Dude, you simply don't understand the mindset of these guys. They never, ever, ever hang out with their targets. They have a deeply ingrained committment which does not allow them to consider that target as a person but as an object, as if they were protecting the crown jewels or the holy grail or somesuch. For the most part, the officials being guarded and their families treat these guys like some kind of servant and demand that they hold dog leashes, carry packages and fetch things. They don't, of course, they just send a message to have a gofer do it, all the while maintaining a fake respect and a stone face.Originally Posted by argonath
They usually dislike the officials, personally, but that has no bearing on the seriousness of their duty to protect them. If the "target" were to be harmed, they consider it a personal failure of the highest degree, even if they think that this person is a complete waste of skin. Their job is to protect regardless of their opinion of the character or worth of the person.
Most of my contact was during the Clinton administration. Most of the agents were very conservative. Do the math. They did their job to the very best of their ability, despite their distaste for the views and highjinks of the officials that they guarded. It comes with the territory.
The lack of character of the officials *cannot* rub off on the agent, because the agent holds himself separate from the official. This stoicism takes quite a toll on the agents ability to form close relationships, I might add. That is one of the reasons (besides lots of long hours, travel and inability to talk about their "day") why a majority of agents have very unsuccessful personal lives and divorce is rampant.
Reply With Quote
