Jerry Glanville Has Applied for the CIA

Former NFL/college coach Jerry Glanville was always known as a man who was a little out there. He would leave tickets at will-call for Elvis, wearing all black on the sidelines like Johnny Cash, and driving replica cars that James Dean once drove. He was also famous for never giving Brett Favre a chance with the Falcons and driving in the NASCAR craftsmen truck series.

The guy is eccentric no doubt. Take for instance he sent a application to the CIA according to the Oregonian's John Canzano.

On the day several years ago that Jerry Glanville interviewed for the job of head football coach at Portland State, I took him for a drive downtown. I pointed out the federal courthouse, after a half-second, Glanville blurted: "Have you ever applied to be in the CIA?"

I said, "No, why?"

Glanville said that it's perfectly easy to apply to be in the CIA. "They even have a website," he said. "You just go online, and you can fill out the questionnaire, and then, you're applied to be in the CIA. Who wouldn't apply for something like that? If I weren't a football coach, I'd be in the CIA, that's for sure."

"You applied?" I asked.

"Yeah," he said, looking out the window. "Filled out the questions, and at the end, the computer said I was a bad ass."

I always thought the CIA hired people in secret. Nope you really can apply for a job through their website. One problem for Glanville though, the CIA makes you go through the clearance process which no doubt he probably failed.

The clearance process, which is strictly governed by rules and regulations derived from Federal statute and executive orders, begins when you accept a conditional offer of employment from the Agency. It involves a thorough examination of your life history and fitness to safeguard the nation's secrets. Think of this process as the first step in building a bridge of trust between you and the Agency. Candor is an essential ingredient in the establishment of that trust.

The investigation addresses comprehensively one's loyalty to the United States, strength of character, trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, discretion, and soundness of judgment. In addition, it examines one's freedom from conflicting allegiances, potential for coercion, and willingness and ability to abide by regulations governing the use, handling and protection of sensitive information.

The Agency uses a polygraph to check the veracity of information that bears upon the areas listed above. CIA's polygraph examiners are highly trained security professionals, among the world's best in their field. They work closely and carefully with applicants to ensure that the information upon which clearance decisions are based is as accurate as it can be and is guarded with the strictest confidence.

The clearance process can be lengthy. Since the Agency actively recruits people who have expert knowledge of foreign languages and cultures, it is not unusual for our applicants to have numerous foreign contacts. In these cases the investigation must cover more ground, which usually takes more time. Candor is critical to the timely completion of this process.

The hiring process also entails a thorough medical examination of one's mental and physical fitness to perform essential job functions.

I'm sure when the CIA asked Glanville about leaving tickets for Elvis they said no and showed him the door. Either way it doesn't surprise me in the least that Glanville would apply for a job at the CIA.

(Via The Oregonian)