Picture a US Secret Service detail in your head. It’s almost certainly black suits, stern-faced agents, and black, armored vehicles. You know, purpose-modified Chevrolet Suburbans and, of course, “The Beast,” the president’s famed Cadillac limousine. Now, however, the Secret Service is looking at other options to enhance protective details’ off-road mobility.

The US Secret Service is talking to GM about the next generation of off-road-ready vehicles

The US Secret Service, the agency responsible for protecting the president and other high-value personnel, is in talks with GM Defense. The topic? Subtle, off-road-capable alternatives to the armored Chevrolet Suburbans and police-ish vehicles currently in its repertoire.

In an interview with Car and Driver, US Secret Service Director Sean Curran acknowledged the need for unconventional vehicle options in specific environments. Curran told interviewers that Africa is an applicable example. Let’s face it, the up-armored Chevrolet Suburbans don’t exactly look the part in some places. 

Task-dictated tools

Currently, the US Secret Service uses, well, whatever it deems necessary to defend and safely transport its protectees. Most notably, the agency operates “The Beast,” a heavily armored Cadillac limousine, much of which is still classified.

But beyond The Beast, the agency’s James J. Rowley Training Center recently took delivery of a host of oddball vehicles from GM, including two Chevrolet Corvettes and a Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck. At a glance, the agency is committed to making sure its agents can drive proficiently, regardless of vehicle type. 

The same goes for training. Earlier this year, personnel from the agency took to the track in Cadillac Blackwings to learn not just how to drive manual transmission-equipped vehicles, but also to drive quickly in something that doesn’t shift for itself. But the presence of a Chevrolet Colorado complements the idea that the agency might be looking at other options for specific environments.