» Office of Protection and Natural Preparedness disaster. Its responsibilities also include dam safety,

» Regional Administration Offices

training local and state personnel on disaster recovery techniques, protection and storage of hazardous Operatives

materials, and preparation and mitigation programs.

FEMA’s divides its response personnel into teams It works to prepare for and minimize the impact of around the country. FEMA’s core operational unit terrorist attacks using weapons of mass destruction.

is the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS).

NDMS’s specialized teams include doctors, nurses, Field Operations

and pharmacists to provide medical care to disaster FEMA’s emergency response is based on small, decen-victims. NDMS’s Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) tralized teams such as the National Disaster Medical teams are composed of officers of the United States System and Urban Search and Rescue teams. Funding Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. RDF

for travel outside of an emergency is difficult to come personnel are expected to be the first on site once a by. Similarly, specialized tools are well monitored and disaster is declared, often prepositioning anticipated difficult to requisition during quiet periods. The excep-events. Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) tions to this are training opportunities by NDMS or provide mobile medical care and are typically made US&R teams. FEMA’s budget allows for opportunities up of doctors and paramedics. Also in the NDMS are to train personnel in different types of terrain and reNational Nursing Response Teams (NNRT), National gions across the United States. These teams sometimes Pharmacy Response Teams (NPRT) Veterinary Medi-train state-funded civilians and first responders.

cal Assistance Teams (VMAT), Disaster Mortuary Op-During a crisis, FEMA oversight of its employerational Response Teams (DMORT, which provides ees breaks down. FEMA relies on the initiative and forensic services), and National Medical Response professionalism of its employees because oversight is Teams (NMRT, equipped to decontaminate victims of generally impossible. FEMA staff in a disaster area chemical and biological agents).

spend a lot of their time alone or in small groups.

FEMA also maintains an Urban Search and Res-Team leaders communicate to their dispersed person-cue Task Forces (US&R), on call to deploy within 24

nel via satellite phones, which can be unreliable. Team hours to rescue victims of structural and mine col-members stay in close proximity to one another and lapses. Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) set up rally areas so they can maintain contact with teams provide communications support and repair. A team leads even if cut off electronically.

MERS team may operate a truck with satellite uplink, computers, telephone, and power generation at a Areas of Friction

staging area so responders can communicate with the High-profile logistical failures and right-wing conspir-outside world. MERS teams are engineers and con-acy theories often put FEMA at odds with the public struction personnel trained to repair communication and Congress. Expectations are sky high at the most equipment and infrastructure.

difficult times. When FEMA does well, few pay atten-FEMA maintains reservists who are trained to tion. When it fails, it is publically called to account, help in disaster mitigation but only employed during and the public sees FEMA leadership as clueless and a crisis. Reservists make up a large portion of FEMA’s ground personnel as ineffective.

manpower during a natural disaster. Most reservists 52

// The Complex //

// Public Safety //

FEMA is expected to react quickly, and short-sighted decisions about the placement of temporary housing or the unequal distribution of provisions can lead to considerable criticism.

Suggested Professions

Urban Search and Rescue (US&R)

US&R involves the location, rescue (extrication), and medical support of trapped individuals. Structural collapse is most often the cause, but individuals may also be trapped in transportation accidents, mines, and collapsed trenches.

PROFESSION: Firefighter.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, First Aid, Playing FEMA

Search, Survival.

At FEMA’s core are a bunch of do-gooders and ordi-EQUIPMENT: Extensive search and rescue gear, most nary people looking for a stable job. Despite public of it portable or at least airliftable.

and official criticism, morale remains relatively high and employees are motivated. It is not always an easy Office of Mitigation Insurance (OMI)

job, but during a disaster, FEMA is welcomed.

Mitigation programs focus on building financial re-You expect to be sent into serious crises. You sources to prepare for and recover from disasters.

utilize your skills best when law and order have failed.

PROFESSION: Program Manager.

You rely on your team to back you up. Providing SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Craft (Archi-logistical support in a catastrophe, you need to be an tecture), Science (Meteorology or Statistics), Survival.

example of stability and calm.

EQUIPMENT: Control of a project budget (see PRO-Not all of FEMA’s work is in the middle of a GRAM MANAGERS on page 90 of the Agent’s Handbook) natural catastrophe. It trains local and state officials and access to research materials and program data.

on disaster preparation and advises them on dealing with crises and contingencies. The day-to-day work of National Disaster Medical

many FEMA employees is significantly more mundane System’s Rapid Deployment

than disaster relief. You may sign up vulnerable com-Force (NDMS/RDF)

munities for insurance packages or provide program The RDF’s medical personnel focus on field trauma in management for a disaster-preparedness grant. The disaster environments.

quiet hours spent filling out paperwork or training PROFESSION: Paramedic.

people are returned when that community is better SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: First Aid, HUMINT, Psy-prepared when a hurricane or wildfire erupts.

chotherapy, Survival.

“Practicality” is FEMA’s watchword. Normally, EQUIPMENT: Extensive portable and airliftable med-this is a good thing as it emphasizes protecting people ical supplies and survival gear.

and property and helping them recover quickly. The focus on practicality has also led to some of the most vociferous critiques of the agency. The agency and its actions are often construed as tone-deaf to communities it is trying to help, particularly minorities.

53

// Research //

// The Complex //

Research

The National

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/RESTRICTED ITEMS? On a successful requisition roll at a Major expense, the Agent Aeronautics and Space

can access real-time, detailed geospatial and space-di-Administration (NASA)

rected surveillance. Also as a Major expense equivalent, the Agent can request classified data relating to NASA is the U.S. government’s leader in civilian space (or gain access to) restricted areas such as the Arm-and high-atmosphere operations. NASA is also a lead-strong (Dryden) Flight Research Center, rocket testing er in developing aerospace technologies, engineering gantries at Stennis Space Center, and the launch facili-high-stress materials, astrophysics, environmental and ties at Kennedy Space Center.

atmospheric research, and robotics. America’s astro-Emergency Response Team (ERT) members may naut and space flight programs are operated by NASA.

request military-grade weapons. These weapons are While NASA’s mandate is limited, it commands kept in a NASA facility and their removal is subject to respect in those sectors in which it is involved, as well a separate Unusual expense-equivalent request, which as with the American public.

automatically triggers official review.

BUDGET: $1.8 billion in 2015.

The Organization

The NASA Operative at a Glance

NASA’s administrator is the agency’s highest-ranking POWERS OF ARREST? No.

official and serves as the senior space advisor to the EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

U.S. president. NASA is headquartered in Washington, ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a cred-D.C., and provides overall guidance and direction to it line while traveling for official reasons, up to a facilities scattered around the world. NASA is divided Standard expense without eliciting an official review.

into a series of directorates. These encompass mission-related responsibilities, like the Human Exploration and Operations (HEO) Directorate and the Mission Support (MS) Directorate, as well as directorates attached to each facility.

54

// The Complex //

// Research //

NASA distributes operational missions and small number of the total workforce. Many NASA research priorities to its many facilities. For example, workers are scientists and engineers as well as people unmanned observation missions in Earth’s orbit are with business degrees (to operate finance departments), managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

office administration specialists, and technical writ-The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) handles un-ers. NASA employs medical doctors and lawyers in manned interplanetary missions. The Armstrong Flight specialized capacities.

Research Center (AFRC) tests and evaluates newly The stereotype of a reclusive scientist working in designed aircraft and supports a number of classified their office with the lights turned off is unwelcome projects like advanced stealth technology and ex-at NASA. Budgets are too tight and project timelines perimental propulsion systems. The Johnson Space are too restrictive to allow hoarding of knowledge or Center is the lead on the International Space Station practical experience. NASA relies on a team approach (ISS). The Kennedy Space Center focuses on human to all projects, and values program managers and space flight and major launches. The Johnson Space members of other output-oriented careers. Creativity Center (JSC) houses mission control. NASA operates and initiative are important character traits at NASA.

a number of other, smaller facilities as well, including ERT members are usually recruited from other the Glenn Research Center (Ohio; advanced mate-SWAT-equivalents or from retired special-operations rials), the Stennis Space Center (Mississippi; rocket personnel. Members of the ERT train heavily in testing), and the Ames Research Center (astrobiology vertical environments (such as launch gantries) as well and unmanned space exploration).

as the selective use of force around volatile chemicals NASA operates a SWAT equivalent in the form of and sensitive equipment.

the Kennedy Space Center Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT patrols the KSC grounds and protects Authority and Mandate

the facility from intrusion.

NASA was created to oversee U.S. space exploration and aeronautics research. The most high-profile work Key Directorates

done by NASA includes putting astronauts and satel-

» Human Exploration and Operations (HEO) lites in orbit, conducting scientific research (particu-Mission Directorate

larly into flight and aeronautics), and launching deep

» Science Mission Directorate

space missions to probe and explore the solar system

» Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate and beyond. In addition to those major missions,

» Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA’s mandate includes practical and theoretical

» Johnson Space Center

research and providing resources to promote and

» Mission Control

advance science education.

›Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC)

›Ames Research Center (ARC)

Field Operations

›Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Official travel by NASA employees is relatively rare

›Space Communications and Navigation

and constantly scrutinized. Personnel with important (SCaN)

or in-demand skill sets, such as advanced engineering,

›Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)

are an exception. They can expect to consult and trav-

›Kennedy Space Center (KSC)

el fairly regularly, particularly to other NASA centers or to another nation’s space organization. Other travel Operatives

may include visiting observation facilities or traveling NASA employs about 18,000 members of the civil to visit similarly-mandated organization like the Air service and 40,000 contractors. Astronauts are the Force or National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

best-known NASA employees, but represent a very 55

// Research //

// The Complex //

Areas of Friction

to the whims of some politician or bureaucrat in D.C.

Due to similar mandates to explore the practicalities That is much more demoralizing than a failed project.

of space, NASA must maintain a close relationship At least NASA learns from a failed project.

with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Science, engineering, and math are your tools, (NGA), the NRO, and the Air Force. This occasionally but the top priority is always safety. NASA’s funding leads to areas of friction when credit (or funding) for is always precarious, and when projects or missions projects is in question.

fail, they do so in spectacular (and expensive) fashion NASA’s mission to learn to utilize and exploit that inevitably brings in a Congressional inquiry. You space must be underscored by the practicalities of may not have been a detail-oriented person before improving humanity’s understanding of the Earth.

you joined NASA, but you surely are now. You check This means the biggest critics of NASA are found in your work, re-check it, check it again, and then check Congress, many of whom see NASA’s mission as a someone else’s work. Failsafes and redundancies are waste of taxpayer money. NASA is constantly strug-the name of the game. A common phrase between gling to prove its worth to Congress (and the public) colleagues is, “Sweat the small stuff.” It is better to get and justify its expenditures.

it right than do it quickly.

Playing NASA

Suggested Professions

You feel like you won the lottery. You aren’t paid nearly as well as your civilian counterparts, but you get Kennedy Emergency

enormous satisfaction working at NASA. Your office Response Team (ERT)

is filled with smart people, many of whom are sur-The ERT provides SWAT services at the Kennedy prisingly friendly. The equipment you work on is the Space Center as well as crowd control and VIP protec-definition of cutting-edge, some of it decades ahead tion. ERT operates its own helicopters and is practiced of the stuff at other organizations. You work in an in vertical insertion and rappelling.

environment that values problem-solving and creativi-PROFESSION: Special Operator.

ty. That is extremely satisfying.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Athletics, Awareness, NASA makes you work in a team. You may have Dodge, Firearms.

come to the organization expecting to make a name EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: SPECIAL OPERA-for yourself, but you see time and again that the proj-TIONS on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

ect is what gets recognized, rarely the individual. If the project succeeds, the whole team is lauded. If the proj-Space Communications and

ect fails, well, it falls squarely on the shoulders of the Navigation (SCaN)

team leader. Worse? Too often, projects are cancelled Part of HEO, Space Communications and Navigation right out from under the people working on them due (SCaN) serves as the program office for all of NASA’s space communications activities. SCaN manages and directs the 56

// The Complex //

// Research //

ground-based facilities and services provided by the BONDS: 2

Deep Space Network (DSN), Near Earth Network SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Heavy Machinery, Science (NEN), and Space Network (SN).

(Biology), Science (Math), Science (Meteorology).

PROFESSION: Scientist.

EQUIPMENT: Extensive collection of tools, including SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Computer some that have been hardened or modified for use in Science, Science (Astronomy, Chemistry, Engineering, space. You also have access to launch sites and train-Geology, Mathematics, or Physics), SIGINT.

ing facilities.

EQUIPMENT: A large library on your area of expertise as well as access to a huge amount of astronomi-Project Orion Management (Orion)

cal data and related research.

Part of HEO, Orion Project Management oversees the design, development and testing of the next-gen Orion Armstrong FRC Flight Research, Test,

spacecraft which will carry astronauts into space.

and Engineering Directorate (FRTE)

PROFESSION: Program Manager.

FRTE employs some of the most creative and intelli-SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Accounting, Bureaucracy, gent aeronautical engineers and systems professionals Craft (Engineering), Science (Physics).

who develop experimental and next-generation air-EQUIPMENT: Access to a project’s budget (see craft. Stealth technology was (partly) born here.

page 90 of the Agent’s Handbook for more on pro-PROFESSION: Scientist.

gram managers).

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Craft (Engineer), Craft (Mechanic), Science (Aeronautics).

Defense Advanced Research

EQUIPMENT: Engineering trade tools and access to Projects Agency (DARPA)

aeronautical research.

DARPA is a sub-agency of the Department of Defense, Astronaut Corps Pilot

responsible for the development of emerging technolo-Anywhere from 5,000 to 18,000 people apply for the gies for use by the military. DARPA is independent from space program annually. Fewer than 10 are accepted other military research and development bodies and and make it through astronaut training. Even fewer are reports directly to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for certified pilots and tapped to operate spacecraft and ma-Research and Engineering. DARPA is a research-fund-chinery in space as commanders, pilots, flight engineers, ing agency. It does not run its own labs. It contracts or payload commanders. You are as elite as they come.

with companies, universities, and other agencies to con-PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

duct research. DARPA-funded projects have influenced

» Alertness 60%

many non-military fields, such as computer networking

» Athletics 50%

(the Internet), phased-array radars, infrared imaging,

» Bureaucracy 30%

composite materials, voice recognition software, au-

» Craft (Electrician) 40%

tonomous vehicles and robots, high-energy lasers, and

» Craft (Mechanic) 40%

graphical user interfaces for computers.

» Military Science (Air) 30%

BUDGET: Almost $3 billion in 2015.

» Navigate 50%

» Pilot (Airplane) 60%

The DARPA Operative at a Glance

» Pilot (Spacecraft, Space Suit, or Remotely Oper-POWERS OF ARREST? No.

ated Vehicle) 60%

EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

» Science (Meteorology) 40%

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Non-program managers can

» Science (Physics) 40%

be supplied with a credit line while traveling (up to

» Swim 40%

an Unusual expense without eliciting official review).

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Program managers have regular access to the equiv-Strategic Technology Office (STO) focuses on technol-alent of a Major expense in funds.

ogies that improve combat computer networking and OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

communications. The Tactical Technology Office (TTO) As a Major-expense requisition, an Agent can access explores innovative vehicles and weapons platforms one-of-a-kind prototypes and concept machines or such as aircraft, satellites, robots, exoskeletons, ground computer programs. As a Standard-expense requi-vehicles, and ships. The Biological Technologies Office sition, an Agent can acquire credentials to private-

(BTO) fosters research that integrates biology with ly-owned research facilities associated with DARPA.

more traditional defense fields like engineering, and computer science.

The Organization

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, DARPA is an organizational oddity, with a low personnel count and a high budget. This ratio allows DARPA to explore the most cutting-edge technologies. DARPA’s technical specialists and program managers fund and oversee hundreds of projects. DARPA does not conduct the bulk of its own research nor its own testing. Instead, DARPA employees (many of whom are on short-term details from their parent organizations or from academia) oversee DARPA-initiated projects that are performed at civilian or academic organizations. In essence, DARPA identifies interesting ideas, assigns (or recruits) a program manager to lead the project, competes out the project to see what organization or institution is willing to explore that particular technology, and then funds the project generously. If the project yields practical results, it is transferred to the Department of Defense. DARPA projects are usually assigned Key DARPA Offices a finite amount of time, typically three to five years.

» Defense Sciences Office (DSO)

DARPA operates at least six program offices (and

» Information Innovation Office (I2O)

a number of support offices) at any given time, all of

» Microsystems Technology Office (MTO)

which report to the DARPA director. These offices

» Strategic Technology Office (STO)

tend to change name and focus over the years. The

» Tactical Technology Office (TTO)

Defense Sciences Office (DSO) identifies and pursues

» Biological Technologies Office (BTO)

high-risk, high-payoff research initiatives within the science and engineering communities. DSO is par-Operatives

ticularly interested in things like particle physics and DARPA comprises about 220 government employ-innovative applications of supercolliders. The Inforees in six technical offices. Those include nearly mation Innovation Office (I2O) explores information 100 program managers, who together oversee science and software to anticipate developments in about 250 research and development programs.

cyber warfare. The Microsystems Technology Office DARPA goes to great lengths to identify, recruit (MTO) focuses on hyper-compact microelectronic and support excellent organizational leaders.

components such as microprocessors, microelectrome-It wants extraordinary individuals who are at chanical systems (MEMS), and photonic devices. The the top of their fields and are hungry for the 58

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opportunity to push the limits of their disciplines.

