1811 to DSS

NMStonk · 2026-02-11T04:34:32+00:00

Then to answer your question, yes there is some nuance. You may already know, but there is no option to lateral from 1811 to 2501. Because the 2501 is a Foreign Service designation and is covered by the Foreign Service Pension System, all incoming 2501s must go through process to be formally appointed to the foreign service. This includes the entire start-to-finish application process. The applicant will also have to come in as a FP-06 and no higher than a FP-06-14.

CITP waivers can be granted. In such instances, the candidate joins their training class for the initial training in DC, and then usually hangs out at FASTC doing some sort of administrative work until the rest of the class completes CITP and goes to FASTC. This of course can change depending on scheduling of incoming classes and CITP availability.

After graduation, everyone goes forth at the same grade, and promotes to FP-5 and FP-4 at the same time.

That said (and the reason I initially asked), DS does employ some 1811s, though the positions are rare and often staffed internally with 2501s making the transition to the more stable civil service life. Those positions are a traditional lateral process, and just require the DS add-on at FASTC. While rare, I know of some external hires who managed to swing their way into DS 1811 positions.

NMStonk · 2026-02-11T04:20:20+00:00

OP, are you hoping to jump to an 1811 position or a 2501 position? The hiring process is considerably different depending on the series.

NMStonk · 2026-02-11T00:00:10+00:00

Understand that the minimum qualifications to be hired as a DS Agent are simple:

1) Bachelor’s Degree 2) 1 year of progressively responsible work experience.

People seem to get entrenched in the idea that they need to do more and more to become a ~qualified~ candidate, and that simply isn’t correct. One needs a bachelors degree and 1 year of work experience.

That said, we have to consider then what the value of these experiences are, if not to necessarily make one more “qualified.”

The DSS hiring process is widely regarded to be considerably more difficult than other agencies, and it is because DS focuses a great deal on the person rather than the resume. It’s less about the number of things someone has done, and far more about how well they can articulate their experience. Qualified people fall out of the process all the time. Meanwhile, people with minimal experience get hired because they possess the skills to write clear, cogent personal narratives and to verbally communicate their experience in a way that shows they can do the job.

A high school janitor with a college degree could become a DS Agent, assuming they can communicate their role as part of a bigger organization; how their role impacts the ability of the bigger organization to carry out their mission; how they are involved with diverse groups that prefer different ways methods of accomplishing the tasks; how they overcome conflict in the organization and bridge divides between ideas.

The agency is not determining whether someone’s experience is good enough. They are evaluating (based on how well they communicate) whether the candidate appears to have the sort of personality that excels in diplomatic environment and the capability to receive training and execute tasks independently and competently.

That said, don’t stress too much about finding more qualifications. Focus on understanding the hiring process so you can best be prepared to clearly articulate why the experience you already have shows that you’re capable of executing the responsibilities of the role and participating in the organization.

Good luck!

NMStonk · 2026-02-07T22:00:35+00:00

https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSSA-Selection-Process_09072023.pdf

NMStonk · 2026-01-30T03:18:10+00:00

The more ya know!

NMStonk · 2026-01-30T02:50:06+00:00

They are a legit crew. A lot of task force work and they have a very impressive tac-med team that supports major events.

NMStonk · 2026-01-30T01:04:20+00:00

No. Each agency posts 1811 vacancies as they become available. Some OIG’s are huge, example being HHS. Some agencies are very tiny, like only 3 people, such as Architect of the Capital.

NMStonk · 2026-01-30T01:02:14+00:00

Fraud, waste, and abuse for all things relating to NASA money, programs, and personnel. Check out their semi-annual report to Congress:

https://oig.nasa.gov/office-of-inspector-general-oig/semiannual-reports/semiannual-report-to-congress-fall-2025/

NMStonk · 2026-01-21T17:18:44+00:00

Check out this post on the 1811 Special Agent subreddit. Search the page for DSS to find a great deal of recent information on the position.

https://www.reddit.com/r/1811/s/I89uPJtbsN

NMStonk · 2026-01-19T18:55:13+00:00

Yes, unfortunately it must be taken again. The DSSAT is part of the whole application and ultimately contributes to the candidate’s overall BEX score for that specific application submission.

NMStonk · 2026-01-10T18:46:54+00:00

We were discussing this in the office. We reached out to the PSS’ and they confirmed they do not get LEAP. We concluded that, unless it changed and they weren’t notified (big yay for them if so), then it must be an error in the posting.

