'Just Don't Quit'

An observer may wonder whether this is the best way to prepare a new post-9/11 intelligence/counterterrorism agent.

Absolutely, the instructors say.

"The investigations don't change," said Supervisory Special Agent John Kerr, an agent for 19 years and now the chief of Quantico's physical training unit. "Whether it's bank robberies or kidnappings, gangs or terrorism, the FBI still relies, bottom line, on individuals getting out on the streets reviewing bank records, doing interviews. If you're going to be on the street, things could happen to you and you have to be prepared."

Art of Interrogation

Inside an interview room, Michael, 36, an Atlanta computer specialist and former professional football player, casually chatted up an actor playing "Pat Taylor," an employee of a defense contractor building top-secret radar systems. It was week 12. While their instructors watched them on video monitors, the trainees were learning how to elicit confessions.

The recruits received 70 hours of instruction on what is perhaps the most critical FBI skill: the art of interviewing and interrogation. FBI agents rarely use their guns or get into street fights, but they do spend most of their time talking to people. In the most basic sense, an agent's job is to get information that can be used to solve crimes or stop terrorism.

Michael asked Taylor, suspected of stealing a blueprint to sell to a North Korean intelligence agent, about his family, job and two children. The Washington Redskins came up and Michael said he used to play football professionally, "but I'm new to the area and I'm not a Redskins fan yet."

In a room nearby, several FBI instructors groaned and laughed. Great way to build a rapport with someone from around here, they joked.

Despite the Redskins comment, Michael seemed to connect with Taylor, showing respect and learning about his life. He smoothly asked him to sign away his Miranda rights.

After leaving the room to let Taylor stew, Michael returned, removed his jacket and rolled his chair closer to Taylor. Using information gleaned from the interview, he now had to go for the confession.

"At this point, they need to move in," said the instructor, Supervisory Special Agent Christopher J. Zisi. "Invade their comfort zone. Let them smell the chili you had for lunch. They can't think straight."

Michael said: "Now, Pat, I understand you are a single father. You have a lot of responsibility and you have a lot of bills. I understand that, Pat."

Taylor tried to say something, but Michael cut him off. The trainee is supposed to show who's in control with a 10-minute monologue.