DSS officers are given onthejob training at domestic field offices for the first three to five years of their service. Subsequent assignments can be either domestic or foreign. and throughout a DSS officers career he or she will have a blend of postings. Domestically. DSS has responsibility for the protection of foreign dignitaries visiting the United States. and at 21 field offices throughout the country they are engaged in criminal passport and visa fraud investigations. Such investigations are vital to protecting our national security because terrorists and individuals engaged in international organized crime frequently use such bogus travel documents. For example.