The CIA doesn't need guys who know their way around Florence (!) without a map, but the CIA does need guys who can visit Iran without a visa, get around in Somalia without having a sign on their back that says, "I'm an American -- Kick Me," and so on.
But the CIA is too cheap. For specialized skills officers -- stereotypical images of CIA in mass culture -- expected to labor "in hazardous and austere overseas environments," it only pays $55,000 - $78,000.
<blockquote>Operations Officer -- Specialized Skills Officer Work Schedule: Full Time Salary: $55,000 - $78,000 Location: Washington, DC metropolitan area
The Clandestine Service is looking for U.S. citizen candidates to fill Specialized Skills Officer positions. Specialized Skills Officers can expect to focus on intelligence operations for U.S. policymakers in hazardous and austere overseas environments.
Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree and military special operations or combat arms experience (ground, air, or maritime). Previous foreign travel, combat service, and foreign language proficiency is highly valued. The 35-year maximum age requirement could be waived on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required.
To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.
<http://www.cia.gov/employment/jobs/operations_off_special.html></blockquote> -- Yoshie <http://montages.blogspot.com/> <http://mrzine.org> <http://monthlyreview.org/>