15 things you don’t know about FBI special agents

(Picture: ABC Studios)

We all secretly want to be FBI agents.

But – let’s be completely honest – we’re not
entirely sure what that actually entails.
We mostly just think it’s a legitimate way to be like a cool movie spy, running around and taking down bad guys.
Which, actually, is semi-accurate.

Thankfully, Quantico (that’s a TV show all about FBI agents, by the way), balances the reality of becoming an FBI agent with all the exciting stuff.
Here’s a few things you should probably know about being an FBI special agent before you make it your dream job.

1. Every FBI special agent has to go through an intense 21 weeks of training

There are tests. There’s training. The agents get to know the other agents working towards the same mission.

It’s a bit like a very long summer camp, except much, much harder.
That’s where we meet everyone in Quantico.

(Picture: ABC Studios)

2. That training takes place in Quantico, Virginia

Yes, Quantico is a real place, not just the name of the show. It’s all real.

3. The first female agent was Alaska P. Davidson

At age 54, Alaska P. Davidson was asked to be the FBI’s first ever female special agent. She served alongside two other women for two years, and then was made to leave by J. Edgar Hoover, who declared that he had no work for a woman.
Thankfully the situation’s not so rubbish now – which explains why there are badasses like Alex Parrish running around and doing big things.

4. A special agent can’t have any secrets

Everyone training alongside them is a master of interrogation and investigation.
If someone’s keeping a secret, it’ll come out pretty quickly. That’s where the drama comes in.

(Picture: ABC Studios)

5. They’ll need to go through intense background checks to get on the training

Every single agent goes through a rigorous background check to make sure they’re not a risk.

6. And they’ll need to know how to master a polygraph

Could you be totally honest when someone’s questioning you about your darkest secrets?
Or could you keep your heart and blood rate totally steady while you lie your face off?

7. Agents are required to be armed at all times

Once they’ve made it through their training, that is. Would you trust skilled masters of deception with a gun before you were sure they were being entirely honest?

(Picture: ABC Studios)

8. There are loads of acronyms and special lingo agents need to know

Who has time to speak in full words and sentences when you’re running around doing high stakes stuff?

9. Plus they’ll need to be fluent in their alpha bravo charlie

Yes, that’s an actual language with a specific words to represent each letter – not just whatever word beginning with that letter comes to mind.
Mind-blowing, we know.

10. The training isn’t just interrogation and shooting

There’s also the academic side of things: behavioural science, fundamental law, how to conduct cyber investigations, and loads of other not as exciting stuff.
Thankfully the characters in Quantico have enough personal drama to keep those bits interesting.

(Picture: ABC Studios)

11. Agents-in-training now use specially created virtual reality

This bit’s pretty cool.
The FBI has their own virtual reality simulator called VirtSim, which creates a 360-degree environment for agents-in-training to immerse themselves in a task environment.

12. Every FBI special agent has to be fit

The training includes constant checks on each agent’s ability to do plenty of push-ups, speedy sprints, and long runs.
It’s important for agents to be fit enough to escape danger and chase down people they need to capture, so every agent needs to be in the best possible physical condition.

13. There’s a lot of sexual tension

We’re talking about a bunch of adrenaline-filled people in peak physical fitness.
Of course there’s going to be some sexy stuff.

(Picture: ABC Studios)

14. They really do risk their lives

They run past explosions, dodge bullets, and generally do a bunch of scary stuff to protect the people.

15. FBI special agents are truly badass

All the cool, impressive, and life-risking things you see special agents do in Quantico? That’s pretty true-to-life.

Potential agents are selected from thousands of applicants, purely down to their aptitude and special skills in interrogation, investigation, and generally being brilliant.
So. Badass.

Quantico is bought to you by ABC Studios
Season 1 available on Sky Box Sets, NOW TV and Virgin TV
Season 2 returns to W Channel 2nd March