You've seen "Three Days of the Condor." You've read all the Tom Clancy novels. Is truth stranger than fiction? Become a U.S. spy and find out. "Spy School" took a look at jobs at the top U.S. intelligence agencies and asked the questions, "What do they do?" "Who do they need?" "What are the requirements?" and "How can you apply?"

Before you sign up, be prepared to be poked and prodded. If you pass the initial application process -- U.S. citizens only -- you'll be subjected to a polygraph examination and drug test. Drug policies at the agencies do have a small amount of leeway with regards to former drug use (e.g. "I smoked, but didn't inhale"), but not much. You may fly through the urine and lie detector gauntlet, but not the background check. All agencies will check credit and criminal records, plus they'll interview current and former employers. Be patient. The process can take more than a year. If you didn't give any of your previous bosses the finger when you walked out the door, the world of intelligence could be waiting for you.



Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
What it does: Investigative arm of the Department of Justice. Pursues violations of federal criminal law and protects the United States from terrorist activities. Since last year, focus has shifted to counterterrorism.
Who it needs: Special agents with expertise in a multitude of areas including, but not limited to, information technology, engineering, physical sciences, foreign languages, military intelligence, and accounting.
Requirements: Between the ages of 23 and 37. Must have four-year college degree and good vision, and must pass certain physical requirements.
How to apply: Head to FBI Jobs. See what special-agent positions are open, and then download the Special Agent Selection Process Application Booklet (SASPAB) for complete instructions.



Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
What it does: Collects and analyzes foreign intelligence for the president and senior policymakers. Intelligence is collected via satellites, signal interception, and informants. The agency doesn't have to publicly report its spending or operations, and many people presume the agency uses shady collection methods.
Who it needs: Eagerly seeks diversity. At last check, 6-foot blond Episcopalians don't blend in smoothly in the Middle East. Being able to speak multiple languages is key. Right now the CIA is most interested in people who know Central Eurasian, East Asian, and Middle Eastern languages. Experience in international economics and business is a plus.
Requirements: Maximum age 35. You'll also be tested on your ability to withstand coercion and keep a secret. Although you may be traveling, you must relocate to the Washington, D.C., area.
How to apply: Check available positions. Submit your résumé online. Those in the agency recommend you learn as much about the CIA before you apply. Always be willing to adapt. Nothing is routine.



Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
What it does: Produce foreign intelligence for the military to be used in defense and in times of war. It differs from the CIA in that it's a combat support agency of the Department of Defense.
Who it needs: People with degrees and experience in all sciences plus history, engineering, and environmental health, just to name a few others. Proficiency in additional languages such as Korean, Chinese, Russian, and Serbo-Croatian also a plus. If you can collect tons of information and make sense of it, the DIA wants you.
Requirements: None beyond U.S. citizenship and passing the aforementioned testing. Best candidates have at least a 3.0 GPA, good writing and speaking skills.
How to apply: Check available positions. If you find one you like, send in your résumé. If you've been selected as a candidate, you'll have a silly amount of paperwork to fill out.



National Security Agency (NSA)
What it does: Makes and breaks codes. It's our nation's cryptographer. In addition, it intercepts endless volumes of communications data via radio, phone, and email, and it makes sense of it.
Who it needs: Mathematicians. It's believed that the NSA is the largest employer of them in the United States. IT experts are also in great demand.
Requirements: Must undergo a psychological and aptitude test.
How to apply:Check positions online. If position looks good, click the option to apply online.

A life in intelligence could be the coolest job ever. You'd be the life of a cocktail party. Too bad your new position requires you to shut your mouth.