Field Operations

Project leaders have extremely robust budgets and a DARPA employees are mostly office-bound. When free hand to see each program to its conclusion. DAR-they do travel for official purposes, it is in support of PA benefits from specially legislated statutory hiring a project, usually in a site visit to see firsthand how authorities and “alternative” contracting methods, part of the program is developing. At later stages of which allow it to recruit innovators who might not fit a project, practical testing inevitably draws project in a traditional U.S. government bureaucracy.

leaders to the test facility. DARPA’s budget oversight Project leaders are helped by support personnel, for travel is lax compared to other U.S. government who make up DARPA’s bureaucracy and its insti-agencies. On the other hand, it prioritizes operation-tutional memory. Support personnel fall into two al security and protection of trade secrets. DARPA categories, SETAs and SMEs. SETAs, or scientific, en-leadership does not want the media or research think gineering, technical, and administrative personnel, are tanks to see the results of a project until it has been DARPA’s administrative staff. SMEs, or subject-matter vetted as safe for public display.

experts, act as technical consultants to project leaders.

SETAs and SMEs stay with DARPA for significantly Areas of Friction

longer periods of time than project leaders, who typi-Being small and dealing with technologies and cally stay for no more than five years.

processes that are considered too experimental for traditional agencies or businesses means that DARPA Authority and Mandate

rarely runs afoul of other organizations. Occasionally DARPA’s mission is to make pivotal investments there is a dispute over the ownership of a technolo-in breakthrough technologies for national security.

gy or innovation. Resentment is more likely to arise DARPA explicitly reaches for transformational change between DARPA and the organizations from which it instead of incremental advances. But it does not poaches project leaders and technical staff. These em-perform its engineering alchemy in isolation. It works ployees are often highly paid innovators in their fields, within an ecosystem that includes academic, corporate, and their “home” organizations are sometimes reluc-and governmental partners. It focuses constantly on tant to give them up, even for a limited time. However, the nation’s military services, which work with DAR-these organizations are often the ones running for PA to create new strategic opportunities and novel DARPA contracts, so they often see the temporary loss tactical options.

of one of their top people as an acceptable trade. Personnel who become project leaders at DARPA benefit from their association with the agency after they leave, leveraging their experience for better positions in the private sector and sometimes even return-ing as private contractors.

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As a part of the Department of Defense, DAR-significant budget to try to prove a pet theory. Your PA’s budget is generally safe from the predations of goal is clear: push your idea as far as it will go before Congress, but leadership is still cautious about how it the clock stops ticking. The support staff are smart reveals its more off-the-wall projects. DARPA does not and helpful, and they have clearly worked with newly want to raise the ire of legislators who might see the arrived and confused project leaders before, so the type of experimenting it promotes as too “out there.”

integration process is a lot smoother than you might Even in its successes, DARPA is quiet in claiming cred-have expected.

it in order to maintain a low profile.

Support staff at DARPA include private contractors and military personnel, and some are full-time Playing DARPA

DARPA employees. They ensure that program manag-The skill sets that interest DARPA are usually very ers are able to get up and running as quickly as possi-specific, particularly for project leaders. DARPA wants ble. As a SETA or SME, you need to be open-minded technical and scientific innovators, visionary academ-and willing to work through paperwork obstacles ics, think-tank researchers, engineers, and tradition-that otherwise might slow down or derail a promising al scientists.

project. Taking “no” for an answer is not normally ac-At DARPA, you are under a constantly ticking ceptable. Work-arounds and a certain level of bureau-clock. Projects come and go, but the pressure to get cratic creativity is always in demand.

more done is always there. You work with smart people who are focused and driven. That can lead Suggested Professions

to huge egos and short tempers, but it also leads to amazing results that push the boundaries of what is Tactical Technologies Office (TTO)

practical or possible.

TTO pushes the boundaries of “traditional military As a project leader, you are a bit of a fish out of technology” such as weapons, vehicles, and body water. You walked into a bureaucracy that is well armor. Want to see if a military exoskeleton is viable, established, were handed impressive funding, and a new super-light material is strong enough to handle were instructed to “go.” You make up the parameters combat, or man-portable lethal lasers might work?

for success as the project develops. You were recruited TTO is that office.

by DARPA because you are smart and get things done.

PROFESSION: Program Manager.

This may be your best opportunity to have a SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Accounting, Bureaucracy, Science (Engineering), Science

(choose one).

EQUIPMENT: Access to a

project’s budget, and access to

one really impractical and buggy

piece of technology or code (work

with the Handler to decide what

is reasonable).

The Microsystems

Technology

Office (MTO)

This office seeks practical ap-

plications for discoveries in

quantum physics. It uses newly

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discovered particles in detection processes and ex-ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a plores the boundaries on increasingly small and exotic credit line if traveling or on an investigation or power sources.

mission, up to an Unusual expense without eliciting PROFESSION: Program Manager.

official review.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Computer OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

Science, Science (Mathematics), Science (Physics).

On a requisition roll, the Agent can access advanced EQUIPMENT: Access to a project’s budget and detection and analysis equipment including portable one really impractical and fragile piece of con-spectrometers, radiation and chemical sniffers, ad-cept machinery.

vanced optics, and atmospheric analyzers. An operative can also request personal protective equipment SME Technology Contractor

including HAZMAT and radiation suits, chemical/

You are contracted by DARPA to provide technical biological/radiological resistant military uniforms, and computer support for a project. SME personnel explosives-removal armor, rebreathers, and similar are usually specialists in their fields.

safety equipment, usually as a Standard expense.

PROFESSION: Computer Scientist or Scientist.

One may also request specialized vehicles such as SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Computer hermetically sealed vans and SUVs with scientific Science, Craft (choose one), Science (choose one).

and detection equipment, as a Major expense.

EQUIPMENT: Resources from the private compa-Courier agents have access to supply depots in ny you work for, including funds up to an Unusual every major U.S. city. They can access military grade expense without eliciting official review. Your travel weapons and equipment with a successful requisition budget is much less restrictive than a normal DARPA roll as a Standard expense. They may also request ar-employee, allowing up to a Major expense without mored vehicles, including specially-designed armored eliciting official review.

long-haul trucks designed to safely carry nuclear material, as a Major expense.

The National Nuclear Security

The Organization

Administration (NNSA)

NNSA operates specialized facilities at Los Alamos The United States National Nuclear Security Admin-National Laboratory, the National Ignition Facility istration (NNSA) is part of the Department of Energy.

at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the NNSA maintains and improves the safety, reliability, Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility, and performance of the United States nuclear weapons and the Z-Pulsed Power Facility at Sandia National stockpile. It is also responsible for many nuclear non-Laboratory. Because international legislation prohibits proliferation, counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, nuclear detonations even for scientific research, NNSA and radiological emergency response efforts, and for uses an array of supercomputers to run simulations the nuclear reactors aboard U.S. Navy ships.

and validate experimental data.

BUDGET: Approximately $12.5 billion in 2015.

NNSA is divided into a series of offices which manage aspects of the strategic use of nuclear power.

The NNSA Operative at a Glance

The Office of Secure Transportation (OST) POWERS OF ARREST? Generally, no. However, courier provides safe and secure transportation of govern-agents of the Office of Secure Transportation have a ment-owned, DOE- or NNSA-controlled nuclear ma-broad mandate under the Atomic Energy Act to use terials. Shipments are transported in specially designed force to protect a nuclear asset.

containers and are escorted by armed courier agents.

EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No, except for The Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation courier agents.

(ODNN) works to secure and dispose of nuclear and 61

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radiological material as well as related weapons of OST employs about 350 courier agents to escort mass destruction technology.

specially designed aircraft and tractor trailers to trans-The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) port nuclear material. NNSA seeks ex-special-opera-provides design, development, and operational tions forces as courier agents. Besides irregular hours support for the Navy’s aircraft carriers and nucle-and significant risks, couriers may be called upon to ar submarines.

use deadly force to prevent the theft, sabotage, or The Office of Counterterrorism and Counter-takeover of protected materials. Courier agents receive proliferation (OCC) sponsors academic research into months of training as federal law-enforcement officers.

“threat devices” and foreign nuclear weapons.

The Office of Defense Nuclear Security (ODNS) Authority and Mandate

designs and implements programs to protect the NNSA’s primary mission is the security and effective-U.S. from hostile nuclear weapons. These programs ness of the United States’ nuclear weapons stockpile.

include training protective forces in how to safely Part of that mission is protecting the public by pro-work around nuclear material or facilities, devel-viding expertise on radiological detection and emer-oping systems to promote nuclear materials control gency response.

and accountability, and developing technical security NNSA may declare a temporary “National

programs for facilities or organizations that handle Security Area” (NSA) which gives DOE and NNSA nuclear material. ODNS also handles the security op-administrative control of the area and ensures NNSA erations, resources, engineering, and technical support is the lead agency. The declaration of an NSA must be to NNSA field elements and facilities.

approved by the Office of the President shortly there-after and always draws the attention of the media.

