Episode 94 Diplomatic Security Service Agent Steve Silva

Interview with Diplomatic Security Service Agent Steve Silva

Years of Service: 1986-Present

Steve has had a long line of service, starting in 1986 when he joined the United States Army. He eventually found his way to the Diplomatic Security Service in 1999 where he was assigned to the Washington D.C. Office.

Steve has had a long career with assignments domestically to include D.C., Orlando and Miami Florida, Glynco, Georgia, and Honolulu, Hawaii. In between these domestic assignments, Steve has served internationally in hotspots in Algeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

During this interview, Steve discusses how to become a DSS Agent and the qualities that make a good DSS Agent.

Steve is the author of “Afghans Never Smile: Reflections of a DSS Agent from Both Sides of the Durand Line” and much of this interview revolves around his time spent overseas in areas of the world that most people would not consider safe.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
01:02 Meet Steve Silva
01:11 Career Overview
01:27 Understanding the Duran Line
02:03 DSS Responsibilities
02:37 Domestic vs. Foreign Missions
03:30 Collaboration with Homeland Security
04:12 Path to Becoming a DSS Agent
07:34 Qualifications and Recruitment
08:47 Adaptability in DSS
09:38 Steve's Background and Military Service
10:50 Transition to DSS
13:23 Initial DSS Assignments
14:36 Protective Details and Training
17:30 Challenges and Reflections
23:13 Anti-Terrorism Training Assistance Program
26:15 Assignments in High-Threat Posts
36:27 Returning from Algiers
37:16 Taking on the Challenge in Peshawar
37:34 Unexpected Realities in Peshawar
38:02 Discussing the Book and Afghanistan
38:19 Meeting Earl in Pakistan
38:41 DSS Support and Counseling
40:33 Meeting Ambassador Ryan Crocker
42:08 Leadership and Personal Skills
42:56 DSS Relationships within the Embassy
43:32 Interactions with DEA Agents
45:24 Foreign Service Officers' Perception of DSS
47:33 Protecting Diplomats and Leadership Styles
49:46 Respect and Morale in Security Details
53:14 Challenges in High-Threat Posts
58:05 DSS Staffing and Resource Constraints
01:03:30 Working with the Military in Afghanistan
01:07:48 Global Response Staff (GRS) in Action
01:12:40 A Surprising Phone Call
01:12:53 Tariq's Influence
01:13:29 Building Relationships with GRS
01:14:08 Challenges with USAID
01:15:02 Security Measures and Incidents
01:16:48 Diplomatic Security Protocols
01:20:22 Rescuing American Citizens
01:21:05 The Woman Trapped in Mardan
01:23:14 Marriages and Cultural Clashes
01:25:10 Dental Implants Gone Wrong
01:26:40 CIA Safe House Threat
01:33:48 Leadership Philosophy
01:34:07 Empowering Subordinates
01:36:22 Leadership Styles and Respect
01:39:17 Final Assignment in Honolulu
01:44:39 Transition to NCIS
01:46:25 Reflections on a Career