How Spies Are Trained

【小题1】 A navy, army or air-force officer who has a gift for language, and at the same time is thoroughly trained in the technical side of his work may be considered for active employment. A businessman who travels a great deal may be considered for active employment. After his background has been thoroughly investigated, a man living abroad may be useful as a spy.

In Britain potential spies are to get through psychological tests. For instance, a candidate can be taken in front of a high barrier of barbed (装有倒钩的) wire and told to cross it safely. Also, a spy must be unusually courageous. 【小题2】 But a spy risks death alone.

The German system of spy training during World War II was more dramatic. After being, given a thorough medical examination, he was led to a shooting range where a machine-gun suddenly opened fire and to his horror a group of men fell to the ground, apparently dead.【小题3】

Today a prospective new comer is sent to what might be called a spy school where his training is more extensive. He must master codes and ciphers（密码）and develop an extremely great memory because writing them down will be too dangerous. He must become a skilled radio operator and be able to repair his own equipment and he must be able to drive any make of car,【小题4】 He must be trained in the art of burglary and be skilled at opening locks.

【小题5】 So it is just understandable that spy schools are not open to everyone. Above all, still another quality is required, He must be a man of moral soundness. Yet he must be prepared to lower himself to the meanest crime in order to complete his Assignment successfully.