I was just thinking of a TV ad for an episode of The X-Files (I didn’t see this particular episode) in which Scully presents herself as “Special Agent Dana Scully,” and the man to whom she’s speaking yells, “What’s so special about you?!” So what is so special? Why are FBI agents called special agents?
I’ve been told that FBI and other government agents are called “special” to distinguish them from general agents of the United States, those individuals with contracting warrants that permit them to legally obligate the government in matters of contract.
All Federal agents come under the Office of Personnel job title of special agent, except in the case of the FBI it’s meant to evoke special as in “special ed” - just ask any state or local cop, or Treasury Agent…
No anser yet on why, but I’m gonna go check on the website for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (www.fletc.dot.gov ?] who would likely have the correct answer.
Why are they sometimes called G-Men? Where did that come from?
G = government
G Man = government man
Simple, no?
I seem to recall that at one point all FBI agents had to have degrees in law. Does anyone know if this is still the case, if it ever was?
It was a famous bank robber of the 30’s (I forget which one) who yelled, “don’t shoot G-men”, after FBI agents surrounded his hide-out. J. Edgar Hoover liked the nickname and even promoted it in news reels.
It was, and still is, quite common, although never a requirement. Most FBI agents had either a law or accounting degree prior to joining - except those with specialized training in physics or chemistry, destined for the FBI Lab, or special language skills. The only requirement, however, is a four-year degree from an accredited university.
- Rick
A “special” agent is one who carries a concealed weapon. The IRS has “Revenue Agents”, and “Special Agents”, and it is the Special ones who carry guns, and incidentally, were the “Untouchables”.
Just in case there’s some confusion, and I think there might be, everyone should bear in mind that the FBI isn’t part of the Treasury Department. It’s part of the Justice Department now.
But Elliot Ness and Co. (and the modern BATF) work(ed) for the treasury dept.
My wife asked and I said (honest), “Government Man”.
She said, “You’re just guessing. Is that really it?”
So I pop out here and make a goof of myself. Not that I don’t do that frequently anyway but I see no need to push it.
Thanks for the info.