Key NNSA Offices and Programs

» Office of Secure Transportation (OST)

Field Operations

›Transportation and Emergency Control Cen-NNSA is ready to deploy a variety of emergency ter (TECC)

response assets in the event of a suspected nuclear in-

›Secure Courier Program

cident. Outside of these specialized teams, most NNSA

» Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation employees work in technical or support roles that (ODNN)

rarely require travel. Occasionally a specialist travels

» Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST)

to consult with another agency or for a speaking event.

» Joint Technical Operations Team (NEST/JTOT) For most, the best chance to travel on official duty is to become competent or senior enough to be select-Operatives ed for a deployable team (such as a NEST) and then NNSA focuses on engineers and scientists with nuclear travel as part of an exercise.

or physics specializations. Employees are expected NNSA can co-opt personnel from throughout the to join NNSA with already established bona fides in Department of Energy, as well as request law enforce-nuclear science or engineering. Bureaucrats and sup-ment or military personnel through the Secretary of port staff make up a large percentage of the NNSA’s Energy and the President. These ad-hoc task forces ranks as well.

are usually created under the auspices of a Nuclear NNSA’s workforce has a reputation as a partic-Emergency Support Team (NEST). A NEST task force ularly rigid “old boys network.” This is a result of includes select NNSA personnel from multiple offices low turnover, particularly at the highest ranks. New and competencies, and provides technical assistance to employees, many of whom hold multiple advanced other federal agencies in incidents that involve nuclear degrees, often find it difficult to get promoted.

materials. A NEST deploys alongside federal agents or military personnel to assists identifying, characterizing, 62

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rendering safe, and disposing of radioactive devic-to carry large amounts of nuclear material safely. The es. NESTs vary in size from a five-person technical SSTs have sleeping berths and usually hold at least advisory team to a deployment of dozens of scientists four armed couriers. During a convoy run, an SST is and medical personnel. NEST personnel are ready escorted by at least two armored SUVs, each carry-to deploy at all times, and have a small number of ing at least three armed couriers. To get SST convoys dedicated transport and detection craft to facilitate to their destinations as quickly as possible, SSTs are rapid travel.

directed to travel at maximum legal speed with mini-A NEST is organized into three elements: a Nucle-mum stops. Local law enforcement is usually informed ar/Radiological Support Team (NRAT), a Search team, in advance of the arrival of a convoy. On a convoy and a Joint Technical Operations Team (JTOT). NRAT

run, couriers are no-nonsense and quick to deploy has domestic and foreign support teams which deploy their weapons, no matter how innocuous a situation from Washington, D.C., to advise local authorities and appears. Courier agents are equipped with M4 car-collect preliminary information for follow-on groups.

bines and MP5 submachine guns with low-light optics, The Search team deploys specialized equipment to body armor, flash-bang grenades, and sometimes with find a radioactive threat device. JTOT deploys special-M4 Super 90 semi-automatic shotguns.

ized technical capabilities, instruments, and people to render objects safe, analyze them, and dispose of them.

Areas of Friction

The JTOT teams include DOE scientists and techni-There is a wide disconnect between how NNSA’s cians and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts.

leadership sees the agency and how it is viewed by The Office of Secure Transportation maintains a outsiders. With its strong background in national fleet of more than three dozen armored, custom-built security and a tendency to work with the mil-

“safe and secure trailers” (SSTs) which are operated itary, NNSA has developed a reputation

as

and staffed by courier agents. The SSTs are tractor trailers (semis) designed

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being aloof and snobbish when working with other Suggested Professions

DOE partners. Exacerbating the problem is a perception by other federal agencies that NNSA promotes an Office of Secure Transportation

outmoded ”‘two-martini lunch” work environment.

Courier Program (OST/Courier)

This leads to a reputation for completing projects late Courier agents escort nuclear materials. They are and generally being less effective than it should.

instructed to not allow anything to take control of NNSA’s biggest area of friction is within its ranks.

the “goodies.”

The old-boy network regularly leads to frustrated PROFESSION: Special Operator.

lower- and mid-level employees who enjoy their work, SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, but see little chance for advancement. Morale in Drive, HUMINT, Law.

NNSA is not strong, and leadership seems oblivious to EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: SPECIAL OPERA-the problem.

TOR on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, as well as radiological and chemical personal protective gear and Playing NNSA

access to specially hardened vehicles.

You are highly educated and have a strong work ethic.

You could have taken a better-paying job, but you NEST Search Group (NEST/S)

want to work on the practical side of nuclear issues, Your day job is as a scientist or medical profession-and there is nothing more interesting than the security al. When there is a suspected nuclear “threat device”

implications of nuclear material. Perhaps you get to in the area, you are called upon to staff NEST’s work on the nuclear reactors on an aircraft carrier, Search Group.

or maybe access data generated by networked super PROFESSION: Scientist or Physician.

computers, or help build projects for the advanced SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Awareness, Computer X-ray “Z machine” at Sandia. Whatever you do, it is Science, Science (Chemistry or Physics), SIGINT.

exciting and highly technical.

EQUIPMENT: Access to radiological protective gear Let the guys in the private sector work the as well as advanced detection and surveillance equip-crazy-long hours and wade through corporate subcul-ment, much of it man-portable or at least transport-tures. You get to work on your passion and get home able on a plane.

at a reasonable hour. You likely had to put everything aside to get an advanced degree, and it can be a relief Joint Technical Operations

that NNSA promotes a strong work-life balance.

Team (NEST/JTOT)

NNSA’s organizational culture leaves something When a suspected nuclear or radiological weapon to be desired. A Ph.D. in some highly technical field or threat device is located, the JTOT is brought in isn’t enough to get noticed when everyone else has to evaluate and neutralize the danger. JTOT works one. Worse, promotions seem to be based on who you closely with the FBI to deploy trained personnel such know and under-the-table favors more than actual as explosives ordnance disposal techs.

merit. If not for the fact that there is no other job PROFESSION: Firefighter.

like yours that offers the personal time you need, you SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Awareness, Craft (Elec-probably would have left years ago.

tronics), Demolitions, Science (Nuclear Physics).

EQUIPMENT: Explosives and ordnance destruction equipment, including body armor and remote-controlled robots that may be operated with the Demolitions skill.

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// Treasury //

Treasury

The Internal Revenue

The IRS functions under four major operating divisions: the Large Business & International (LB&I) Service (IRS)

division, Small Business/Self-Employed (SB/SE), Wage The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) resides within and Investment (W&I), Tax Exempt & Government the Department of the Treasury, and administers and Entities (TE/GE), and Criminal Investigation (CI).

enforces U.S. federal tax laws. By collecting more Under the Office of the Commissioner are spe-than $3 trillion in taxes and enforcing tax law, the IRS

cialized sub-offices that don’t fit elsewhere, including administers primary sources of income for the United the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). OPR

States government. The IRS also maintains an investi-oversees the identification and investigation of illegal gative and law enforcement division that identifies and activities by certified tax professionals.

prosecutes people who violate the tax code.

The Criminal Investigation Division is made up BUDGET: Just under $12 billion.

of three interdependent programs: Legal Source Tax Crimes; Illegal Source Financial Crimes; and Narcot-The Internal Revenue Service

ics Related and Counterterrorism Financial Crimes.

Agent at a Glance

Along with traditional federal agents, CI employs POWERS OF ARREST? Yes for Agents of the Criminal specially-trained and educated tax lawyers and pros-Investigation (CI) division. However, most IRS

ecutors to bring their cases before a grand jury. The employees are bureaucrats with no special law en-conviction rate for CI is quite high.

forcement powers.

EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? Yes for CI Agents.

Key IRS Divisions

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a

» Large Business & International Division credit line if traveling or on an investigation or

» Small Business/Self-Employed Division

mission, up to a Standard expense without eliciting

» Wage & Investment Division

official review.

» Tax Exempt & Government Entities

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

» Criminal Investigation Division

Using Bureaucracy, an Agent may access the finan-

» Office of the Commissioner

cial, personal financial and taxation data on most

›Office of Professional Responsibility

Americans and residents in the United States, as well as persons and entities abroad responsible for Operatives

paying U.S. taxes. In most cases, this does not elicit Most of the IRS’s employees are support staff, bureau-official review unless it pertains to a known person-crats, financial analysts, program managers, accoun-ality such as a politician or celebrity.

tants, and computer specialists. They support the Criminal Investigation Division Agents may use large bureaucracy of the IRS so that it can efficiently Bureaucracy to acquire specialized electronic diagnos-collect taxes.

tic tools, decryption/encryption software, and comput-Experienced in both financial investigators and er programs (“safecrackers”).

traditional law enforcement, CI special agents fill a unique niche in the federal law enforcement commu-The Organization

nity. Unravelling sophisticated schemes to defraud the The IRS is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Most of government requires CI agents to have the patience its functions are computer-based digital services which and analytical ability to wade through paper and com-are handled in a special annex in Maryland.

