15 Secret Service Tactics That Are Crazy
The Secret Service has the important job of protecting the President of the United States. To do this, they use some incredible tactics that might seem over the top.
However, every action they take is for a good reason. These tactics are necessary to ensure the President’s safety. Let’s explore 15 of the most amazing Secret Service tactics. Some of them might surprise you.
Human Shielding
The Secret Service often forms a protective barrier around the President. This human shield is there to intercept any threats quickly. It may seem simple, but it’s incredibly effective. It has saved Presidents like Richard Nixon, Donald Trump, and Ronald Reagan from dangerous situations. This tactic is a key part of their training.
Tactical Driving
Secret Service drivers need to be experts in both offensive and defensive driving. They are trained to perform complex maneuvers like the three-wheeled J-turn. These skills are crucial if they need to evacuate the President quickly. The driving tactics they use would impress even the best stunt drivers. Safety is always their top priority.
Getting Shot (Training)
To prepare for dangerous situations, Secret Service agents train by getting shot with fake bullets. These bullets don’t cause real harm but do leave a mark. The training helps agents learn how to keep going even if they are under fire. This way, they can continue to protect the President in any situation. It’s tough training, but it’s necessary.
Filming Everything
The Secret Service records every moment of the President’s public appearances. This tactic began after President Kennedy was assassinated, and no clear footage identified the shooter. By filming everything, they can spot potential threats and gather evidence if something goes wrong. These recordings are important for keeping the President safe.
Crowd Scanning
When the President is in a crowd, the Secret Service is always watching. They look for anything suspicious, like people with hands in their pockets or strange bulges under clothes. Their sunglasses help them scan the crowd without being noticed. If you’re near the President, know that you’re being watched closely. This constant vigilance keeps the President safe.
Trip Planning
Every trip the President takes is planned down to the last detail. The Secret Service doesn’t just book hotels; they secure entire buildings. They also clear airspace, map out motorcade routes, and locate nearby hospitals. This level of planning ensures the President can be safely evacuated if necessary. No presidential trip is ever unplanned.
Always Watching
The President is never out of sight of the Secret Service. Whether they’re in a meeting, at a doctor’s appointment, or even in the bathroom, an agent is always nearby. This constant surveillance can be overwhelming but is necessary for the President’s safety. Some Presidents, like Nixon, even chose to have their own security after leaving office.
Systema (Martial Arts)
Secret Service agents are trained in Systema, a Russian martial art. It’s a brutal form of self-defense designed to neutralize attackers quickly. This training helps agents control an attacker’s movements and deflect weapons. Thanks to skills like these, it’s nearly impossible for anyone to harm the President at close range.
Food Testing
To prevent poisoning, the Secret Service closely monitors the President’s food. They oversee the entire cooking process, especially when non-cleared chefs are involved. In special places like Buckingham Palace, they trust the local security to handle it. For takeout, they order food to a nearby building to keep the President’s identity secret.
Letter Testing
The Secret Service has ways to trace threatening letters sent to the President. Handwritten letters are scanned for handwriting matches, while typed letters are traced using ink tags. These tags can reveal the ink’s origin, helping to narrow down suspects. This process is key in tracking down anyone who might threaten the President.
Threat Monitoring
It’s illegal to threaten the President, and the Secret Service takes these threats seriously. They monitor the internet and public reports to find potential threats. Once found, they investigate and categorize the threats based on their seriousness. It’s a good idea to be careful about what you say online, as the Secret Service is always watching.
Marine One
When the President needs to travel quickly, they often use Marine One, a special helicopter. This helicopter is equipped with anti-missile systems and other security measures. Multiple helicopters fly together to confuse potential attackers. Marine One is a safe and efficient way for the President to travel.
White House Security
The White House is one of the most secure buildings in the world. It’s surrounded by infrared lasers and a no-fly zone. If anything unusual happens, Secret Service agents respond immediately. Despite these measures, some people have still managed to breach the security. But entering the White House uninvited is extremely difficult.
Air Force One
Air Force One is more than just a plane; it’s a flying fortress. It’s equipped with advanced security systems, including protection against electromagnetic pulses. The plane can even be refueled in midair, giving it unlimited range. Inside, it’s luxurious, with a suite for the President, medical facilities, and more. It’s the ultimate travel vehicle.
The Beast
The President’s car, nicknamed “The Beast,” is a heavily armored vehicle. It’s built like a tank, with bulletproof windows and a reinforced underbody. The car is stocked with emergency supplies, including weapons and the President’s blood type. Though it’s tough to drive and prone to breakdowns, “The Beast” offers unmatched protection for the President.
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