15 Surprising Things Most People Don’t Know About The U.S. Secret Service

The men in black uniform, with their formal pumps and perfectly slicked back hair have dazed us with their formidable attitude, countless times in movies. Even in real life, these secret service agents hovering about The President of The United States of America along with other important personalities have lives and professions shrouded in mystery. Here are some interesting ones for you…

1. There are way more members than you think

There are a total of around 6,500 agents, contrary to the few 100s you actually see.

2. They protect more than just the President

These agents have to guard a whole lot of people apart from the president. They protect his family, former presidents and their families. Basically, anyone the president deems important enough to be protected.

3. They are always at risk

This goes without saying. The agents have to put themselves in simulated scenarios to practice murders, assassination attempts, and other high-risk activities. Apart from these rigorous training sessions, they have to go through a skills development course every 8 weeks.

4. Secret service sunglasses are just for movies

The typical agent in a movie will be wearing sunglasses and demurely holding a gun. But in reality, the agents do not wear sunglasses as that might make them miss out some important detail in their surroundings.

5. They’re also trained to provide first aid assistance

The agents have training in first aid skills, in circumstances where they must act promptly before the ambulance arrives. They also thoroughly memorize the hospital routes.

6. They carry Presidential blood

Secret service members carry the President’s blood if a situation demanding transfusion arises. No wasting time finding the right match.

7. They have unique President names

The Presidents have a privilege of flaunting two cool names. Like in movies, the real presidents are also given code names by the agents. The presidents and their families will all have code names starting from the same initial letter.

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