FBI vs CIA - How Do They Compare?

Summary

The video script delves into the history, roles, and operations of two prominent American agencies: the FBI and CIA. It highlights the FBI's inception by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte and President Theodore Roosevelt, its evolution into a key crime-fighting entity, and its current structure with a workforce of over 35,000 across numerous global offices. The script also touches on the CIA's focus on national security, its creation post-World War II, and its involvement in significant global events. The relationship between the two agencies is discussed, with a mention of the intelligence sharing and occasional challenges following events like 9/11. The recruitment process for both agencies is outlined, emphasizing the stringent requirements and training involved. The summary concludes by comparing the different working environments and the personal sacrifices made by agents, as well as providing a glimpse into their potential earnings.

Takeaways

• 📜 The FBI and CIA are two American agencies that have been the subject of much intrigue and media attention, often shrouded in mystery and sometimes blamed for duplicity and scandals.
• 🔍 The FBI was established by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte and President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, initially as the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), and officially became the FBI in 1935.
• 🕵️‍♂️ J. Edgar Hoover, a controversial figure, served as the director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972, focusing on crime-busting and investigating political radicals.
• 🏛 The FBI's headquarters are in Washington, D.C., with 56 field offices in the U.S. and about 60 offices in other countries, employing around 35,000 people including special agents and various specialists.
• 🚨 The FBI collaborates with state and local law enforcement and does not supersede police during investigations; it requires cooperation.
• 🌐 The CIA was created on July 26, 1947, under the National Security Act, with a focus on national security, intelligence gathering, and countering threats like terrorism and political upheavals.
• 🔎 The CIA's involvement in global conflicts is extensive, including the Iranian coup d'état in 1953 and the Vietnam War, often manipulating foreign governments and factions in the interest of U.S. national security.
• 🤫 The CIA is secretive about its workforce numbers and maintains a strict policy of non-disclosure for its agents, emphasizing the importance of secrecy in their operations.
• 🤝 While there is some controversy and competition between the FBI and CIA, they do collaborate on matters of national security where information sharing is crucial.
• 🏃‍♂️ Joining either agency requires rigorous selection processes, including age and education requirements, physical fitness tests, and extensive background checks.
• 💰 Salaries for both FBI and CIA agents vary widely based on experience and role, with new agents starting at a lower wage and senior agents potentially earning over $100,000 annually.

Q & A

What was the original purpose of the FBI?

The original purpose of the FBI, known initially as the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), was to create a corps of special agents within the justice department to address the need for federal-level law enforcement and investigation.

Who is credited with the creation of the FBI?

The FBI was the brainchild of Attorney General Charles Bonaparte, who, along with President Theodore Roosevelt, agreed on the need for a federal investigative agency in 1908.

What significant event led to the creation of the CIA?

The creation of the CIA was largely prompted by the attack on Pearl Harbor, which highlighted the need for a centralized intelligence agency focused on national security.

What are the main concerns of the CIA?

The CIA's main concerns include terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, monitoring global political upheavals and dangers, and more recently, cyber-intelligence.

How does the FBI collaborate with state and local law enforcement?

The FBI does not supersede local law enforcement; instead, it works in collaboration with state and local officers on investigations, as the FBI itself does not have the authority to bypass local jurisdictions.

What is the controversy regarding the sharing of intelligence between the FBI and CIA post-9/11?

A congressional report after 9/11 criticized the lack of responsible intelligence sharing between the agencies, which may have prevented a potential counter-action against the threat from Al Qaeda.

What are the age and education requirements to join the FBI?

To join the FBI, applicants must be between the ages of 23 and 37, possess a four-year degree, have three years of work experience, and hold a driver's license.

What are some of the skills and qualifications that could prioritize an applicant for the FBI?

Applicants with qualifications in language, law, accounting, computer science/information technology, or diversified skills are prioritized for their specialized expertise.

How does the CIA's recruitment process differ from the FBI's?

While both agencies require background checks, medical evaluations, and polygraphs, the CIA places a greater emphasis on secrecy and discretion, and its employees often need to undertake specialized training programs and have a strong understanding of international affairs.

