Clearly a number of myths have evolved about these genre of services. Here are a few that needs to be dispelled.
1) Its a service and a vocation just like the Fire Service in CD nurses in hospitals etc. Its takes all sorts but some have a natural acumen.
2) Qualification is no different to other services and you certainly don't have to be smart. In fact many in this service have been promoted on their ability to gather high grade info and these chaps would have no hope in hell to be promoted if they remained in the Police Force or worked elsewhere.
3) Your background and your demenour does play a huge part for selection. If your background can be traced cleanly and you generally don't have live-wire personality you stand a better chance. Those that do but have contacts in it can still make it. The referrals continues to be very big in this Service compared to any other.
4) Scholars struggle in the service as the results are grey and timelines are long. The Political lines are also blurred. They generally leave or do what Eddie did - he changed it from James Bond to an Analysis focused bureau where you need to be smart, well educated to be able to contribute. ISD cannot take this approach unlike SID as foot soldiers are primary in this form of engagement. You need to know who turned on or off the tap in a certain house.
Kindly allow me to comment on your comments.
Not too sure if the intel service is like other services in the civil service. I know most if not all have to undergo a polygraph test and pass the test before they are considered for appt to ISD or SID. Once in, intel officers are a protected breed unlike other civil servants (excluding scholars).
Offences committed by intel officers are usually dealt with internally for fear of embarrassment and bad image to the service. They will get you to tender your resignation if possible. Alternatively, they sack you. Then find you a job outside the service. This has happened before.
To those in the service, and who read this post religiously, they will know who I am referring to. Let's just say this chap is working in a neighbouring country. Boss secured job for him. If charged in court, he would have 100% gone to jail. CBT as a servant is no ordinary offence. But going to court is not going to make them look good.
The ability to get promoted does not necessary mean the ability to get high quality intel. Many have been promoted for other reasons not associated with work ability. If your boss is useless and is a balls carrier, he expects the same from you! And you may even end up with a national day award. Again, this took place and insiders reading this will be laughing coz they know it is true and who benefitted from thse non-work qualities.
Fully agree with you on the referral part. If someone in authority wants you, even with a 'past', no problem. Your 'past' could benefit the organisation in other ways. The most inportant criteria is loyalty and obedience, period.
Scholars struggle because of various reasons. Politicking is the cardinal reason. It is a service not too friendly to scholars coz the presence of the orang lamas remain pretty strong. Scholars may make their presence felt years down the road when conditions are more ideal.