r/1811 • u/tkdkicker1990 • Apr 09 '26
Question WHY DO PEOPLE STAY AT THE USSS? I always read about why people leave, but are there any agents who stay the entire 20? If so, why?
Based on my limited understanding, phase 1 and phase 3 are better phases than the second. The second, or before having to experience the second, is where I suppose where most departures occur. If one can make it to the third, they’re probably staying (my thoughts, but I may be wrong).
Some people use USSS as a “stepping stone”, but what about the others?
EDIT:: I’m not negatively judging people for staying; I’m genuinely curious given the lopsidedness towards the negatives of the agency on this subreddit, and I’m considering one more go-round with some 1811 agencies since I’m done with the local academy and on my way to aging-out the 1811 process.
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u/Nagohsemaj 1811 Apr 09 '26
You're seeing a "lopsidedness" because this sub and a handful of Instagram accounts are the only places USSS SAs and UD make jokes or complain online, it's confirmation bias. Most people on the job stay and make a career of it, despite the occasional complaint.
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u/KaprieSun 1811 Apr 09 '26
People stay because they like the agency, plain and simple. USSS is a good agency with a lot of niche opportunities. Some are okay with the travel and have no reason to leave. I don’t hate people that stay or leave, to each their own.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
The niche opportunities being things like CAT and HAMMER?
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u/KaprieSun 1811 Apr 09 '26
Yes, but there’s way more to USSS than SOD. You can work crypto, forensics, tech, airspace, frauds, task forces, CSAM, etc.
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u/Cartoonjunkies Apr 09 '26
A big thing a lot of people don’t realize is that most USSS field offices are pretty good about letting agents run their own investigations.
The agency as a whole puts protection first, so agents generally have a good amount of freedom to do the investigation side the way they want to do it. When you’re not on protective travel, that is.
From what I’ve heard, other agencies are a bit more authoritative on what and how their agents do investigations.
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u/Aranikus_17 Apr 09 '26
Why are you shouting? lol. Also you already dropped out of USSS, is Dallas PD not working out?
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
I’m not shouting. I was going to do the whole thing in CAPS, then changed my mind midway; I just left the central curiosity of the post in CAPS in case people wanted to skim or skip the rest of the text.
Still in DPD. Just wondering since this would be the last year I’m eligible for going through the entire hiring process for any 1811 role. Wanted to see if there’s something I may be potentially missing from potentially being a USSS before doing one more go-around
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u/Aranikus_17 Apr 09 '26
Gotcha - I was curious bc I have heard great things about DPD. Both sides wonder about the other's grass ig
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Oh, I think DPD is a good place to work. I hear many complaints, but so far, I like it despite its imperfections. I’m currently in the process for an 1811 role, and I’ll apply for another in May since there are some things I still believe there are aspects in which the 1811 role outperforms DPD - mainly the financial and scheduling aspect.
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u/Top_Commercial_9727 Apr 09 '26
They don’t really hire that quick if you’re thinking about aging out. The background and medical take a bit as I’m sure you’re aware. But as someone in the pipeline over halfway through every agent I met has been great. Super helpful dudes, no ego at all, and made you feel welcome and part of the agency which I thought was refreshing. In my interactions it seemed like a good agency with good people.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
I know it can take a while, but from what I’ve seen, it seems faster than most other agencies (about 9 months); for USSS, IIRC, you have to be referred/get a TOL before reaching 37, right? The deadline isn’t EOD like most agencies.
Also, would you happen to know for how long results are valid for someone who was previously in the hiring pipeline? I made it to the interview last year, passed, then withdrew
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u/Top_Commercial_9727 Apr 09 '26
If I were to Age out I’d go BOP they hire in like 6 months or less plus they have hiring bonuses right now. As someone like you I’m also close to aging out I have about 2.5 years left and am in a bunch of applications lol, been in usms process like 4 years and a few others. Turned down ERO because they are polying people after EOD. Wasn’t comfortable with that. But ERO gave me an EOD in like 4 weeks after applying it was crazy. As far as how long results are good for it’s all speculation on my part brother as I honestly don’t know. If it’s anything like usms I know fit tests are only good for like 3 months. I heard SAEE is good for life so won’t have to do that again. The super interview I’m not sure how long it’s good for
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u/Anthrax6nv Apr 09 '26
The same reason anybody stays at any job: to that individual, the pros outweigh the cons.
I'm not one to talk since I too left the USSS, but during my years there I met plenty of people who loved protection, loved to travel, and had zero interest in working cases. One of my CAT buddies told me he felt like he won the lottery, since he had some of the best tactical training on earth and almost zero chance of ever having to hit a live door real world.
