I was seven years old when I realized I wanted to be a secret agent. Most people don’t decide who they want to become until college or even later. Some never do. I was lucky.
The epiphany struck, embarrassingly enough, while watching Moonraker. Well regarded as among the worst in the Bond canon, Moonraker was rushed into production after the success of Star Wars. You can just hear the development meetings “We’ll replace the Walther PPK with a ray gun and make millions.” And they were right – it grossed over 200 million worldwide. Regardless, the film had an indelible impact. While I’m not exactly writing this post from MI6 or the George Bush Center for Intelligence (senior, not junior), I can lay claim to a few skills and experiences that are “on the list.” And there is, indeed, a list. More on that soon.
Fast-forward 33 years and I’ve come to the realization that my childhood dream can and should be realized. I can become secret agent material after 40. With a bit of cash, guile, and Advil – I can do damn near anything I set my mind to. Humility has never been a family trait.
Now, how best to get started?
An Agent's Education 