USMC to FLE (USMS)

[Ammo8151]

Alright, got some questions which i'm sure were at least half way answered already.

I know i can take exams and what not 120 days prior to my separation, so i know that. But what I'm looking towards doing for a career is going for some sort of Task Force.

I guess my questions would lie in what Agencies are geared towards offering task forces. I dont care where I have to live and i'm not worried about pay. I have MOUT experiance and extended training as a Marine Security Guard with Dip Sec. so i have some sort experiance in that manner.

I had some college and I'm workin on it again, I still have 2 yrs till my EAS too, so i'm not in a rush.

If anyone can give me some basic knowledge I'd appreciate it. I started lookin at some of the agencies and I gotta say the USMS sounds pretty interesting, but I wouldnt want to get stuck workin courts my whole life.

Again, any general information would be appreciated, also i still have awhile till my separation.

Hmm.. Somethings i also thought about.. Would already having a SSBI completed with a given clearence help in processing for training?

I got alot more questions, but as i get replies and hopefully some guidence i'll unload some more

thank you for any help given, i appreciate it

[FPS207]

Alright, got some questions which i'm sure were at least half way answered already.

I know i can take exams and what not 120 days prior to my separation, so i know that. But what I'm looking towards doing for a career is going for some sort of Task Force.

I guess my questions would lie in what Agencies are geared towards offering task forces. I dont care where I have to live and i'm not worried about pay. I have MOUT experiance and extended training as a Marine Security Guard with Dip Sec. so i have some sort experiance in that manner.

I had some college and I'm workin on it again, I still have 2 yrs till my EAS too, so i'm not in a rush.

If anyone can give me some basic knowledge I'd appreciate it. I started lookin at some of the agencies and I gotta say the USMS sounds pretty interesting, but I wouldnt want to get stuck workin courts my whole life.

Again, any general information would be appreciated, also i still have awhile till my separation.

Hmm.. Somethings i also thought about.. Would already having a SSBI completed with a given clearence help in processing for training?

I got alot more questions, but as i get replies and hopefully some guidence i'll unload some more

thank you for any help given, i appreciate it

I don't exactly know about agencies with task forces but I do know that the SSBI won't make any differance. All agencies do their own background again, even though having one completed may work in your favor towards consideration.

[Switchback]

Many, MANY federal agencies staff or run task forces. The USMS has several HUGE, regionaly fugitive task forces that are widely regarded as some of the most enjoyable things going. To that end, many local departments staff these same task forces.

Ok, that being said, your mentioned experience does not set you above the crowd when looking to a federal criminal investigator (1811 series) job. MOUT experience does not help with investigations. Yuor miitary experience will help, but noting particularly noteable over other military experience. If you want to be competitive for an 1811, you will need to finish your degree. Make that yuor priority. Without it, the cards are really stacked against you.

Now, for the USMS, specifically: as of now, all new hires are hired in as non-investigative Deputy U.S. Marshals, 082 series. Their primary function is court, transport and other prisoner related duties. They can help with warrants (though not be assigned cases) when the workload permits. Criminal investigative DUSMs 1811s are hired from the 082 pool. As an 082, you are NOT assured an 1811 slot. You must compete for them.

Getting an 1811 slot, under these relatively new hiring practices, can be less competitive than getting one in other agencies. The reason is that the most competitive 1811 candidates rarely wnat to take the 082 position with the USMS, when they can get an 1811 elsewhere... IMO a HUGE flaw in our hiring process. We may not get the best 1811s avaliable.

Well, that is it in a nutshell. DO a search, as there is other discussions on the USMS on here.

[tunlrat]

Not an 1811, but like a lot of the posters here, I'm in the hunt also. If you want to be an 1811, yes DEFINITELY get at least your bachelor's. You seem to have solid experience from the USMC. If you separated, let's say tomorrow, the only jobs close (but not quite--not investigatory in nature) to what you're looking for & could probably qualify for w/o the degree would be Dept. of Energy NMCs (Nuclear Material Couriers) & Federal Air Marshals FAMs). I believe both are 1801s. I know for the former, they look for people with your specific background (yes, I admit I have applied to them too ). As for the latter, I've seen past co-workers hired on w/o a degree but of course they had military or LE experience.

Recruiting for either position is sporadic yearly to say the least & you basically have to constantly check usajobs.gov for open announcements (especially FAMs).

[Ammo8151]

Thanks alot, that was pretty helpful. knowing that first i have to be a 082 deputy before bein an 1811..

Getting my college degree is something i'm working on, however being deployed sometimes makes it difficult, and whatever i cant get done while on active duty I have savings and my MGIB to get it complete. So i do have that in high priority.

I wouldnt have a problem bein a reg. 082 for a bit, but what would be some basic requirements besides that degree for selesction/training as an 1811? Would you have to go thro a 3 year stint at a post before being reconized?