What are some of the potential drawbacks of working for the CIA?

Working for the CIA can involve high levels of secrecy, which may require agents to withhold information from friends and family. Additionally, the nature of the work can be stressful and may involve witnessing or knowing about morally challenging situations.

What are the potential salary ranges for new agents in the FBI and special investigators in the CIA?

A new FBI agent may receive a salary of about $47,000, while a senior agent could earn more than $130,000 a year. For the CIA, special investigators' wages can range from $74,000 to $137,000.

How does the level of public disclosure differ between the work of an FBI agent and a CIA agent?

FBI agents generally have more flexibility in discussing their work with others, with only a small amount of information being classified. In contrast, CIA agents are required to maintain a higher level of secrecy, often not being able to disclose their work even to close friends and family.

Outlines

00:00

🕵️‍♂️ History and Functions of the FBI and CIA

This paragraph provides an overview of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), two influential American agencies often surrounded by mystery and intrigue. The FBI was established in 1908 by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte and President Theodore Roosevelt, initially to address the need for a special agent corps within the justice department. Over time, it has been involved in numerous high-profile investigations, such as the pursuit of Bonnie and Clyde, the Enron scandal, the JFK Assassination, and 9/11. The FBI, with its headquarters in Washington, D.C., collaborates with state and local law enforcement and employs a diverse workforce of around 35,000, including special agents, scientists, and IT specialists. The CIA, created in 1947, focuses on national security and intelligence, with a history that includes significant global interventions. It is known for its secrecy and does not disclose the number of employees but is known to recruit individuals with a wide range of expertise. Both agencies have had their share of scandals and are often subjects of conspiracy theories, yet they remain central to American security and law enforcement.

05:02

🔍 Joining the FBI and CIA: Requirements and Training

The second paragraph delves into the stringent requirements and processes for joining the FBI and CIA. To become an FBI agent, candidates must be between 23 and 37 years old, possess a four-year degree, have three years of work experience, and hold a driver’s license. They may also need qualifications in specific areas such as language, law, accounting, or computer science. The selection process includes physical fitness tests, medical and background checks, and polygraph examinations. Successful candidates undergo 20 weeks of training at the FBI Academy. The CIA also has a rigorous selection process, looking for individuals with a university degree, knowledge of international affairs, and potentially multilingual skills. Clandestine service employees are typically aged between 26 and 35. The CIA values skills in data analysis, negotiation, discretion, diplomacy, and criminal investigative experience. Prospective agents undergo a 56-day Criminal Investigation Training Program and further 18 months of training at the CIA headquarters. The paragraph also touches on the secretive nature of CIA work, the risks involved in both agencies, and the varying salary scales based on the role and experience.

Keywords

💡FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a government agency responsible for investigating federal crimes and enforcing federal laws in the United States. It is depicted in the video as a catalyst of excitement and intrigue due to its involvement in high-profile cases and its portrayal in media. The FBI's history is traced back to its creation by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte and President Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing its evolution and significance in American law enforcement.

💡CIA

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an American intelligence agency focused on national security. It is highlighted in the video for its secretive nature and its role in global espionage and intelligence gathering. The CIA's creation was partly motivated by the attack on Pearl Harbor, indicating its historical importance in safeguarding the nation against threats. The agency's activities often overlap with the FBI's, but it primarily deals with international issues rather than domestic crimes.

💡Charles Bonaparte

Charles Bonaparte was the Attorney General who conceived the idea of the FBI. His collaboration with President Theodore Roosevelt led to the establishment of a corps of special agents within the justice department, which later became the FBI. Bonaparte's role is significant as it sets the historical context for the FBI's formation and its initial purpose.

💡J. Edgar Hoover

J. Edgar Hoover was the director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972 and is mentioned in the video as a controversial figure in the agency's history. Hoover's tenure saw significant changes in the FBI's focus, including the investigation of political radicals and organized crime, which shaped the agency's reputation and methods.