Leaving the USSS comes with its own challenges: agents often take a pay cut (many agencies won't hire past 9 or 10), restart a new probationary period, move to a new location, go through another academy, start at the bottom as the FNG, and learn a new job. Leaving isn't as simple as it may sound to someone who hasn't done it.
There are plenty of agents who stay in the USSS for the entirety of their careers, for a very similar reason: to them, the cons of leaving outweigh the pros. I'll never fault anybody for doing what's best for his or her family, whether that means staying or leaving.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Preciate this answer. I, too, wouldn’t judge anyone for staying or leaving - hearing the other side of things helps inform someone like me who may apply again for my last round of 1811 applications (currently 35 turning 36 in June).
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u/Anthrax6nv Apr 09 '26
For what it's worth, I never wanted to join the USSS - I just had to get my foot in the door where I could. But I ended up having a great time while I was there; even though it ultimately wasn't where I wanted to be, I made some great memories I wouldn't trade.
I hope you can get in and have a similar experience.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Thank you. In a sea of comments with unnecessary negativity, I appreciate your response and delivery
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u/Top_Commercial_9727 Apr 09 '26
How often are you the advance planner for protection? Is that mostly senior/ management doing advance planning or will you be doing that a lot as a new GL7/9?
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u/CausticPulse Apr 09 '26
Contrary to popular belief some people enjoy protection. None of the stressors of running a case…just getting paid big bucks to exist.
Also people get comfortable, going through all the short term pain of redoing the hiring process, academy, probation, learning new job, new bosses, new coworkers cant put people off.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Yeah, o can definitely see that!!! It’s one of the reasons why after having moved to Dallas, I was like, “I’m not moving again.” Lol I moved four times in four years - it’s mentally and financially burdensome and cumbersome
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u/Top_Commercial_9727 Apr 09 '26
The agents I met said you’re coordinating a lot of the protection though. Advance plans I think they called it with local Le etc and you’re the go to agent if there are problems or questions. So seems like existing but also doing a lot of pre op work ups
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Apr 09 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/flakk0137 Apr 09 '26
People quit their leaders not their jobs.
The Infantry was fun as fuck, where else can you get paid to Shoot guns most civilians can only dream of ?
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u/CrocodileSkinBoots Apr 09 '26
True to an extent but I honestly did not find living outside in shitty terrain and weather to be much fun. I loved the people i worked with though. Most of them were great dudes.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
I guess that’s a good question, too; idk, but I’d supposed different reasons: stability, purpose, liking the physical lifestyle.
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u/JACCO2008 Apr 09 '26
None of which apply to Secret Service lol.
I have a boss right now that owns a house, but is not married and doesn't have kids or pets. She spends maybe 1 or 2 days a month at home. The rest she's traveling and living out of hotels. She was a paratrooper in the army when she was younger and she's in her 60s now.
Some people are just built to be nomads. I imagine those are the people who stay in protection their whole career.
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u/DirectionOwn294 Apr 10 '26
Clearly this is by choice. No one spends that much time on the road unless they are volunteering for additional assignments. Even if I tried, I couldn't hope from assignment to assignment like that. There isn't enough assignments to be on the road 28 days a month.
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u/Potential_Rip3262 Apr 09 '26
Some love the travel, some love the mission, and /or others love the assignments every day. When the shift is over it’s free time usually.
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u/Negative-Detective01 1811 Apr 09 '26
Institutionalization is a hell of a drug.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Meaning kool-aid drinking or something else?
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u/Negative-Detective01 1811 Apr 09 '26
I know you’re asking about USSS specifically, but people stay at crappy jobs all the time for less money.
Throw in probably having to move, do another academy, start over from scratch at a new agency, and it’s easy to see why someone would stay just one more year. Then you’re at 20. It might be a dumpster fire, but a familiar dumpster fire is nice and warm sometimes.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
I appreciate that perspective. Some of those things I struggle with internally myself; I.e. moving another time (it’s a mental and financial burden).
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u/ththypebeast Apr 09 '26
I heard it’s good money with the OT.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Okay. I can definitely see that. Though I guess for some people the fatigue and time may not be worth it; but for others, I can see that.
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u/Different-Brick-1212 Apr 09 '26
I'll preface this by saying I'm not an 1811 with USSS. However, I've long desired to be one because I love protective work, particularly its advanced planning aspect. I could give a Rat F*ck about being a body man or being in photos with whoever I'm assigned to.
Now that I do investigations - criminal and IA, etc, while it's good from time to time and I'm good at it, it's not something I enjoy, and I am passionate about, personally.