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of automation for financial records, CI special agents That makes investigation of complex, high-value use specialized forensic technology to recover financial financial crimes less likely than quicker investigations data that may have been encrypted, erased, or hidden of smaller crimes.

by other electronic means.

Playing the IRS

Authority and Mandate

Morale in the IRS is generally good, despite its public The rules and regulations that govern tax law and the reputation and dwindling resources. The IRS has a performance of the IRS are outlined in the Internal clear mission, well-defined roles, and (outside of tax Revenue Code. The organization monitors and investi-season) a reasonable work day. If you aren’t particu-gates financial transactions that occur within the Unit-larly ambitious, the IRS is a good spot.

ed States and its territories. This gives the IRS a broad Working at the IRS fosters risk-averse decision-mandate, since a large number of the world’s financial making in its employees, partly because the organization transactions use American banks at some point, and offers a good benefits package, good wages, and secure virtually all international fund transfers utilize repositions, but also because the work focuses on efficiency sources in the United States. The IRS can request a and bottom lines. There is rarely a push for innovation.

considerable amount of information and records from Come in. Do your job. Go home. Get paid. Repeat.

those under scrutiny. Entities (business or individual) IRS criminal investigators are a special breed. As a that do not provide the required documentation face CI agent, you are likely smart, patient, and detail-ori-fines or jail time.

ented. You are comfortable with the arcane rules of The Criminal Investigation Division combats tax obscure tax regulations. You have a meaningful under-fraud, money laundering, and currency crime viola-standing of accounting, digital forensics, and navigating tions. Even the smallest one-man criminal enterprise bureaucracy in a way that most other law enforcement will have a number of tax code violations, ensuring CI officers cannot fathom. When you spring into action, has a reason to be interested in every crime.

your focus is on computers. When serving a warrant (of-Many other law enforcement agencies appreciate ten with U.S. Marshal support) you blow right past the CI aid. CI’s support on an investigation builds a more suspect to secure their computer before they can encrypt robust case with more substantive punishments.

or erase data. Better yet, you likely have mined the computer for the data you need remotely and in advance.

Field Operations

Unlike many other law enforcement agents, you Official travel is rare and well-scrutinized. Some tend to think in terms of systems, schema, and pro-accounting-focused personnel travel occasionally for cesses, and less about the individuals involved or their conferences, public education events, and to partici-backgrounds. Your cases are built on forensic account-pate in off-site programs. The exception to this is the ing: parsing and dissecting complex schemes involving Criminal Investigation Division. CI Agents are ex-data manipulation and financial transfers.

pected to follow-up on their office work with regular The IRS CI Badge strikes fear into everyone.

on-site field investigations and travel often.

While the FBI and Marshals engender a sense of awe, civilians tend to react to the IRS with fear and confu-Areas of Friction

sion. Most Americans don’t know the IRS has its own Americans widely dislike the IRS. Most see it as a law enforcement arm. When they realize who they are necessary evil. Some see it as an active evil, literally talking to, there is inevitably moment of panic, even in stealing their money. The IRS is a frequent scapegoat otherwise upstanding individuals. Other law enforce-for politicians of all stripes. The IRS is often the agen-ment agencies give the IRS CI respect and latitude, in cy-of-choice for funding cuts, as cost savings there are part because the CI has the highest conviction rate of unlikely to elicit any sort of backlash from the public.

any federal law enforcement body.

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// Private Sector //

Suggested Professions

Office of Professional

Responsibility (OPR)

Criminal Investigation Division (CI)

OPR ensures that all tax practitioners ad-While other federal agencies share jurisdiction for here to profess

money laundering and some bank violations, the IRS

ional standards and follow the law. When some-is the only federal agency that can investigate poten-one is found violating tax law, OPR professionals help tial criminal violations of tax law. CI work is largely the investigation.

electronic and computer-based.

PROFESSION: Lawyer.

PROFESSION: Federal Agent.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Accounting, Computer SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Accounting, Computer Science, Forensics, Law.

Science, Science (Mathematics), SIGINT.

EQUIPMENT: A sizable physical and electronic EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: FEDERAL AGENT

library on tax law, criminal law, and forensic account-on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, plus access to a ing. The Agent also has access to historical corporate law library and wide leeway to access any tax docu-and personal tax returns.

ments within the U.S.

Private Sector

Constellis Group, Inc.

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

Using Bureaucracy, an Agent can access surveillance Constellis provides training and security services fo-equipment and small arms (generally carbines and cused on counter terrorism, force protection, and law handguns). High-end civilian infrared or low-light enforcement and security operations. It also contracts cameras or goggles are equivalent to an Unusual technical personnel to governments in aerospace, expense. Agents can request civilian vehicles as Stan-defense, and homeland security. Constellis Group dard expenses, and may request armored SUVs and was formerly known as Academi Holdings, LLC, and, town cars as Major expenses. Securing an aerial ve-before that Blackwater. It employs more than 8,000

hicle such as a drone mission or a helicopter would in the U.S. and 17,000 worldwide, many of whom are be an Extreme expense.

former military or law enforcement officials. Constellis operates in many countries.

The Organization

EARNINGS: Estimated to be approximately $170

Constellis was established as a conglomeration of million in 2015, valued at an estimated $1 billion.

operators and investors who sought to combine assets and people within the risk management industry. Con-The Constellis Operative at a Glance

stellis was founded in 2003 as Triple Canopy, Inc., and POWERS OF ARREST? No.

has grown significantly by absorbing other companies.

EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? Members of the Nation-In June 2014, Triple Canopy merged with rival securi-al Security Division are expected to carry firearms ty contracting firm Academi (formerly Blackwater) to when working.

form the Constellis Group.

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a Constellis includes the Risk Management and Cri-credit line if traveling or deployed to a remote sis Response Services Division, the National Security location, up to a Major expense without eliciting Division, the Humanitarian Operations Division, the official review.

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Training Division, the Technology and Innovation, and the Logistics and Support Division.

Firing and Prosecution in

Constellis combines the capabilities and experi-the Private Sector

ence of subsidiary legacy enterprises including Academi and Triple Canopy (private military contracting), Retention and responsibility are different for contrac-AMK9 (canine services), Olive Group (high-threat in-tors than for federal employees. Corporations are surance), OMNIPLEX (investigation and intelligence), considerably more likely to fire someone. When the Centerra (facility operations), Clayton Consultants Handler decides a Charisma test or Luck roll is needed (risk assessment and incident response), and Strategic to avoid being fired, a private-sector Agent suffers a Social (business consulting and program management).

–20% penalty. Furthermore, the community of government contractors is small. A fired Agent’s roll to get a Key Constellis Subsidiaries

new job with another contractor or government agency is at –20%.

» Academi (formerly Blackwater)

» Triple Canopy

» AMK9

» Omniplex

Department of Defense, Department of Homeland

» Clayton Consultants

Security, and state governments.

» Strategic Social

Field Operations

Operatives

Constellis has employees around the world. Employ-For its Crisis Response Services Division and Security ment with Constellis usually entails significant travel Division personnel, Constellis recruits former military except for those working in the logistics, human and law enforcement personnel, particularly those ro-resources, and support fields. Even training and tating out of special forces or who have combat expe-technology-focused jobs have a high likelihood of rience. In most cases, these personnel protect facilities domestic and international travel as the company or provide protective security services (“PS” or “PSS”) shuffles personnel and assets to support its contracts.

to government employees in dangerous locales.

The company has less bureaucracy and more funds for Constellis maintains SWAT-equivalent Mobile travel than its government counterparts. Compared to Security Teams. Staffed by former special operators, government employees doing the same job, Constellis marksmen, and tactical medical personnel, these teams employees have a much freer hand to get where they react to situations like kidnappings. Constellis also need to be or participate in conferences, training, or has a personnel focused on training private-sector and temporary deployments.

government personnel to operate safely in high-threat environments.

Areas of Friction

Outside security, Constellis hires professionals Constellis continues to try to outpace its Blackwa-that already have some background in their fields. The ter legacy. Blackwater and Academi employees were company pays well and is the leader in private military involved in a number of violent scandals in Iraq in contracting. It can be selective in who it hires.

the 2000s, some of which led to convictions. That still casts a dark cloud over Constellis, particularly with Authority and Mandate

lawmakers and the media.