💡National Security Act

The National Security Act of 1947 is the legislation that led to the creation of the CIA. The act was a response to the need for a centralized intelligence agency to protect the United States from external threats in the post-World War II era. The video emphasizes the CIA's focus on national security, which is rooted in the objectives outlined in this act.

💡Espionage

Espionage refers to the act of spying or using spies to obtain secret or confidential information. In the context of the video, espionage is a key function of the CIA, which involves gathering intelligence about foreign governments, factions, and potential threats to the United States. The term is used to illustrate the secretive and strategic nature of the CIA's work.

💡Organized Crime

Organized crime involves criminal activities conducted by structured groups with the aim of非法牟利. The video mentions the FBI's role in investigating organized crime, particularly during the Prohibition era and in its pursuit of notorious mobsters like Bonnie and Clyde. This keyword highlights the FBI's historical efforts to combat and dismantle criminal networks.

💡Cyber-Intelligence

Cyber-intelligence pertains to the collection, analysis, and exploitation of information in the digital realm to prevent or respond to cyber threats. The video notes that this is a more recent concern for the CIA, reflecting the evolving nature of national security threats in the modern era.

💡Counter-terrorism

Counter-terrorism involves efforts to prevent, disrupt, or mitigate acts of terrorism. The video discusses the CIA's and FBI's involvement in counter-terrorism, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. This keyword underscores the agencies' commitment to protecting national security against terrorist threats.

💡Intelligence Sharing

Intelligence sharing is the process by which different agencies and entities exchange information to enhance their collective understanding of threats and vulnerabilities. The video touches on the controversy surrounding the sharing of intelligence between the CIA and FBI, particularly in the context of the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the complexity of inter-agency cooperation.

💡FBI Academy

The FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, is the training facility for FBI agents. The video mentions the rigorous training process that prospective FBI agents must undergo, including a 20-week program at the academy. This keyword emphasizes the professional development and preparation required to serve in the FBI.

Highlights

The FBI and CIA are two American agencies that have been central to numerous high-profile events and investigations, often portrayed in media and film.

The FBI was established in 1908 by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte and President Theodore Roosevelt to address the need for a corps of special agents within the justice department.

The FBI's official name was adopted in 1935, with prohibition enforcement being one of its first major tasks, leading to the investigation of notorious mobsters.

J. Edgar Hoover, a controversial figure, served as the director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972, overseeing various high-profile cases and focusing on political radicals.

The FBI is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with 56 field offices in the U.S. and about 60 offices in other countries, employing around 35,000 people including specialists in various fields.

Contrary to popular belief, the FBI collaborates with state and local law enforcement during investigations rather than superseding them.

The CIA was created in 1947 following the National Security Act, with a focus on national security and intelligence gathering, including counter-terrorism and cyber-intelligence.

The CIA has been involved in significant global events, including the Iranian coup d'état in 1953 and the Vietnam War, often engaging in covert operations.

The number of CIA employees is undisclosed, but the agency is known for its secrecy and only discloses information through historical releases.

The CIA does not monitor U.S. citizens unless there is a belief that an individual is involved in espionage or international terrorist activities.

Both the FBI and CIA have had instances where intelligence sharing was criticized, such as the lack of shared intelligence prior to the 9/11 attacks.

Joining the FBI requires a rigorous selection process, including physical fitness tests, medical and background checks, and a 20-week training program at the FBI Academy.

The CIA also has a strict recruitment process, with a focus on skills such as data analysis, negotiation, discretion, and criminal investigative experience.

CIA agents must maintain a high level of secrecy, often not disclosing their employment even to friends and family.

The life of a CIA agent can be exciting but also stressful, with the potential to witness and know things that may conflict with one's conscience.

FBI agents face different challenges, including the risk of job-related fatalities and spending significant time away from family, but they can share more about their work with loved ones.

Salaries for both FBI and CIA agents vary widely based on experience and role, with starting agents earning around $47,000 and senior agents potentially earning over $130,000 annually.

