LEAP vs. Military Reserves

[CHLees3rd]

I have been thinking about applying for open special agent positions in a few federal law enforcement agencies. I also was discharged from the USMCR last year and have been thinking about reenlisiting or trying for a USCGR commission through a prior service program. Recently, I was discussing my ideas with my brother-in-law who is a FLEO. He told me that I can only follow one path. It's either military reserves or FLEO. His reply to me asking him why was that he is not allowed to have another job.

I had a followup conversation with his uncle who is a retired FLEO from the same agency. The uncle told me that it had to do with training (i.e. DOJ doesn't like to pay for all the LE training when the DOD could call me to active duty.) I did some research and found that some US Marshals are in the reserves as are some US Postal Inspectors. Drilling down I noticed that those FLEO in the reserves did not get LEAP.

So my question is whether the deciding factor for membership in the military reserves is if a FLEO gets paid LEAP? From what I see, LEAP is so that a FLEO is available when needed. If the FLEO was in the reserves on duty, then he/she really would not be available.

Chazz

[Switchback]

I don't know where you got your info, but it is NOT accurate. Most agencies do not want their 1811s to be in the reserves. It's about being available.

That being said, several agencies permit it. The USMS is one of them. I have NEVER heard of LEAP being taken away for someone being inthe reserves. I KNOW IT DOES NOT HAPPEN IN THE USMS. I know of a couple OIGs that reserve duty is ok w/ LEAP certification, too.

[Group9]

[COLOR=Black]The only federal agency that I know of that does not permit service in the reserves or National Guard is the FBI. DEA, for instance, has no regulations against it.

I know there is one other for sure that doesn't not allow it and I am thinking that it may be the Secret Service.

[Switchback]

You are correct, Group. Secret Service does not allow agents to be in the reserves, either.

[tunlrat]

Yes, I believe USSS will make you go IRR before letting you sign their dotted lines. Each agency is different though, although it seems harder to be an 1811 & a reservist at the same time. Other FLEO job series like 0082s, 0083s, 1801s, 1890s, etc. etc. etc. don't seem to be that picky about your reserve commitments. That is what I hear anyway...

[CHLees3rd]

Thank you all for you info. I am glad that I posted my question.

I had been reading so many websites and thought that I saw a possible reason why agencies may not allowed their 1811's to be reservists (i.e. the agencies with positions which get LEAP prohibit reserve membership.) I do remember seeing that FBI special agents can not be even in the IRR. Drilling reservists who become FBI SA's must transfer by law to the Inactive Standby Reserves just as members of Congress do because they are considered "key members" of the government.

I was not aware that USSS SA's a not allowed to be drilling reservists either. Glad to hear that DEA and USMS seem OK with it. Does anyone know whether ATF SA's or US Postal Inspectors are allowed to stay in the reserves? What about SA's in ICE or NCIS?

I figure I am on a roll and might as well ask! Thanks again.

[Swat1]

Plenty of ICE agents in the Reserves/National Guard. They get LEAP as long as they qual for it for the year. That may be where your information is crossing reality. You must work/or be available for 480 hours of LEAP per year to qualify for LEAP pay. While you are activated for Reserve/NG duty you are not authorized LEAP, therefore you may fall short of the 480 hour requirement and as a result not receive LEAP for the year even after returning. However, there is nothing preventing someone from being in the Reserves/NG from receiving LEAP. On an individual basis, you may not qualify for the reasons mentioned above.

We currently have a deployed NG soldier/agent from my office. He only recieves his military pay and allowances and currently gets nothing from the G including LEAP. When he gets back, he will receive LEAP like everyone else for the 2005 year.

Swat1*