Constellis is a leading provider of risk management Constellis’ niche as a private military contractor and operational support services worldwide. It main-means it is seen as a necessary evil by nearly everyone tains active contracts with the Department of State, it comes into contact with, from employers to host governments. Constellis employees, especially those 68

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// Private Sector //

authorized to carry firearms, come under frequent leadership focuses on keeping the trigger-pullers hap-scrutiny by regulatory bodies.

py, not you. Summary terminations and mass layoffs aren’t unheard of. The place is filed with alpha person-Playing Constellis

alities. If you aren’t ready to aggressively advance your Attitude is everything. Having the correct attitude is career at the cost of others, you probably won’t last vital to surviving and networking within the contract-long. Tread lightly around upper management, partic-ing community. Whether you did your four years in ularly the military types.

the military and got out, or if you are a retired special operator that has seen it all, everyone at Constellis has Suggested Professions

met a certain threshold of professional experience.

When deployed, on site, or on a temporary pro-Mobile Security Team (MST)

tective detail, remember that the client is in charge.

You are hand-picked from within Constellis to work If you piss off the wrong person, you could be on a with high-paying clients on issues of extortion, kidnap, plane home the next day. Your supervisors expect you hostage-taking, piracy, and emergency evacuations.

to be professional, a point that cannot be stressed Your team is ready to deploy to rough areas at a mo-enough. You are an expert and you must project an ment’s notice.

air of decorum.

PROFESSION: Special Operator.

You often miss mail and medical services when on SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Computer Science, a detail, especially if you are deployed abroad.

HUMINT, Persuade, Search.

Keep in mind that the excuse of “I was just fol-EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: SPECIAL OPERA-lowing orders” is not sufficient violations of the Law TOR on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook.

of Armed Conflict or an embarrassing breach of policy.

No one is looking out for you. Get everything in Tactical Roleplayer (TR)

writing, from resignation notices to issues within your You play the opposition in realistic field training.

chain of command. Look out for number one. Always.

PROFESSION: Soldier.

As an armed contractor, you get paid well but SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Disguise, HUMINT, Per-have no job security. The culture of Constellis is to suasion, Stealth.

get in, get paid, and get out. Turnover is high. If you EQUIPMENT: Clothes appropriate to regional hot get injured, you are done. These are contracts, not spots, a handgun, and a number of firearms that have full-time jobs with benefits. Constellis is here to make been rendered inoperable or that shoot paint pellets.

money. If you can’t be in the field or training a client, you are no longer useful.

Your most important

asset is not a weapon, it is

verbal judo. Communica-

tion under pressure not only

saves you a lot of money, it

can make you look like a

rockstar with your client if

you defuse a situation by

talking your way out of it.

If you work locally or

in a support capacity, take

a deep breath. Constellis’

69

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Defensive Designated

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Computer Marksman (DDM)

Science, Foreign Language (choose one), Law.

You are a mercenary sniper. You cover your team and EQUIPMENT: An electronic library of books and the client in hostile locales.

journals on your region of expertise.

PROFESSION: Special Operator.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Craft (Gun-Lockheed Martin

smith), Firearms, Search.

Corporation (LMT)

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: SWAT TEAM on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, as well as a sniper Lockheed Martin is one of the largest companies in rifle with telescopic, infrared, low light, holographic, the aerospace, defense, security, and technologies and laser sights.

industry. It is the world’s largest defense contractor based on revenue. In 2015 its contracts accounted for Protective Security Specialist (PSS)

more than 10% of the money paid out by the Penta-You are a bodyguard. You travel with your client gon. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and and are never more than a few meters away. If things employs about 100,000 worldwide. It is the largest get dangerous, your job is to keep the client safe, military aircraft producer in the world. The company not yourself.

specializes in advanced engineering, particularly for PROFESSION: Police Officer.

the Air Force and NASA.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, First Aid, For-EARNINGS: Estimated at $3.6 billion in 2015. The eign Language, Stealth.

company is valued at an estimated $45 billion.

EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: SWAT TEAM on page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook. You also have The Lockheed Operative at a Glance low-visibility firearms such as easy-to-conceal hand-POWERS OF ARREST? No.

guns and carbines or submachine guns designed to fit EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

into and easily deploy from briefcases.

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a credit line if traveling or deployed to a remote Paramedic (P-PSS)

location, up to a Major expense without eliciting You work alongside Protective Security to be on official review.

hand if there are injuries or if a client has significant OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

medical issues.

Using Bureaucracy, an Agent can access facilities PROFESSION: Paramedic.

throughout the United States and abroad, some of SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Firearms, Melee Weapons, which hold highly classified experiments or projects.

Search, Unarmed Combat.

As a Standard expense, an Agent can access a com-EQUIPMENT: Per TOOLS OF THE TRADE: SWAT TEAM on pany-owned vehicle.

page 85 of the Agent’s Handbook, as well as portable medical and triage equipment in watertight cases.

The Organization

Lockheed Martin operates in five business segments: All-Source Socio-Cultural

Aeronautics, Information Systems and Global Solu-Analyst (ASM)

tions, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Clients want to know about the regional and culture Systems, and Space Systems. Lockheed products they are dealing with. You are adept at knowing your include the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, region of expertise and keeping abreast of significant and the C-130 Hercules, but a greater percentage economic, political, and social trends.

of Lockheed’s sales come from Information Systems PROFESSION: Media Specialist.

and Space Systems rather than Aeronautics. Besides 70

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traditional defense contracts, Lockheed invests in experts, logisticians, project managers, accountants, healthcare systems, renewable energy systems, intelli-and artists are all employed in large numbers at Lock-gent energy distribution and compact nuclear fusion.

heed, supported by experienced information-technolo-Lockheed’s customers include the Department of gy and human-resources personnel.

Defense, the Department of Energy, the Department of At Lockheed, a civilian can work on some of the Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

U.S. government’s most sensitive and classified proj-It provides surveillance and information processing for ects. The company recruits top talent out of university the CIA, the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), (especially engineers) and then contracts that talent the National Security Agency (NSA), the Pentagon, to the government for specific projects. While on a the Census Bureau, and the Postal Service.

contract, Lockheed employees are subject to their Lockheed’s Advanced Development Programs

clients’ oversight.

(ADP) is its famed “Skunk Works.” This autonomous program allows engineers and scientists considerable Authority and Mandate

leeway in exploring technologies. The Skunk Works Lockheed Martin supplies engineering solutions to the was in part responsible for breakthroughs in stealth U.S. government, especially military advances. Many technology, transatmospheric flight, advanced tem-of its positions require Top Secret clearance and the perture resistant composites, and remote equipment ability to qualify for special-access programs. It has a operation. The program is under considerable security reputation for results, and is one of the government’s by Lockheed and Department of Defense.

preferred partners on engineering projects.

Key Business Areas

Field Operations

» Aeronautics

Lockheed spends liberally on many of its employees,

» Missiles and Fire Control

especially those working on active government con-

» Rotary and Missions Systems

tracts. For those employees, travel and training funds

» Space

are easily approved as long as the proposed trip has some connection to the contract.

Operatives

Lockheed builds and sells very expensive

and technologically advanced things. Its

employees largely come from business,

engineering, and technology back-

grounds. Engineers of all types, comput-

er programmers, finance

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Areas of Friction

a poorly-run team can be miserable and your best Lockheed is often rivals with other engineering-fo-chance to rotate to another team is to either underper-cused private companies like Boeing, Raytheon, and form badly, or see the contract through.

General Dynamics. All aggressively (and repeatedly) You are expected to produce. Contacts are about compete for the same multi-million-dollar contracts.

making money, and that happens when your team Lockheed has a reputation for being quite expen-executes. Lockheed’s corporate environment will push sive and for cost overruns. This can bring it to logger-you into either sinking or swimming. They hired you heads with oversight boards in government agencies and pay you well because they expect you wont need and Congress. Lockheed has a number of contracts a good deal of hand-holding. If you can’t keep up to with other governments and comes under similar pace, you won’t get fired from the company, but you’ll scrutiny with them.

likely be moved to a different program.

You probably need a security clearance. Even Playing Lockheed

human resources people occasionally need clearanc-You work for a game-changer and goliath in the engi-es. This is a product of working so closely with the neering world. Luckily, the corporate culture is pretty military. While Lockheed is generally engineer-friendly, good. Lockheed’s leadership knows that its dominance it is also very steeped in military culture. You will need is based on hiring the best and brightest and then re-to have a passing familiarity with rank and specialties taining them. That means salaries are always competin the military so you know who your clients are.

itive, work conditions are generally pretty good, the You are also likely beholden to two masters. Lock-benefits are some of the best out there, and diversity is heed writes your checks, but you also must keep your embraced. You also likely enjoy a pretty solid work/

client happy. If you are a contractor, you may work life balance.

within the Pentagon or another government installa-There are exceptions to the good things Lockheed tion embedded with a government team. In those cases, offers. It is a conglomeration of a lot of engineering your boss is almost always a government employee; companies after all, so locations and projects may either a civilian program manager or active duty.

engender different costs and benefits. Being part of Balancing the two masters can sometimes be tricky, especially if the client is unhappy with your results.