The Infographics Show provides a fascinating insight into the workings of these two influential agencies, highlighting their history, operations, and the rigorous requirements for joining their ranks.

Transcripts

You may not know the ins and outs of these two American agencies, but there is little

doubt you haven’t spent a significant amount of time enthralled by their actions, whether

that is through the news media, documentary film, or regular old Hollywood films.

Both are, to some extent, shrouded in mystery; both can be blamed for duplicity at times,

bearing the scars of numerous scandals, and they are still currently the target of conspiracy

theorists.

Whatever your view, this duo are both catalysts of excitement, intrigue and apprehension.

While we can’t promise you the often secret workings of the agencies, we can provide you

with a few minutes of fascinating facts, in this episode of the Infographics Show, FBI

vs CIA.

Don’t forget to subscribe and click the bell button so that you can be part of our

Notification Squad.

We will start with an abridged history of both agencies.

The FBI, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was the brainchild of Attorney General Charles

Bonaparte.

In 1908, he and President Theodore Roosevelt agreed that the justice department needed

a corps of special agents.

At the time, it had no name, and it’s said that the two men were not sure how to recruit

agents.

According to the FBI website, Bonaparte jokingly told the president they should have men shoot

at each other and whoever survives gets the job.

The Bureau of Investigation (BOI) was created soon after, and 34 people were hired at first

to work as special agents across all of America’s state borders.

In 1935, it officially became known as the FBI, and prohibition became its raison d’etre.

As you well know, this meant investigating mobsters we still see on the big screen today,

and from 1924-1972, the controversial crime-busting icon known as J. Edgar Hoover was the director.

Mobsters weren’t Hoover’s only concern, and much of the FBI’s resources were spent

on investigating political radicals during the Great Depression, which later included

diminishing the impact of Americans with communist sympathies.

The FBI’s historical cases are of course too many in number to list, but some famous

investigations include the stick-up robbing sweethearts Bonnie and Clyde, the white collar

crimes of the company Enron, the JFK Assassination, the murder of three civil rights workers in

Mississippi, Watergate, and of course 9/11.

The FBI currently has its headquarters in Washington, D.C, and there are 56 field offices

in major US cities, as well as more than 350 smaller offices around the country.

It also has about 60 offices in other countries.

It employs about 35,000 people in all, which as well as special agents, include scientists,

intelligence analysts, language specialists, and those with a considerable IT acumen.

Contrary to popular belief, the FBI does not just shoo the police aside during big investigations,

because it has no right to.

State and local officers work with the FBI.

The Central Intelligence Agency, or CIA, was an intelligence agency focused on national

security and not domestic crimes, though the twain can sometimes overlap.

The CIA’s main concerns are terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, knowing what dangers

or political upheavals are happening around the world – this could be called spying

– and more recently cyber-intelligence.

It was created on July 26, 1947 when Harry S. Truman signed off on the National Security

Act.

One of the main impetuses to create such an agency was the attack on Pearl Harbor.

It has been involved in numerous conflicts, again too many to recount, but those include

the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, attempting to enact a military coup in Indonesia, trying

to quash all kinds of pro-Communist movements around the world, the Vietnam War, and controversially

arming rebel forces when the USA believed it suited them.

The CIA is an intelligence agency, but one that uses its brains and brawn to manipulate

countries, governments, factions outside of governments, in the interest of American national

security.

The number of people working for the CIA is not something the agency discloses, but its

employees cover many areas of expertise.

It’s a very secret organization, but it does release millions of pages of its findings,

much of that being historical, what we might call after the fact.

Unlike the FBI, the CIA website states that it never monitors US citizens, although it

also states it will if “there is a reason to believe that an individual is involved

in espionage or international terrorist activities.”

Many of its workers are in Washington DC, at its headquarters in Langley, Virginia,

but agents are also stationed, often working undercover, all around the world.

Do these two agencies work together?

Well, this is also a matter of controversy and people have written books that delineate

a war between the agencies.

The CIA’s website states that the relationship is strong, as threats to national security

come in all sorts of guises and so information can be shared.