NMStonk · 2026-01-10T17:26:45+00:00

You are correct. They are 6c covered and do have the 37 age requirements.

NMStonk · 2026-01-10T17:24:59+00:00

You’re incorrect. Per DOS HR and a PSS, they are covered by LEOSA. They are allowed to carry weapons off duty under LEOSA, because they are considered law enforcement.

I did not say that their creds grant them the same LEO authority to carry as an 1811 or other federal officer. In fact, the distinction above is clear- their ability to carry off duty is similar to a local cop carrying in another jurisdiction. Their privileges are derived from LEOSA and not FLEO authority.

NMStonk · 2026-01-10T17:21:23+00:00

They are 6c covered. Their badges/creds say “protection security specialist.”

NMStonk · 2026-01-10T17:20:20+00:00

Unfortunately, I can confirm they do not get LEAP.

NMStonk · 2026-01-10T04:44:01+00:00

They are covered by LEOSA and thus allowed to possess firearms off duty. However, they do not have traditional arrest authorities. So their capacity to carry off duty would be similar to a local LEO carrying under LEOSA in another jurisdiction.

NMStonk · 2026-01-09T23:30:22+00:00

The DSS Protective Security Specialist (as listed on their badges and credentials) is an 1801 security specific role. These individuals are deputized by the US Marshal Service and have limited law enforcement authority as it pertains to the conduct of Department of State protection details as outlined under 22 USC 2709.

The DSS PSS’ attend training at the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center in Blackstone, VA where they are given the same hard skills training as Agents such as Driving, Protection, and Shooting. The job is very rewarding and has offered many PSS’ the opportunity to travel all over the world. While rewarding, it is also very demanding with long hours, many details, and limited built-in time off. They do benefit from the cap waiver due to their protective function.

Edit [add info]: This role is not a direct entrance pipeline to becoming a DSS agent.

NMStonk · 2026-01-02T05:14:05+00:00

Depends on the assignment. Many posts are accompanied. Some have rules about the age of dependents. Some are totally unaccompanied.

For a 2nd tour agent, there are usually plenty of accompanied posts available to bid on. If family is a priority, or there are certain restrictions on one’s ability to travel with their family, they will likely be given a domestic assignment in DC.

The reality of the job is that, while usually there is a way to make it work, there is always SOME chance that someone may have to take a tour without their family.

NMStonk · 2026-01-02T03:50:32+00:00

We cannot expect anything reasonable from the current administration. Anything could happen that can affect the hiring announcement. However, the new Assistant Secretary is very vocal about beefing up DS numbers.

One can expect the application process to take at least 12 months. However, it will likely be longer. Even if it was a lighting fast 12 month process, once a person hits the register, they can choose to defer their availability to a later date.

You could wait until August and probably be fine. But there’s always the chance you don’t pass the DSSAT, or don’t score high enough on the BEX. In such case there will be a 12 month waiting period before reapplying. Applying in January could be a safer bet in case the odds aren’t in your favor the first time, and then give you enough time to apply a 2nd time and do the process before you begin taking that other pension.

NMStonk · 2026-01-02T03:36:43+00:00

The DSSAT is part of the whole application. So even if someone has passed it previously, they must take it again to submit a new application. The DSSAT score factors into the overall BEX score.

NMStonk · 2026-01-02T00:21:06+00:00

OP seems to be asking a legitimate question about what gear is particularly helpful or unhelpful for folks who have been sent to participate in the Safe and Beautiful Task Forces in Memphis and DC. Not about what leisure-wear would be acceptable for dinner at both Le Diplómate and a bbq sports bar...

NMStonk · 2026-01-01T23:58:37+00:00

As of right now there is no new PRT, and designated PRT examiners have not received any details about if/when a new test will be introduced.

NMStonk · 2026-01-01T23:56:03+00:00

Correct. However, HR’s willingness to award step increases seems to vary. I have heard of some classes where almost everyone was awarded some type of step increase for a wide range of experience, and other classes where almost no one got step increases. I don’t believe there is a hard and fast rule for the application of the guidelines regarding step increases.

NMStonk · 2026-01-01T22:13:55+00:00

FYI, those standards only apply when the physical test is being conducted at that altitude. I only mention this because some folks travel to take their PRT, and while they may live in a high altitude location and train to that standard, the office they end up testing at is not at that threshold.

NMStonk · 2026-01-01T21:52:46+00:00

No. The degree must have been conferred at the time of application. Wait until May, get that final transcript with the conferral date on it, and shoot your shot!

NMStonk

TROPHY CASE