If you are lucky enough to work at the Skunk Works, the security environment is particularly intense.

You are expected to observe operational security at all times. This means not talking about your project even during off hours. Your social circle likely revolves around other Skunk Works employees, its just easier to be around them since they understand what you deal with. What you pay for in omnipresent security demands, you make up for by working on bleeding edge technology and a work environment that values creativity and unorthodox approaches.

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Suggested Professions

Systems Risk Analyst

You are responsible for anticipating physical, financial, Senior Research Scientist—

and cyber risks to a program or facility. You are espe-Robotics & Autonomy

cially cognizant to the threat of corporate espionage.

You are part of Lockheed’s Advanced Technology Lab-PROFESSION: Program Manager.

oratories (LM ATL) that is exploring the boundaries SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Alertness, Criminology, of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

SIGINT, Stealth.

PROFESSION: Computer Scientist.

EQUIPMENT: You have access to all parts of a SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Anthropology, Science program or facility, from the computer systems to (Biology), Science (Logic), Science (Physics).

the janitor’s closet. You also control the logs of when EQUIPMENT: An electric library on everything from people access said program or facility.

neurobiology, to philosophy, to virology, to kinesiol-ogy to linguistics. You also have access to computers Space Operations

connected via advanced neural networks.

You staff a control room that monitors satellites and rocket programs. You work with advanced statistical Engineer/Advanced Programs

models and trend analysis to develop and execute You work at the elite Skunk Works program on a satellite projects.

project considered “disruptive,” “next generational,”

PROFESSION: Computer Scientist.

or “cutting edge.” Your work likely has something to SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Navigation, Science (As-do with advanced aircraft.

trophysics), Science (Mathematics), Science (Statistics).

PROFESSION: Engineer

EQUIPMENT: A large library on computer programs SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Heavy Machinery, Military on modeling and predicting ballistic paths as well as Science (Air), Military Science (Air), Pilot (Aircraft).

access to a lot of information on electrical engineer-EQUIPMENT: A large library on engineering and ing. You have key-cards to enter the control room materials science.

and the clearance to access the output of your program’s satellite.

Test Pilot/Advanced Programs

You work as a Skunk Works test pilot. Your job makes CACI International Inc.

astronauts jealous.

(CACI) & Booz Allen

PROFESSION: Pilot.

Hamilton Inc. (BAH)

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Computer Science, Heavy Machinery, Pilot (Aircraft), Science (Physics).

EQUIPMENT: Technical manuals and reams of testing CACI (pronounced “kah kee”), or Consolidated Anal-data on whatever airframe you are working with.

ysis Center, and Booz Allen Hamilton (often short-You also have access to classified material on your ened to “Booz”) are provide specialized contractors program’s performance. While you are the pilot for to government and private industry. Both companies’

something super slick, its under so much scrutiny it is employees specialize in intelligence, analytics, technol-in no way “yours.”

ogy, cybersecurity, and engineering.

Booz is known for staffing contracts with the CIA, NRO, NGA and NSA, while

73

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CACI is best known for filling positions with the DIA, Key CACI Divisions

the Pentagon, and federal law enforcement. They are

» Business Systems

functionally similar in the services they offer.

» Command and Control

EARNINGS: CACI’s earnings were estimated at

» Cybersecurity

approximately $130 million in 2015. The company is

» Intelligence Services

valued at an estimated $3.5 billion.

» Space Operations and Resiliency

BAH’s earnings were estimated at approximately

» Surveillance and Reconnaissance

$240 million in 2015. The company is valued at an estimated $3 billion.

Key BAH Divisions

» Civil Government

CACI and BAH Operative

» Defense and Intelligence

at a Glance

» Homeland Security and Law Enforcement

POWERS OF ARREST? No.

» International

EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

» Commercial

ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? Can be supplied with a credit line if traveling or deployed to a remote Operatives

location, up to a major expense without eliciting CACI and BAH target two types of employees. On the official review.

technical side, the companies like to hire recent grad-OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RESTRICTED ITEMS?

uates with advanced degrees engineering or computer Using Bureaucracy, an Agent can access facilities science. Recent graduates come cheaper than veterans throughout the United States and abroad, some of but are still seen as more than capable.

which hold highly classified experiments or projects.

They also seek experienced employees leaving the As a Standard expense, an Agent can access compa-government. They are contracted back to the govern-ny-owned vehicles.

ment (rarely with the same agency) to work on specific projects. These veterans are usually hired in non-tech-The Organization(s)

nical fields like intelligence. CACI and BAH are par-CACI and BAH provide a valuable commodity: pre-ticularly keen to hire retired military and intelligence cleared, qualified experts in intelligence gathering, professionals.

analysis, operations, management, and engineering.

Employees can come from all walks of life and These contractors slot into their positions quickly and with a wide range of skills and experience. Both without the lag time associated with internal hirings.

companies hire human resources professionals, engi-That also raises the risk of catastrophic breaches. Ed-neers of all types, language specialists, educators, and ward Snowden was a BAH contractor.

skilled tradesmen.

Seniority is defined within semi-autonomous divi-CACI and BAH employees receive clearances from sions and offices, usually led by a vice president or equiv-their client agency, which leads to the same contrac-alent. A team lead serves as the project manager. Teams tors being assigned to different contracts in the same are assigned specific contacts. When a contract concludes, agency. Both companies conduct their own back-the companies prefer to keep the team intact while it ground checks during the hiring process to ensure new searches for a new contract that fits the team’s skill.

employees will quickly qualify for clearance when CACI employs about 18,000 employees. BAH has the time comes.

about 22,000 employees. Because of U.S. government funding priorities, both CACI and BAH are aggres-Authority and Mandate

sively focused on counterterror contacts within DoD, CACI and BAH fulfill more than military and intel-DHS, and the intelligence community.

ligence billets. Both provide specialized personnel 74

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// Private Sector //

to state and local governments for specific projects If you are on the intelligence side, you spend time and, less often, to non-government organizations working in SCIFs for the DIA, CIA, INR, maybe even and nonprofits.

NSA. Military, anti-terror, narcos…you’ve seen the raw intel and dissected it. It is the same if you are in Field Operations

law enforcement or the nonprofit sector.

Depending on the contract, travel can be a consider-Like all contractors, you are beholden to two able. Travel budgets are usually much more robust for masters, your company and the client. Your client contractors than their government counterparts. Con-controls the contract, and your job is to make them tractors generally receive less scrutiny for their travel happy. They need to believe you are fulfilling their than government employees, allowing the freedom to expectations and making progress towards fulfillment.

attend conferences or travel on “familiarization” trips.

(Whether you actually are is another matter). In most cases, the client is your day-to-day boss. You likely Areas of Friction

work at a government building or nonprofit head-CACI and BAH compete for contracts and treat quarters. While CACI or BAH writes your checks, it each other as rivals. Similar companies like SAIC

feels like you are part of the client agency or group.

seek the same contracts, though CACI and BAH are There’s an art to fulfilling a contract. Your compa-premiere contractors in the defense, security, and ny charges the client in billable hours. It is not about intelligence sectors.

being productive, it is about looking productive and Within the government, contractors like CACI keeping the client happy. Usually, this means advanc-and BAH are generally seen in a positive light. They ing the project—but executing a project too quickly provide soft landing spots for retirees. Contracting can raise the ire of management.

positions capture in-demand or expensive specific skill Clients change expectations, modify goals, and sets, especially in the technical fields, that regulated shift processes, and you are in no place to disagree. If government salaries can’t secure.

necessary, you and your team smile, nod, and quietly change all the work you just completed. CACI and Playing CACI and BAH

BAH require the client to be happy with you, no mat-You likely wanted to work in the government or at ter how outrageous their demands.

a nonprofit, and this is the route you took. Perhaps government positions were not available, or perhaps you saw an opportunity to make a reasonable paycheck. Or you might have left the government just to contract yourself back to it.

You have a degree in a desirable field. That makes you a desirable commodity, and you conduct yourself appropriately.

If you have been around a while, you have been through multiple contracts and clients. Your federal colleagues work in the same offices doing the same things for years. Since you rarely work on a project for more than a few years, you have a more expansive understanding of government agencies and private-sector companies. You have a good idea of what works and what doesn’t.

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Suggested Professions

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Accounting, Forensics, HUMINT, Science (Statistics).

Targeting Officer

EQUIPMENT: Access to a wide range of computer Targeters are trained to identify the people, relation-programs that identify intrusions, recover lost data, ships, and organizations of the illegal arms trade, drug and trace hackers.

networks, terrorist nodes, cyber threats, and counterintelligence. They are most often contracted to the Counterintelligence Interrogator

CIA, DIA, and FBI.

