MovieChat Forums > Breach (2007) Discussion > 'You'll make Agent...'??

'You'll make Agent...'??

posted 15 years ago by ae36
6 replies | jump to latest

Something I don't get in this film is the status of the Eric character.

Several times its mentioned that he want to become a special agent-- yet he's working for the F.B.I doing undercover work. He appears to be a college graduate. There's no mention of the FBI academy.

I thought prospective agents went to the F.B.I. academy and when they graduated, they became agents.

I don't get this "agent in waiting" thing. Or was he working for them waiting for academy selection board or something?

Can anyone clear this up? what exactly was Eric status/job classification with the F.B.I?

Thanks,

AE36

[–] aGuiltySoul 15 years ago

http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/breach.php

Eric was not an FBI Agent. He was an FBI operative. His official title was Investigative Specialist. He was part of the SSG (Special Surveillance Group). The scene at the beginning of the movie Breach, where Eric (Ryan Phillippe) is taking surveillance photos, accurately depicts the type of work that he had done prior to being assigned to the Hanssen investigation.

http://www.fbijobs.gov/127.asp

Investigative Specialist:

Investigative Specialists perform investigative support functions through physical surveillance operations. They support Foreign Counterintelligence and/or Counterterrorism investigations, and gather intelligence information of investigative interest. Investigative Specialists are responsible for all aspects of surveillance operations from planning through execution. Their responsibilities also include the collection, analysis and dissemination of intelligence data gathered during surveillance operations.

Applicants for the Investigative Specialist position must possess a valid driver's license for their state of residence and be able to obtain a government license for the operation of government vehicles.

Investigative Specialists are assigned to one of the FBI's 56 Field Offices based on current staffing and/or critical specialty needs. All Investigative Specialists are subject to transfer at any time to meet the organizational and program needs of the FBI. Investigative Specialists accept the possibility of transfer as a condition of their employment.

Does any of this help?

"I'd never ask you to trust me. It's the cry of a guilty soul."

[–] ae36 15 years ago

Yes it does-- thank you very much for the information.

I guess my next question would be if there is a waiting list for people to get in to the F.B.I Academy.

At the start of the movie, Eric's friends/co-workers mention that "They're all trying to make agent...".

That phrase comes up several times in the movie. I'm thinking-- hey, you want to make agent, go to the F.B.I. Academy.

But I suppose its not just a matter of meeting all the qualifications and passing the screenings. I suppose there is only so many openings per class or per year and there might be a waiting list or something.

AE36

[–] aGuiltySoul 15 years ago

When this movie originally came out I was wrapped up in the final months of my degree, so I didn't have time for the publicity. Therefore, I don't know if Eric O'Neill was asked any of your questions. But this is based upon his original script. He was also an advisor on the film, so I know the details such as his job description and his ambitions are accurate.

I'm thinking that you're probably right in that it must have something to do with impressing the right people so you can get in the FBI Academy.

"I'd never ask you to trust me. It's the cry of a guilty soul."

[–] ae36 15 years ago

Yeah, this is not made very clear in the movie.

A viewer not familiar with the procedure might think that becoming an Agent is just getting hired by the F.B.I. and then somehow you get "appointed". Through job performance or perhaps even something as commonplace as buttering someone's bread.

AE36

[–] joeriderxtreme 15 years ago

No matter who you are, you have to apply to be a special agent and if you are qualified based on their standards, then you get to take Phase I testing, if you pass, you move on to Phase II, if you pass then you need to take the Physical Fitness Test and then you get to the academy. Oh, and you have to pass the physical test and all exams at the academy to become an agent. The film really goofed on this part. The tests and qualifications can be explained on the FBI website.

[–] ae36 15 years ago

Yes I agree.

As I said, the film makes it seem like there's all these young guys bucking for a promotion or something (in this case the title of "Agent").

However, I enjoyed the film.

It does seem like its a tough process, though. Which of course is good.

AE36