What does the M in MI5 stand for?

"MI5/MI6" were the original designations when both organisations came under the War Office, now the MOD - "MI" stands for military intelligence. Their official names (acquired in the 30s) are the Security Service (MI5) and SIS, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theguardian.com

What does MI7 stand for?

WHY WE ARE NAMED MI7. During the first world war British Intelligence created the Military Intelligence Section 7 (or MI7 for short) that was responsible for collecting data from foreign sources, translating it, and transmitting it back to the allied leadership.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mi7.io

What does MI mean in MI5?

There were a number of MI (Military Intelligence) sections within the War Office's Directorate of Military Intelligence during both the First and Second World Wars.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mi5.gov.uk

Why is British intelligence called MI5?

(The name “MI5” originated during this period, when the agency was “section five” of military intelligence.) MI5 enjoyed great success during World War II, but its record during the Cold War was mixed.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on britannica.com

Does MI7 exist?

As a branch of military intelligence, paperwork was routinely destroyed to maintain strict security. A further large-scale destruction of papers was organised when MI7 was closed down at the end of WWI.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

What Do We Know About Britain's Spy Agencies?

16 related questions found

Is James Bond a MI5 or MI6?

M is a codename held by a number of fictional characters in Ian Fleming's James Bond book and film series; the characters are the current or past Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, the agency known as MI6.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

Does MI9 exist?

The best-known activity of MI9 was creating and supporting escape and evasion lines, especially in France and Belgium, which helped 5,000 downed British, American and other Allied airmen evade capture and return to duty.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

Can MI6 agents tell their family?

You can. But you have to think long and hard about who you tell. "The general advice in MI5 that we give," says Jo, "is that you can tell close family members or a close friend." John says he decided to tell some members of his family that he was applying for a job with MI6 straight away.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bbc.co.uk

Are 00 agents real?

Some historians link the 00 designations to Fleming's World War II service as a real-life Naval officer working in British military intelligence in the 1940s. Fleming worked as the assistant to Rear Admiral John Godfrey, who is believed to be the inspiration for 'M'.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on spyscape.com

Who is higher MI5 or MI6?

MI5 is responsible for protecting UK citizens and interests at home, notably against threats to national security. By contrast, MI6 (also referred to as the Secret Intelligence Service) is responsible for gathering intelligence outside the UK in support of the government's foreign and defence policies.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on politics.co.uk

Who is number 1 intelligence agency in the world?

1. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) - US. The CIA is one of the most renowned intelligence agencies globally, responsible for gathering and analysing intelligence information related to national security issues for the United States.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wionews.com

Does MI8 exist?

MI8 was the signals intelligence department of the War Office that ran a worldwide Y-stations network. Additionally, for an 18-month period, from late 1939 to mid 1941, it also ran the Radio Security Service, under the designation of MI8c, but this was quickly handed over to MI6.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

What is the UK version of FBI?

Home - National Crime Agency.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk

What does C stand for in MI6?

Incumbent

The chief of the Secret Intelligence Service typically signs letters with a "C" in green ink. This originates from the initial used by Captain Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming, when he signed a letter "C" in green ink. Since then the chief has been known as "C".

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

What is the British CIA called?

The Secret Intelligence Service, often known as MI6, collects Britain's foreign intelligence. It provides the government with a global covert capability to promote and defend the national security and economic well-being of the country.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on gov.uk

Is MI6 the same as CIA?

There are permanent liaison officers of each country in major intelligence agencies of the other, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Secret Intelligence Service ("MI6") (which is the British counterpart of the CIA), FBI and the Security Service (MI5), and National Security Agency (NSA) and Government ...

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

Who was 002 in James Bond?

Portrayed by British actor Glyn Baker, the character appeared in EON Productions' 1987 James Bond film, The Living Daylights.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jamesbond.fandom.com

How much do spies get paid MI6?

Starting salaries for the three agencies - GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 - are in the region of £30,000 to £35,000, plus benefits. There are opportunities to progress to higher grades, with salaries reaching around £40,000 to £45,000 after five to ten years' service.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on prospects.ac.uk

Does MI1 exist?

MI1 or British Military Intelligence, Section 1 was a department of the British Directorate of Military Intelligence, part of the War Office. It was set up during World War I. It contained "C&C", which was responsible for code breaking.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

Can MI6 carry guns?

MI6 officers who work in a field, are allowed to use firearms. During their training, they are trained with firearms, both handguns and rifles, most commonly Glock 17 and G36C or HK416.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on osgamers.com

Is mi16 real?

MI6, formally Secret Intelligence Service, British government agency responsible for the collection, analysis, and appropriate dissemination of foreign intelligence.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on britannica.com

Is there a military intelligence 1?

Between WWI and WWII they've all been and gone. MI1 was code breaking, MI2 covered Russia and Scandinavia, MI3 Eastern Europe, and MI4 did the maps. They were also joined by MI7 (propaganda), MI8 (signals) and MI9 (aid to the European resistence movements).

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theguardian.com

What is the difference between MI5 and MI6 vs MI7?

MI5: Liaison with Security Service, following the transfer of Security Service to the Home Office in the 1920s. MI6: Liaison with Secret Intelligence Service and Foreign Office. MI7: Press and propaganda (transferred to Ministry of Information in May 1940). MI8: Signals interception and communications security.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theguardian.com