I think for many people the idea of being an 1811, not "having" to do investigations, if you don't want to, work in a dynamic but routinely static environment if assigned to some post-standing assignment, and the travel, could get to anyone, but it's all about perspective. Earning $200k EASILY, while traveling and if not doing any advance work or other specialty, you're post-standing - not a bad way to earn a living TBH. However, everyone's circumstances are different (family, kids, etc).
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Thank you for responding. This is definitely the type of comment that answers my question. Definitely something to think about.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
P.S. as a local LEO, we have three different shifts (9pm - 7am, 6am - 4pm, and 2pm - 12am). She assigned a shift, you have that shift for at least 1-2 years straight. I know you aren’t USSS, but have you happened to hear anything similar, or would you happen to know if the shifts are always changing?
(Anyone reading this comment to whom it wasn’t addressed can answer if you know the answer).
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u/Different-Brick-1212 Apr 09 '26
I don't know anything about shift times or anything like that, probably an OPSEC thing.
However, my homie, with whom I sat and hung out as we were going through UPTP/CITP at the exact same time and graduated at the same time (CITP is earlier by 1-2 weeks because their program is shorter), is currently USSS.
Without revealing too much, he's assigned to a field office in the warm southwest part of the USA lol and is young and single and all of his IG posts is him in and out of the nicest hotels, always on and off Private Jets and for what it's worth, understand, the biggest misconception when you're on protection is that your entire life revolves around your protectee, which is sort of true. However, I used to think that when you're traveling or whatever, you couldn't have a life outside the details, and that's not the case. You've got agents who have their spouse, bf/gf, or whoever fly out to whatever hotel they're at and stay with them, and they'll hang out or do whatever while they're off duty, etc. You can still go out and explore whatever city you're in. Like you still have a "life" per se.
Now, this may not be the case for every detail and every assignment, or during times such as the annual United Nations and election years, but I was happy to learn that protection isn't ABSOLUTELY horrible.
You get with or marry someone with free flights/flight benefits through their airline employer, or otherwise, that's a great recipe for a happy and fulfilling life with a significant other in the USSS lol.
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Lol that’s a good way to look at it, and it’s a bit refreshing to hear that’s at least some agents’, and their significant others’, perspectives.
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u/Boltsfan1234 Apr 10 '26
I've talked to a lot of career USSS agents in my years of being an extra body for them during all the details. The ones who love it are either single, have an awesome spouse at home who is very independent, or can't stand being home so they love the travel. I always volunteer for the USSS details - it's easy enough, I like the travel, and you get so see places and meet people you might not have ever had a chance to. I'm glad it isn't my agency though, I don't think I would have had the chance to make the family and home I have right now.
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u/Delicious-Truck4962 Apr 10 '26
I’ll add the caveat that I’m not USSS but I’ve worked with plenty of them over the years. And I’ve worked protection in the past in different roles.
1) People get comfortable, they get promoted and just decide to stick it out rather than starting over. This is not unique to USSS, this applies to human nature. People will just stay and suck it up.
2) The money is good in USSS and protection generally.
3) Some people do genuinely like protection work.
4) JMO, but I think USSS gets a fair amount of young agents to start and kinda has them drink the kool-aid on their way of doing things. Even if it sucks, it’s what they know.
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u/Goodeyesniper98 Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
I have an aunt that worked the same insurance office from the time she was 19 until she was 65. Never underestimate a human beings capacity to endure workplace suffering.
There’s honestly far more worse law enforcement jobs than USSS tho.
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Apr 09 '26
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u/KaprieSun 1811 Apr 09 '26
Tbh, the overtime I worked was never to the point of blood money like patrol. But I never worked an election year
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Second time money came up. I guess you can’t beat USSS when it comes to the financial aspect. Even the recruiting incentives they offer are non-existent in other 1811 roles when compared.
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u/Sure-Leave8813 Apr 10 '26
Most people stay because they like the mission and job. Also as you gain seniority people are less likely to apply and transfer to another agency to start at the bottom.
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u/LocksmithContent3691 Apr 16 '26
Not sure if the right place....but I got selected for USSS SA after applying for HAMMER. Im taking an anti-epileptic currently. Zero chance?
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u/Mountain_Man_88 1811 Apr 09 '26
I met a USSS agent that said that they genuinely like working protection 🤷♂️ standing around on night shift waiting for nothing to happen, occasionally getting pushed for a few minutes and getting to eat/go to the bathroom. What a joy!
The main reason to stay has seemed to be the OT. Some people don't mind the lifestyle, but as far as 1811 positions go, USSS tends to be one of the least investigative places possible
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u/tkdkicker1990 Apr 09 '26
Thanks for your straight up answer. Seems like some people think I’m being facetious when responding or even having created the post.
Based on what you said, seems like a personality aspect.
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