Why is it called MI6?

The name "MI6" (meaning Military Intelligence, Section 6) originated as a convenient label during the Second World War, when SIS was known by many names. It is still commonly used today. The existence of SIS was not officially acknowledged until 1994.

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Why is it called MI5 and MI6?

"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).

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Why is MI6 called C?

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".

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What does MI7 stand for?

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.

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Why is there a 6 in MI6?

(The name “MI6” label originated during this period, when the agency was “section six” of military intelligence.) When the United States entered World War II, MI6 helped to train personnel of the U.S. Office of Strategic Services; it has since cooperated with the OSS's successor, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

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What Do We Know About Britain's Spy Agencies?

36 related questions found

Is 00 a real thing in MI6?

The 00 Section of MI6 is considered the secret service's elite. A 00 (typically read "Double O" and denoted in Fleming's novels by the letters "OO" rather than the digits "00") is a field agent that holds a licence to kill in the field, at their discretion, to complete any mission.

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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.

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Does MI4 exist?

MI4 was a department of the British Directorate of Military Intelligence, Section 4, part of the War Office. It was responsible for aerial reconnaissance and interpretation. It developed into the JARIC intelligence agency. The present day successor agency to MI4 is the Defence Intelligence Fusion Centre.

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Does MI9 exist?

MI9, the British Directorate of Military Intelligence Section 9, was a highly secret department of the War Office between 1939 and 1945.

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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.

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What is the Australian version of MI6?

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)

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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'.

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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.

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Does MI3 exist?

They all existed at one time or another - MI1 was responsible for code-breaking, MI2 dealt with Russian and Scandinavian intelligence, MI3 was concerned with the rest of Eastern Europe and MI4 was responsible for aerial reconnaissance. They were all discontinued or changed.

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What is the British FBI called?

Home - National Crime Agency.

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Did MI7 exist?

MI7 was a branch of the British War Office's Directorate of Military Intelligence with responsibilities for press liaison and propaganda. The branch was originally established in the First World War and disbanded after the signing of the Armistice.

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Is MI6 still active?

We are SIS – the UK's Secret Intelligence Service - also known as MI6. Our people work secretly around the world to make the UK safer and more prosperous. For over 100 years SIS has ensured the UK and our allies keep one step ahead of our adversaries.

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Did MI5 exist in ww2?

MI5 During World War II. During World War II, the Security Service played a key role in combating enemy espionage, intercepting German communications and feeding misinformation back to Germany.

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Can you tell people you are in MI5?

Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1989 prohibits our current and former staff from making unauthorised disclosures of information concerning security or intelligence that they acquired while working for MI5. We can only pass on information as is necessary for purposes of protecting national security.

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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 ...

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Which is more secretive 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.

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How much does an MI6 agent earn?

How does the salary as a Secret Agent at MI6 compare with the base salary range for this job? The average salary for a Secret Agent is £48,897 per year in United Kingdom, which is 0% higher than the average MI6 salary of £48,719 per year for this job.

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Does MI6 have secret agents?

Agents are at the heart of what MI6 does. Usually foreign nationals, they voluntarily work with us to provide secret intelligence that helps to keep the UK - and often the rest of the world – safe and secure. One of our intelligence officers' major roles is identifying, recruiting, and running these agents.

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Do MI6 agents use guns?

During their training, they are trained with firearms, both handguns and rifles, most commonly Glock 17 and G36C or HK416.

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