Military before Federal Agencies

[SR-25]

Are their any branches that agencies like the FBI and DSS look more highly upon than others? And also concerning MOS's, would they rather have someone who was an MP in that branch or someone who was in Special Ops?

[Kimble]

Are their any branches that agencies like the FBI and DSS look more highly upon than others? And also concerning MOS's, would they rather have someone who was an MP in that branch or someone who was in Special Ops?

First, you can't just choose to go into Special Ops and make it. Many try, but few are selected and make the cut. If you wish to be a Special Ops operator, more power to you, but many before and after you will have the same desire but ultimately won't make the cut.

With that said, any MOS will be to your advantage if you have an honorable record and good work history. MP won't be of any additional advantage to you for an 1811 position over another MOS. I have been informed that experience as a Officer in a military branch is a qualifying factor for DEA (MOS is irrelevant), and I'm sure if you're able to attain a military criminal investigator position (with CID, OSI, CGIS, etc.) it would certainly work to your benefit in establishing you have the appropriate skill set for an 1811 position (though keep in mind that military special agent positions generally are not available for first-time enlistments and require a certain rank/years-in-service to apply).

I don't know if the military would be of any further benefit to you than local or state LE (or uniformed federal LE), but if the military interests you, more power to you.

[SR-25]

First, you can't just choose to go into Special Ops and make it. Many try, but few are selected and make the cut. If you wish to be a Special Ops operator, more power to you, but many before and after you will have the same desire but ultimately won't make the cut.

Trust me, Im well aware of that. BUD/s has an 80% drop out rate. So if you were an Officer you would get more consideration than Enlisted. Even if you had the exact same degree?

[Kimble]

Trust me, Im well aware of that. BUD/s has an 80% drop out rate. So if you were an Officer you would get more consideration than Enlisted. Even if you had the exact same degree?

I don't work for the DEA, so I won't pretend to speak for the agency, but I have had an agent from their agency inform me that being an Officer in the military was "qualifying experience." How is it different from an enlisted person applying with the same degree? Honestly, I haven't the first clue, as I'm just regurgitating what I've heard from an agent. Your best bet is to contact a recruiter for the agency (or any other agency you're interested in) and get up-to-date information directly from the agency's souce.

[Valor55]

I think a little common sense will dictate what will help you.

Being a cook, driver, or mechanic isn't going to apply much direct experience for LE. However it isn't going to hurt you either.

Infantry would help. You have to learn to work as a team and remain calm under fire.

Civil Affairs, MP/SP would have relatable experience to LE.

Special forces is going to help as well, especially if you want to work on a SWAT team in a large city.

Anything that is going to give you management and administrative skills would help, especially with the feds.

If you have a college degree and can become an officer that would really help with the feds. That gives you a lot of responsibility and management (however an NCO would also give you similar experience.)

Those are just a few examples.

[BP348]

The only advantage I can think of is that most if not all officers have a 4 year degree while most enlisted have no degree. As we all know 90% of all federal criminal investigator jobs require a degree. Agencies like FBI, DEA, DSS, USSS won't even talk to you with out a degree. Some will take experience over a degree (ATF??, ICE?) But I think they they say they will take the experience but in reality if you don't have a degree they won't talk to you.

80% drop out of BUD/s? I think your a little low last I heard the number was around 85% - 90% for all special ops teams. Seals just being in the lime light right now.

[Technician]

Are their any branches that agencies like the FBI and DSS look more highly upon than others? And also concerning MOS's, would they rather have someone who was an MP in that branch or someone who was in Special Ops?

Since most Federal agencies require a four year degree a good plan for a young person thinking of going into Federal LE, but unable to attend full-time college would be to enlist in any of the Armed Forces.

I highly recommend (provided you test well on the ASVAB) entering into Communications, Intelligence, or Crypto. Those specialities are universal throughout each branch and generally require a TS clearance.

I use to watch many an E-4 first term enlistee leave the Service on Friday and comeback to the same facility as a Government Contractor on Monday making some big bucks ($60,000+ most of the time). The re-enlistment bonus aren't too bad either if you decide to make it a career.

Comm, Intel, or Crypto give you a marketable security clearance and if you don't like the work at all and want to get into Federal LE then you have your GI Bill and any additional college credits you were able to take in your first term.

Best of luck and good journey!