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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Lucy Skoulding

MI5 hiring new recruits to keep tabs on terrorists - and you can't be too tall

MI5 is hunting for a new recruit to professionally keep tabs on terrorists - but applicants can't be tall.

Those fancying themselves as the next James Bond can now step up to keep the UK safe - but they need to be able to go incognito.

The £37,757-a-year role at MI5 is largely focused on "blending into the environment naturally wherever you are".

That means 007 hopefuls can't be too tall or have any distinguishing features on show - like neck, face and hand tattoos.

But 007 hopefuls can't be too tall or have any distinguishing features on show (Danjaq/Eon Productions/Kobal/REX)

The Mobile Surveillance Officer vacancy - based at secret locations - comes amid a substantial threat level to British security.

A substantial threat level means spook bosses have deemed a terrorist attack as likely.

MI5's motto is 'Keeping Our Country Safe' and it specialises in countering any domestic threats.

The MI5 role pays £37,757 a year (Getty Images)

Mobile Surveillance Officers will follow people of interest to the spy agency and government without ever being detected.

They are tasked with protecting Brtain against threats to national security from terrorism to espionage.

They must be able to observe people and places, either by foot or by vehicle, and have a flawless memory.

The role will be largely focused on 'blending into the environment naturally wherever you are' (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The job description reads: "You'll need to be observant and be able to accurately remember the details of what you've seen and heard.

"You'll also need to have good vision in both eyes, either naturally or corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

"You'll need to enjoy driving and be a competent and confident driver, willing to learn to drive at an advanced standard.

The job opening comes amid a substantial threat level to British security (Getty Images/Image Source)

"You'll need to be able to remain completely alert sometimes during long spells of inactivity but remain ready to step up several gears when it all starts happening.

"Situations can happen fast in this role.

"You'll need to be able to make sound judgments on the spur of the moment."

Other mandatory skills are fitness, map reading, multi-tasking and teamwork.

Mandatory skills include, among others, fitness, map reading, multi-tasking and teamwork (ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Men applying for the job need to be under 6ft 2, while women need to be under 5ft 10.

Successful interview candidates will be subject to a "developed vetting" process.

They will be quizzed on their "wider family background, relationships and influences, past experiences, health, sexual relationships."

Successful interview candidates will be subject to a 'developed vetting' process (MGM/Eon/Danjaq/UPI/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Plus also their "behaviour, drinking habits, experience of drug taking, financial affairs, general political views, hobbies and foreign travel."

Candidates are assured that vetting officers "are very experienced and will not be easily shocked or surprised" by answers.

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