Trump rally exposes culture rot, staffing woes within Secret Service.

The USSS is under increased scrutiny following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Trump, which has sparked concerns about the agency's culture and staffing.

The USSS is facing criticism from current and former employees over understaffing despite a $3 billion budget, while leaders are being questioned about their handling of team morale and recruitment.

""The USSS counter sniper who failed is now facing the public perception of being undesirable for hiring as they move into their next career," a USSS counter sniper reportedly wrote in an internal email last week, part of which was read by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., during a congressional hearing on the assassination attempt."

The sniper claimed that the agency's slogan is "CYA," meaning "cover your a--," and that all supervisors are currently following this directive.

"The counter sniper wrote in an email obtained by Real Clear Politics reporter Susan Crabtree that the USSS CS team is a stain he will never be able to cleanse. He stated that the team failed not due to a lack of commitment or dedication, but because their supervisors knew better and deemed their concerns unimportant."

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last Tuesday, acting USSS Director Ronald Rowe Jr. was questioned by Representative Blackburn about the loss of public trust in the agency's ability to protect and the concerns of employees regarding covering their backs instead of focusing on protecting a former president.

Rowe Jr. said he was "hurt" by his employee's words.

""We need them because they are hurting right now," he said, expressing his pain."

Rowe, whose agency was also accused of retaliation last week, stated that emotions are raw within the USSS at the moment and that he wants to hear more from the counter sniper who wrote the email, describing himself as both a Marine and a 20-year veteran with the USSS. Rowe emphasized his commitment to reviewing the situation and being a "change agent."

Secret Service by the numbers

The number of USSS staff increased to 7,811 in 2021 but decreased to 7,689 in 2023, according to Congressional Research Service data.

According to the agency's website, there are approximately 3,200 agents, 1,300 uniformed division officers, and more than 2,000 support personnel.

According to Charles Marino, a former Secret Service agent who spent 18 years on the job, the quality of life is a major reason why agents are leaving the USSS.

Rowe hinted last week at the challenging lifestyle that agents face.

"The extensive travel our people undergo throughout the year is one of the most challenging aspects of the mission, especially during presidential campaign years when protectees have to travel across the country, often conducting multiple protective visits in a single day."

USSS recruits must sign mobility agreements, stating their willingness to accept assignments anywhere in the U.S. and overseas, according to the agency's website. However, Marino told Planet Chronicle Digital that "of course, your family moves with you."

What does it take to be a Secret Service agent?

During his 18 years with the agency, recruits didn't need any experience in law enforcement, but a college degree and five years experience in any job were required, Marino said.

According to the agency's website, it is now possible to start training for the USSS straight out of college.

Eligible candidates must be between 21 and 37 years old, while recruits with prior military experience can apply until they are 40.

"Marino, who protected Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, stated that the agency looks for recruits with a clean background and the ability to pass a polygraph. The ideal candidate should have played a college sport, be athletic, in shape, flexible, and thinkers."

The visual and hearing exam is a requirement for prospective recruits, with a maximum uncorrected vision of 20/100 and a corrected vision of 20/20, and a hearing loss limit of 25 decibels.

The agency requires accepted applicants to remove their tattoos before starting duty, except for an unobtrusive wedding band on one finger.

Prospective agents must undergo a medical examination and a polygraph test, in addition to a background check, driving record check, and drug screening.

The agency states that background checks are thorough and take between six and nine months to complete, involving interviews with friends, neighbors, and family members.

According to the agency's website, annual salaries for agents begin at $49,508. Prospective hires with a relevant master's degree, Ph.D., or field experience can be hired at a higher level and receive a higher salary.

To become agents, individuals must first pass the Special Agent Entrance Exam, which includes logic-based reasoning, grammar, and detail observation through photos. Additionally, they must undergo interviews with the agency's hiring panel.

According to Marino and the agency, accepted USSS agents undergo approximately eight months of training prior to receiving their first assignment.

After completing a Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Flynco, Georgia, agents spend approximately 18 weeks at the U.S. Secret Service James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, Maryland.

Agents are first assigned to a field office after completing intensive training, as stated by Marino.

"During my time, you would spend five to six years in your first field office before being considered for a protection detail or a former protection detail. However, I believe that timeframe has decreased significantly."

Marino stated that agents on a protection detail with a high-level protectee, such as the former president, should undergo two-week-long refresher training sessions every six weeks.

""The resource crunch during the campaign is likely preventing these kids from receiving the necessary training," Marino stated."