That information might relate to drug trafficking, money laundering, organized crime, and terrorism.

Nonetheless, after 9/11, a congressional report stated that because intelligence was not shared

responsibly, a possible counter-action did not happen.

The New York Times wrote, “They failed to counter the threat from Al Qaeda even though

they had known for years that its leader, Osama bin Laden, was determined to attack

the United States.”

So, yes and no, they work together, but it seems the relationship may be somewhat difficult

at times.

The CIA is focused on collecting intelligence and cannot make arrests, on the other hand,

the FBI could technically investigate a CIA agent and make an arrest if that agent violated

federal law.

So, what do you have to do to get on one of these teams?

To join the FBI, you must be between the age of 23 and 37.

You need a four year degree, 3 years’ work experience, and have a driver’s license.

You might also have a qualification in one of the following categories: Language, Law,

Accounting, Computer Science/Information Technology, or it just says “Diversified”.

Your skills will then be prioritized, and this could come under lots of things from

accounting to law enforcement to military expertise to finance.

Few applicants are actually selected, and even after all that, you will have to pass

a series of difficult tests.

You’ll have to be fairly fit and be able to sprint 300 meters, do a load of push-ups

and run for 1.5 miles.

After that you’ve got medical checks, background checks and polygraphs to pass.

Get through that, and you could become anything from a regular FBI officer to a sniper or

a behavioral analyst.

You will also need to spend 20 weeks training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

In interviews, former agents have said getting into the FBI is a long, arduous process.

Not surprisingly, the CIA is pretty strict too on who it accepts, and to reiterate, not

all workers are covert spies.

You could be doing anything from specializing in math or economics.

Most of its clandestine service employees are aged between 26 and 35.

Like the FBI, background and medical checks, and polygraphs will be part of the interview

process.

Again you’ll need a university degree, know your international affairs, and if you have

travelled the world and know a few languages, the CIA states that is a bonus.

The CIA says on its website that some of the skills needed are to be able to analyze data,

have strong negotiation skills, discretion, diplomacy, have criminal investigative experience,

and if your degree is in criminology, homeland security, or emergency management, that helps,

too.

You’ll have to undertake a 56-day Criminal Investigation Training Program and train for

a further 18 months at its headquarters.

If you want to get a taste of what it’s like working at the CIA, you can work as an

intern at any time of the year.

This, no doubt, should you prove yourself useful, will get your proverbial “foot in

the door”.

It generally lasts 90 days, and you won’t need to take the polygraph.

Which would be the best place to work?

That depends on a lot of things.

One important matter when working for the CIA is secrecy if you are an agent.

As its website points out in bold as IMPORTANT: “Friends, family, individuals, or organizations

may be interested to learn that you are an applicant for or an employee of the CIA.”

It goes on to say that it is in your best interests not to tell anyone.

It’s very probable this was in bold because it alludes to what kind of life you are getting

into.

On the upside, for some people the life of a covert operator might be very exciting.

You may know things that go against your conscience, you may see things that you never wanted to

see.

It just depends how deep you go.

In one interview, a former CIA agent responded when asked if all the stress was worth it:

“I ask myself the same question every goddamn day.

Was any of it worth it?”

The FBI won’t involve the stress of remaining a kind of mystery to one’s own friends and

loved ones.

You’ll probably have much more chance of being killed on the job, as the FBI’s Hall

of Honor can show you.

You are dealing with criminals and that means sometimes seeing the aftermath of their destruction.

In one interview, a former agent said that was not the worst part, but the fact that

you spend much of your life away from your family.

You can at least tell them about what you do though.

The former agent told Business Insider, “There's only a very small amount of information that

an FBI agent would not be able to share with someone…

we can usually talk about what we are working on or have worked on in the past.”

As for wages, there are many scales when working for the FBI.

A new agent according to one salary website receives about $47,000, but a senior agent

might earn more than $130,000 a year.

A CIA website puts wages for special investigators anywhere from $74,000-$137,000.

Again, it really depends on what capacity you work for these agencies.

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