SA: IRS, DEA, or FBI

[ASUsundevil5]

As I have researched all 3 job descriptions and roles for these SA assignments. I wanted see what others thought of the these 3 positions and agencies. As the only difference besides duties, is the age requirement for the FBI vs DEA & IRS.

I am having a tough time deciding on which agency would be best or would be applying to all 3 be the best option?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[JayMan]

I would highly recommend applying to all 3 concurrently. The process for the FBI and DEA (I'm in the middle of both) take 18 to 24mo's and I'm not sure about the IRS. Quick note on the IRS...I haven't even considered applying for them just on GPs. ;)

You may want to consider USMS, USSS, and Border Patrol as well. If you don't get one of your top choices when the hiring process is over then you are still in the federal LE system and it will be much easier to transition to the agency you want after a few years on the job (assuming you preforming very well).

[Kimble]

As I have researched all 3 job descriptions and roles for these SA assignments. I wanted see what others thought of the these 3 positions and agencies.

FBI, DEA and IRS-CI are VERY different agencies with very different investigative missions. Each in my opinion are outstanding agencies, and I've often thought of applying with DEA (though I'd have to drive 6 hours to New Orleans to attend orientation, which I'm just not able to do right now). As far as hiring, FBI mainly hires those with specific critical skills listed on fbijobs.com (they do hire diversified applicants, but you've really got to stand out), IRS-CI requires X amount of hours in accounting if you don't have an accounting degree, and DEA uses OPM for their background investigations (OPM is overtasked with BI's for so many different agencies that it can take a LONG time to get one complete).

As the only difference besides duties, is the age requirement for the FBI vs DEA & IRS.

1811 positions (i.e. SA) with FBI, DEA, IRS-CI (and just about every other 1811 position out there, except for maybe a few odd OIGs) are 6c retirement covered. So the age limits are the same, you just be in before age 37.

I am having a tough time deciding on which agency would be best or would be applying to all 3 be the best option?

Depends on two things:
(1) What type of investigative work do you want to do?
or
(2) Do you only want to be an 1811 (i.e. doesn't matter which agency picks you up)?

[ASUsundevil5]

Definitely keep this mind, I may need to do some more research on the 1811 search under different agencies...

Thank you

[JBT]

Hey, what about ATF??? I haven't heard us mentioned.

Most importantly, like ROS asked, what type of investigations do you want to do, that is the main question.

[ASUsundevil5]

It's tough to say because everything seems interesting to me and fun...so I better make a decision I guesss

[Switchback]

Yeah, JBT.. what is the deal with that! Apparently, we did not make the short list. LOL

It's funny that the agents that I know in the DEA and FBI both seem to like the job I do. I think they find the fact I have little to no paperwork particularly appealing... not to mention that, with my team, I hit an average of 6-8 houses a day.

[ASUsundevil5]

Yeah, JBT.. what is the deal with that! Apparently, we did not make the short list. LOL

It's funny that the agents that I know in the DEA and FBI both seem to like the job I do. I think they find the fact I have little to no paperwork particularly appealing... not to mention that, with my team, I hit an average of 6-8 houses a day.

ATF? So you do more than just bust underage kids buying cigarettes? j/k
Anyhow, is your agency in demand for Special Agents as well? Also, what specific experience or education is the ATF looking for?

[Switchback]

JBT (Jack Booted Thug) is ATF. I am USMS. Currently, our 1811s are hired from the non-investigative (series 082) Deputy US Marshal pool. I will simply say that I do not agree with the current system and leave it at that, as I do not have the typing abilities (or patience) to go into the detail that it requires. LOL

I was hired as an 1811 and being an 1811 Deputy on a full-timed fugitive task force is hard to beat! You get a little of everything.

[ASUsundevil5]

Switchback,

So do you fall under the DODIG or am I way off?

[ASUsundevil5]

yet again I assume only the military branches fall under the DODIG

[Switchback]

USMS = United States Marshals Service

[ASUsundevil5]

I knew that , speaking of USMS, I just spoke the other day with Gonzales, not sure of the official title, but US State Marshall / Director of AZ. Now does the USMS have SA positions?

[chewy]

Hey, what about ATF??? I haven't heard us mentioned.

Most importantly, like ROS asked, what type of investigations do you want to do, that is the main question.

because nobody likes ATF. Don't encourage anyone to apply there (cause that would make it easier for me to get )


And why not apply for US Coast Guard 1811 Special Agent? That is the best position of all. :D

[chewy]

I knew that , speaking of USMS, I just spoke the other day with Gonzales, not sure of the official title, but US State Marshall / Director of AZ. Now does the USMS have SA positions?

judging from your coments you have absolutly no idea what any of these agencies do so you could take any of the positions and still be surprised...apply for them all and take the first one that offers.