It is very sad to read, after almost fifty years of Peace Corps, that a common misconception persists, even in this country. That somehow, the Peace Corps is a training ground for the CIA. Indeed, that is offered by the Lariot as a justification for increased funding for the Peace Corps.

Peace Corps Volunteers can not be associated with the CIA, or indeed, any other intelligence gathering US agencies, for five years before and five years after service.

CIA agents are government employees, begin as GS-7, with full health benefits; due process rights, job protections, and make a whole lot of money. Peace Corps Volunteers share none of this.
Peace Corps Volunteers do not make a whole lot of money.

Perhaps if we could begin to understand why anyone would join the Peace Corps instead of the CIA, we might begin to understand how America might walk better in the world.