This book introduces the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and its mission to collect intelligence from foreign nations to aid in government decisions and policies. Historical information covers its roots in colonial America, the founding and organization of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) under William J. “Wild Bill” Donovan during World War II, the establishment of the CIA in 1947, and the effect of September 11. Other chapters highlight types of intelligence, the well-protected CIA headquarters at Langley, Virginia, the variety of available jobs beyond undercover and spy work, requirements for application, and the organization of the agency under its director and the Directorates of Operations, Science and Technology, Intelligence, and Support, as well as a diagram that helps the reader visualize the standard process of collecting and analyzing information, the Intelligence Cycle. Full-color photographs, fun facts, a graphic timeline, a glossary, and an index accompany this easy-to-read text.