U.S. defense and spy agencies played a major role in creating the internet, and now the CIA is turning for the first time to online streaming services to recruit spies between the ages of 18 and 35.
FILE PHOTO: CIA Director Gina Haspel testifies to the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing about “worldwide threats” on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 29, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo
“It only takes one new piece … of foreign intelligence … and everything can change in an instant,” a CIA officer tells a classroom full of apparent recruits in the opening sequence of a new advert released by the agency on Monday.
“Start a career at the CIA and do more for your country than you ever dreamed possible,” the officer concludes the pitch reminiscent of Hollywood films.
The online recruitment campaign was conceived before social distancing measures were needed during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Central Intelligence Agency spokeswoman Nicole de Haay said. The agency has typically sought out future spies by targeting college students through “traditional” methods such as job fairs, she said.
The agency said in a statement it had cut 90, 60 and 15-second versions to run nationwide on entertainment, news and lifestyle streaming services.
More than 70% of U.S. households subscribe to at least one of Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime, according to Leichtman Research Group.
“To get the top talent we can’t just rely on traditional recruiting methods,” said de Haay.
In a speech at Auburn University last year CIA director Gina Haspel said it had the best recruiting year in a decade and wanted to make the agency “an employer of choice for all Americans.”
While the target audience for the streamed video spots is 18-35, all potential recruits would be considered, de Haay said.
Some of the CIA’s most famous foreign allies, including British spy agencies MI5 and MI6, have historically recruited officers through social connections, although more recently they have also turned to online recruitment pitches.
How does the CIA vet these “recruits”?? How many could be BLM ,Democrats ,Socialists/Marxists , or worse , muslims ??? Actually , there are none on the list that is worse than democrats. The democrat party is a version of “antifas” . All anarchists.
the 18-35 age bracket exemplifies the most ignorant section of American society. Many older Americans are better qualified for mos of the postings needed for the agency.
Again with the age discrimination by a federal agency. Will they never learn?
Dear CIA — I am a retired teacher of Theatre Arts, Music, Language Arts and Engkish as a Second Language. I am 70 years old, but in great health. Why on earth could I not be considered to work for the CIA. For one thing NO ONE WOULD EVER SUSPECT that i wortked for you! Could you please consider making an exception to the age restrictions? Thank you very much! I am a Patriot and I am certain that JFK Jr. is back! (Along with his lovely wifw, children and other relatives. I am also very excited about our peaceful and prosperous future!!
Good for you ! I spent 30 years working for one of those agencies, most of it I enjoyed. There are other agencies and contractors that you should consider.
Jim
Why 18 thru 35? Many over 35 are able to conduct many CIA tasks. So sad to limit those who can.
Well, that will be a good way to get Chinese and Russia’s double agents!😲
Maybe older Americans would be even better recruits because of the unlikeliest group expected.
the 18-35 age bracket exemplifies the most ignorant section of American society. Many older Americans are better qualified for mos of the postings needed for the agency.
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