Remarks at Graduation Ceremony for Security Engineering Officers (Class SEO 06-01) and Security Technical Specialists (Class STS 06-01)

It’s a pleasure to be here today to welcome 10 new members into the Diplomatic Security family.  As Security Engineering Officers (SEOs) and Security Technical Specialists (STSs), you will very soon become indispensable members of a very special team.

Diplomatic Security is a global force. As one of the preeminent security and law enforcement organizations in the world, our reputation for excellence is unparalleled.

The mission of DS is not an easy one. Safeguarding American diplomacy is a tough job - and it’s not going to get easier any time soon.  The threats we face domestically and abroad are real and growing. In fact, advances in technology make the technical threats that you will face as SEOs and STSs ever more formidable.

As Security Engineering Officers and Security Technical Specialists, you will manage and maintain the first line of defense for the Department of State at more than 250 embassies and consulates around the world.  Your role in helping to protect and secure American diplomats and other Department of State employees and facilities will not only support the diplomatic mission of the State Department, it also will help protect our homeland from terrorists, spies, and criminals. That is why it’s so important that you always strive to do your best.

Fortunately, you won’t be alone.  You will work hand-in-hand with Special Agents, couriers, and Marine Security Guards to protect our people, facilities, and sensitive information overseas.  It’s a team effort, and every member of the team has an essential role to play.  Whether you are a new Security Engineering Officer or a Security Technical Specialist, each one of you has proven your ability by finishing a rigorous training program, and I am counting on each one of you to make a positive contribution to our DS team.

As Security Engineering Officers, you will design and supervise the installation and maintenance of the technical security systems that protect our people, facilities, and sensitive information overseas.  You will use your specialized skills and training to search for microphones, computer infiltrations, and other means by which hostile entities seek to extract sensitive information from our overseas and domestic facilities.  You will also assist in the protection of the Secretary of State when she travels overseas.  Much of your work will be done behind the scenes and outside of normal business hours.  But your behind-the-scenes work will make possible the main work of the Department of State. 

As Security Technical Specialists, you, too, will be supporting the diplomatic mission of the State Department – but some of your work will be very visible.  That is because, since September 11, our security systems have placed a greater emphasis on overt systems.  As STSs, you are going to maintain what is – quite literally - the first line of defense at our facilities: vehicle barriers, surveillance cameras, WTMDs, and other equipment that protect lives, property, and information.  You are also the experts when it comes to properly calibrating, maintaining, and repairing sophisticated security devices, which requires special skills, knowledge of test procedures, and safety precautions.  Without your expertise in maintaining metal detectors, intrusion detection systems, and surveillance and access control systems, our people, facilities, and information would be vulnerable to violence, destruction, and infiltration.  Never underestimate the importance of what you do.  I can assure you that we in DS headquarters recognize and appreciate your crucial contributions to the DS team.    

Graduates, each of you was carefully screened and vetted before we selected you for the DS team.  We have invested resources in training you and – even more important  - we have placed our faith in you.  Go out and prove that our faith in you is rock solid. With your help, Diplomatic Security will continue to ensure that the United States can conduct diplomacy safely and securely.

Welcome to the State Department family and Diplomatic Security. Welcome to our team.