FAMS or bust

[machina]

I want to be a FAM.
Full stop.
For months now I have scoured the internet and practically stalked FAM acquaintances of mine. I am well versed in all of the usual (and much-touted) downsides of the job, but I am undeterred...
I really want this job.
That being established, I don't know how to get there.
I think that I have some things going for me:
I have a BA. (albeit in Liberal Arts)
I speak Portuguese and Romanian, and some French and Spanish.
I am a certified Krav Maga instructor. I hold a blue belt and I cross-train in Muay Thai, and BJJ, and boxing.
I have some serious concerns though.
-I have no military, nor LE background.
-I have lived a good bit of my life overseas, I wonder if the TS clearance isn't going to be tricky.
-My work background has been rather varied, with couple year stints each in public teaching (high school ESL), international humanitarian work, bartending, self-defense instruction, and presently nightclub security. I am ready to settle down but I don't know that my resume would show this.

What do I need to be doing at this point to make myself a better candidate?
I will be getting my PA ACT 235 lethal weapon certification in the next month.
I am enrolling in a CJ masters program within the next 2-3 months.
Will either of these help?
I also recently applied for a TSA screeners position here. I don't know if that would help me at all but at least I thought that it could give me some practice in filling out the SF86 form.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

[fedhopeful]

whatever you do, keep a copy of your sf-86s. that's the best practice you will ever get in filling them out.

[Nole795]

Machina,

Why limit yourself to FAM? You seem to have an impressive resume and you should apply to other federal agencies instead of putting all your eggs in one basket.

I think the only thing that may hurt you is your employment as a Nightclub Security. Usually those positions are not considered the most professional in a career sense. Law enforcement agencies look for a candidate who has held a professional job. But what does help you is if you speak fluent Portugese, and Romanian.

Secret Service, DEA, and FBI are the large agencies that are currently hiring.

Hope this helps.

[machina]

I think the only thing that may hurt you is your employment as a Nightclub Security. Usually those positions are not considered the most professional in a career sense

Hmmm, I was afraid of that...
Do you think that it would make a difference if I were serving in a directoral capacity of security at the club?
Or is it just the TS clearance "taint" from the likelihood of associations with dirty money/shady people.
thanks.

[Kimble]

Hmmm, I was afraid of that...
Do you think that it would make a difference if I were serving in a directoral capacity of security at the club?
Or is it just the TS clearance "taint" from the likelihood of associations with dirty money/shady people.
thanks.

Management experience is always a plus. As far as a "taint" from working nightclub security, they will find out about your associations, clean or dirty, during the background investigation. They will not pre-judge you as being dirty without finding evidence from your associations that would indicate such. If you were a honest and reputable security outfit, then it doesn't matter how corrupt other outfits are. Keep your nose clean, continue to build your already attractive resume, and apply!

[tunlrat]

Your resume is quite impressive. I especially like the mixed martial arts experience, though in the app. process itself, I'm not sure how much bearing that will hold (you'll find that LE agencies teach their "own" empty hand techniques). Yes, why focus only on the FAMS? Why not try other Fed agencies as well? Heck, with your overall experience you may even want to consider "clandestine" work.

[machina]

Why the FAMS...
I like how simple the FAMS mission is. It is as close to "pure" protection as I have seen. The FAMS protect not just the rich (bodyguard) or the powerful (secret service) but they exist to protect people like my wife and child: the nobodys who mean everything to somebody. Maybe that is cheesy or idealistic but have been obsessed with the fams for about as long as I have been a father.
Anyway, what do you guys think of this: Is the ACT 235 going to help me much? This is a 40hr lethal weapons training geared toward civilian armed security folks in the state of PA. I have not had much experience at all with handguns. I know that IF I get in the FAMs would train me in their particular flavor of shooting, but from resume stand point would this benefit me at all?
thanks.

[g32499]

The FAM firearm training is geared for close quarters and making quick decisions on evaluating and eliminating a threat. Most firearms programs are kind of generic such as use of force and shooting at various distances. The FAM program is different and designed to train the officers to stop a threat on an airline with civilians while determining who is another possible threat in a matter of seconds. THe program leaves no room for error which you may develop with other instruction. It is good to get havea basic firearms understanding, but bad to develope habits that may hinder you in the future. I don't think the training would be of any advantage in seeking employment in any law enforcement organization.

[Nole795]

I don't think that ACT Class will do much for you. Save your money if you have not taken it and be taught by FAM. They supposedly have the hardest firearms qualifications in the federal arena, let them teach you the techniques.

Another thing, when you do get hired and go to training. Don't be one of those guys who likes to show recruits and instructors the different ways you would handle a situation with your martial arts training. The Instructors will eat you up and make you their punching bag for the entire academy.

Good luck.

[chewy]

I agree with Nole795 from earlier, Why limit to FAM's? There not really that great, aim higher, go for 1811 with ICE, USMS or ATF.

[fedhopeful]

isn't telling someone to "aim higher" by passing over an 1801 position for the 1811 position a slap in the face to every FAM out there? :rolleyes:

Not everyone wants to be an 1811.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

I must agree with fedhopeful, let's not turn this into a "xyz agency" sucks, go with "pqd agency" instead. Fed LE is Fed LE, regardless of series number, and let's face it, not everyone wants to be a criminal investigator.

[SeVere]

I must agree with fedhopeful, let's not turn this into a "xyz agency" sucks, go with "pqd agency" instead. Fed LE is Fed LE, regardless of series number, and let's face it, not everyone wants to be a criminal investigator.

And not every one wants to be a Federal Criminal Investigator.

[chewy]

isn't telling someone to "aim higher" by passing over an 1801 position for the 1811 position a slap in the face to every FAM out there? :rolleyes:

Not everyone wants to be an 1811.

Yes, Yes it is. And no, not everyone wants 1811. I would love an 1801 position but not as a FAM, maybe a K-9 or something else would be nice.

[chewy]

Fed LE is Fed LE, regardless of series number,

Mmmm, not really. Some of the Fed LE jobs really do suck.