Probably shouldn't go into too much detail here, but working for 3-letter US agencies as an external contractor is very common. At least two hosts of nature/travel shows that aired throughout the late 1970's / early 1980's were such hires because they could get into politically sensitive areas under the pretext of documentary journalism. It continues to this day.
The recruitment meetings were historically a bit dramatic, where candidates might be approached discreetly at a coffee shop or other innocent seeming place in the target country of interest but its much more direct nowadays. Mostly through a big envelope that arrives at your address of record, or a phone call that openly identifies the caller and sets up an immediate interview.
As always, safe travels & choose your path wisely.