Scot Harvath is an agent for the United States.
That description is made so because Harvath, like many people, has changed careers during his life. In all of his adult life choices for work, however, a dedication to his country and even more important, to justice, has never changed.
The son of a much decorated Navy SEAL officer, it had always been thought by his father that Harvath would head to college but, to his disappointment, his son had different ideas. Skiing was the first great love of Harvath and he was very good at it. Instead of furthering his education, he tried out for and made the U.S. ski team. He got even better over the next couple of years, earning medals in the World circuit and earning a shot at an Olympic medal. Then the death of his father in a SEAL training exercise wiped the enjoyment from him and he changed careers.
He entered college, graduated cum laude, and then joined the Navy, becoming a SEAL like his father. True to his love of skiing, he was put into Team Two, known as the Polar SEALs where his talents were put to good use.
After a fair number of years, he decided another change was in order and he left the military to take a position with the Secret Service. Another few years of bodyguard work protecting different levels of officials saw promotion to that of guarding the First Family, which is where he is working when the series opens. Harvath is happy at his job and has no desire to see it changed. He dates regularly, at least when his job allows, but has no serious relationship as the travel and the hours would make it hard.
As time and the series progress, Harvath's life will undergo extensive changes. He will become a go-to guy for the President, even when events make it un-politick to do so. And even when he finally chucks it all and quits, after being fired, he is still the man that is asked to do the impossible. This takes him into contact with Reed Carlton, head of a private intelligence and security firm hired often by the U.S. government. The 'Old Man' and Harvath hit it off immediately and once again the operative, in the peak of condition, has solid footing and a purpose.