That is unfortunate that the USMS isnt getting the skilled individuals it could be getting, maybe that'll change in a few yrs.

Thanks again

[Switchback]

Thanks alot, that was pretty helpful. knowing that first i have to be a 082 deputy before bein an 1811..

Getting my college degree is something i'm working on, however being deployed sometimes makes it difficult, and whatever i cant get done while on active duty I have savings and my MGIB to get it complete. So i do have that in high priority.

I wouldnt have a problem bein a reg. 082 for a bit, but what would be some basic requirements besides that degree for selesction/training as an 1811? Would you have to go thro a 3 year stint at a post before being reconized?

That is unfortunate that the USMS isnt getting the skilled individuals it could be getting, maybe that'll change in a few yrs.

Thanks again

I think you have to be an 082 for a year before asking for consideration for the 1811 slots. I don't know all that much about the 082 series... never been one.

Regardless of your series, you must be in your office for 3 years before you may ask for consideration for trasnsfers. FYI, you will likely have to move when promoted to 1811, but this is not considered a transfer.

Also. so you know... we are doing fine with the 1811s we are getting. However, the competition for openly announced 1811 slots is extremely FIERCE! That's how I got on and I really count my blessings that I slipped through the cracks and was hired. When opened nationally (such as in the past), you get people with LE experience, SWAT experience, degrees AND military. We are not seeing that so much anymore. :( We still get great people, but...

[massgrunt]

Devil Dog: Have you considered contracting for a bit to build your bank account and give yourself a nest egg? An MSG should have no problem with Blackwater, Dyncorp, etc.

Btw, MOUT and CQB are pretty different, but you probably knew that.

PM inbound.

[Ammo8151]

massgrunt

yeah, i was just givin out my general training, i wonder.. would jwt help at all either?? i would think any type of training for different types of situations should overall help. but like any training i'm sure once i go wherever to be trained they'll teach it all over again their way.

i have a few buddies that are finishing up their time on the program. blackwater and the others have been on their mind. from what i understand its basically just contract work. i would certainly consider it for building up a quick savings, but i'm also thinkin of a career that'll mainly keep me in the U.S., considering once i'm done with the program i'll have been overseas for 5 yrs.

still its always an option.


itd be a blast not to shave and look nasty tho.

[Ammo8151]

something i just thought about

does the USMS or other FLE agencies have restrictions on tattoos?

[Switchback]

Again.. you may want to try the search function.


Sleeves and tattoos on the neck, hands, and head may get some unneccessary attention. Othger than that, they tend to like tattoos that you can easily conceal.

[Ammo8151]

figure they would have about the same rules as the Marine Corps new re-enlisting rugulations.. all mine are concealable so thats good.. and besides moto tats shouldnt be looked down on

I was talking to my RSO and yep, gotta get that degree.. I'm pluggin away at credits now.. and i had gotten my associates so now its all about my major classes.. Hopefully before I separate i'll have gotten my bachelors

if not, i'm sure i can get it before i were to go to FLETC and what not.

Man, I've had to do that damn SSBI for my original MOS and again for 8151.. its pain, but yeah, mebbe that'll make my re inspection go a bit quicker.

Compared to all my schools i've gone to so far in the Corps this FLETC stuff doesnt seem all that bad, hell it'll be prolly pretty fun.

The enterance exams... are they kinda like the ASVAB or is all specific knowledge?

[Switchback]

The hardest part about FLETC is getting there. If your average military classes are a 1 and college is a 10, FLETC sits around 6.

[phillyfed]

I was reading the thread and thought I add my two cents. I am a former Marine (EAS from Security Forces) who just went through the last 082 class at FLETC. I would tell you that FLETC although academically I did not think it was that challenging, the PT is no joke. I also don't think Operation Shining Star is still being utilized for those seperating 120 until their EAS/ETS. Not positive though. I would also say in the class most had degrees or military/LE experience. I too would encourage finishing your degree. I did when I got out. Although having a degree I believe is up for speculation(necessary or not) when it comes to LE depending on who you talk to. I believe it does make you a lot more competitive on paper and helps down the road. The rest is up to you. Anyway, good luck.

[Ammo8151]

cool cool cool

thanks for that re enforcement of the importance of getting a degree.. from what i understand (from the usms website) they have the testing for separating military up again.. but i still have 2 yrs to wait.. so i guess i'll find out then.

i wonder what else i can think of to ask..

good thing i like running long distances.. i read on one the usms webpage theres up to a 10 mile run.. its nice knowing i can run that already.. looks like if i go full time to a college i should take up Xcountry to keep it up while i get my degree

for 082. and later 1811.. FLETC.. whats the shooting qual like? is it like the Dept of State qual.. from the holster 25 20 15 7 3yrds and the 2 second 2 shot drills?
failure drills and everything.. it would be awesome if there is like just a week of shooting like i had back in MSG school.