A CI interrogator is usually former military, most PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

likely an intelligence officer. A CI interrogator ex-

» Accounting 50%

tracts useful information from detainees and packages

» Anthropology 60%

that information for use in operations. Despite their

» Bureaucracy 40%

reputation, they very rarely use torture. They are most

» Computer Science 40%

often contracted to the FBI, CIA, or DIA.

» Criminology 50%

PROFESSION: Equivalent to Foreign Service Officer.

» Foreign Language (choose one) 50%

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Firearms, HUMINT, Per-

» Forensics 30%

suade, Pharmacy.

» HUMINT 60%

EQUIPMENT: Access to pharmaceuticals and med-

» History 60%

icines to aid in questioning subjects, and access to a

» SIGINT 60%

library on behavioral anthropology and specialized BONDS: 3

topics like microexpression analysis.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, History, Law, Search.

RAND Corporation

EQUIPMENT: Access to classified detailed analyses of high-profile subjects and organizations, as well as The RAND Corporation (“Research ANd Devel-mountains of electronic surveillance data.

opment”) is a nonprofit policy and research think tank. Since the 1950s, RAND research has helped Contracting Signals Analyst

guide U.S. policy on issues from the space race to the Signals analysts decrypt and decipher electronic U.S.–Soviet nuclear arms confrontation, social welfare intercepts and present their findings so people under-programs, the digital revolution, and national health stand the implications. They are most often contract-care. RAND performs research for governments, ed to the NSA.

international organizations, and private companies PROFESSION: Computer Scientist.

and foundations. RAND uses quantitative processes SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Art (Writing), Bureaucra-like economics and the physical sciences. RAND has a cy, Foreign Language, HUMINT.

reputation for politically unbiased and forward-think-EQUIPMENT: Access to considerable classified data ing programs that can be controversial. RAND is also on the current project, and possibly data from previ-a degree-granting institution with its Pardee Graduate ous projects at different agencies.

School, a world-renowned public policy program.

EARNINGS: As a nonprofit, RAND technically does Digital Forensics Analyst

not have earnings. In 2015 its endowment was worth Forensic analysts combine computer science with about $230 million.

forensic skills to recover information from computers and storage devices. They are most often contracted to The RAND Operative at a Glance

the FBI, U.S. Marshals, DEA, and CIA.

POWERS OF ARREST? No.

PROFESSION: Computer Scientist.

EXPECTED TO CARRY A WEAPON? No.

76

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ACCESS TO OFFICIAL FUNDS? RAND strictly controls also known for its health policy work, particularly in expenses. With Bureaucracy, an Agent can access age and workforce productivity.

equipment or funds up to a Standard expense, but that almost always comes under official review.

Key RAND Project Divisions

OPERATIONAL BUDGET/REQUISITION OF RE-

and Research Programs

STRICTED ITEMS? No.

» Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center

» Army Research Division (Arroyo Center)

The Organization

» Project AIR FORCE

RAND is organized in divisions. Most of the divi-

» National Security Research

sions, like External Affairs, Research Services and

» Health Care

Operations, Finance, and Human Resources support

» Education and Labor

the Pardee School as well as the Research and Analysis Division. The Research and Analysis Division is Operatives

the heart of RAND. Subdivisions of Research and RAND employees are highly educated, many with Analysis include the Homeland Security Operational masters’ degrees or doctorates. Many research em-Analysis Center, Army Research, National Security ployees come from math, statistics, or physical science Research, Education and Labor, Health, and Proj-backgrounds. Public policy experts and scientists are ect AIR FORCE.

the plurality of RAND’s researchers, but just about RAND employs about 1700 employees in facili-any discipline can find a home at RAND.

ties and campuses throughout the United States and RAND hires staff from many backgrounds,

satellite operations around the world.

looking to bring in experts and thinkers from many About half of RAND’s research involves national cultures and backgrounds in order to foster new security issues and its work is often classified. RAND

ideas and an intellectually challenging atmosphere.

analyzes the application and acquisition of of man-RAND’s senior researchers and leaders are as likely power, personnel, and resources in the security realm.

to be women as men. RAND hires non-Americans to Other programs study strategy, military doctrine, and broaden the diversity of backgrounds and approaches tactics, particularly as they apply to new or recurring in their projects.

types of conflict like cyber and insurgencies. RAND is 77

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// The Complex //

Authority and Mandate

health industry were used to argue against universal RAND’s research mandates are decided by its lead-healthcare. Recent controversial reports questioned ership and outside sponsors. RAND occasionally the utility of public projects like hydroelectric dams.

performs unsolicited research projects, but most Rumors and conspiracy theories dog the company.

of its work is requested and funded by outside It is under continuous scrutiny by public watchdog organizations.

groups eager to critique RAND’s conclusions and any RAND was the first federally funded research and perception of malfeasance.

development center, or FFRDC. It works for the Army, Homeland Security, the Air Force, and the Undersecre-Playing RAND

tary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logis-RAND attracts some of the best and brightest in sci-tics. RAND has access to classified and sensitive files ence and the humanities. It sells itself as a place where that are not otherwise available to civilian researchers.

radical ideas and the scientific method can be turned into policy.

Field Operations

RAND takes pride in its reputation and expects When not in the field doing research, most RAND em-intelligence and initiative from its researchers. You are ployees are indoors and in front of computers. Team challenged to stay away from the “safe.” You bring members are both academic and practical experts in creativity to traditional research, and if you come up their fields and are expected to go “hands on” when-with uncomfortable results, that is OK. RAND’s lead-ever possible. Travel funds for RAND employees are ership is fine with radical conclusions and is willing easy to secure, especially those visiting institutions or to go to bat publically for controversial or unpopular facilities connected to their research projects.

results. What RAND leadership will not tolerate is bias. Political preference and pushing towards specific Areas of Friction

conclusions are for lesser think tanks.

RAND has a reputation for controversial reports. In In scientific fashion, failure is just as important as the 1950s, RAND made a mathematically-based ar-success. The end goal should always be practical, but gument for a first strike against the Soviet Union and unconventional thinking is embraced. RAND wants significant military spending on nuclear forces. In the pathfinders and leaders in their fields. It gets them by 1960s, its reports set the stage for intervention into producing new and interesting processes and results.

Southeast Asia, which would become the Vietnam War.

RAND prides itself on diversity. Almost fifty per-In the 1980s and 1990s, RAND’s research into the cent of RAND’s staff are not American. Additionally, the Pardee Graduate School’s student body is made 78

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// Private Sector //

up of graduate students from more than 20 countries, Project AIR FORCE Researcher (PAF)

many of whom join RAND after graduating. RAND’s PAF evaluates the effectiveness of Air Force weapons leadership believes that heterogeneous employees help and technology, and analyzes the use of Air Force foster a productive, challenging, and creative environ-assets to better anticipate future threats.

ment. Its researchers tend to agree.

PROFESSION: Scientist.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Craft Suggested Professions

(Mechanic or Microelectronics), Military Science (Air), SIGINT.

Army Fellow Visiting Analyst

EQUIPMENT: Technical manuals and professional Fellows are active-duty Army officers brought into journals on mathematics, physics, material science, the Army Research program as experts on how the electronics, and topics specific to the current project.

Army operates.

PROFESSION: Intelligence Analyst.

R&D Theoretical Mathematician

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, Military A theoretical mathematician proves abstract theorems, Science (Land), Navigate, Science (Ballistics).

develops mathematical descriptions (models) to ex-EQUIPMENT: A library on strategy and tactics and plain or predict phenomena, and identifies data trends.

engineering analyses of military hardware.

PROFESSION: Scientist.

SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Bureaucracy, History, Sci-Drug Policy Researcher

ence (Systems Theory), Science (Quantum Theory).

This division studies alcohol and drug use to better EQUIPMENT: A large library on math, quan-inform policymakers about addictive substances.

tum physics, and other scientific pursuits; and a PROFESSION: Scientist.

suite of computer programs and applications for SUGGESTED BONUS SKILLS: Criminology, Law, Mathe-model ing theories.

matics, Pharmacy.

EQUIPMENT: Many contacts in the pharmaceutical and law enforcement worlds.

79

Document Outline

The Complex

Copyright

Introduction

At a Glance

Suggested Professions

The Organizations

Law Enforcement

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Background Checks

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF or BATFE)

Tracing Firearms

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS)

Defense

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

“Cutters”

Intelligence

The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)

The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI)

The National Security Agency (NSA)

SCIFs

“Five Eyes” Coordination (FVEY)

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)

Special NGA Programs

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Interior

The National Park Service (NPS)

“Type 1 Hotshots”

Public Safety

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Research

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Treasury

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Private Sector

Constellis Group, Inc.

Firing and Prosecution in the Private Sector

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)

CACI International Inc. (CACI) & Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. (BAH)

RAND Corporation