Federal duty location

[crusader55]

I know mobility is a requirement of 1811 positions and the ultimate choice of location is up to the agency and based on its needs.

However the FBI lets new agents request a few ideal areas that are then considered. Do DEA/ATF/USSS/etc. give their new agents this same luxury or something similar?

Thanks for your help in advance.

[ud22206]

if you become a Fed, you are supposed to be willing to move anywhere in the country. You should at least get some preference or request with any agency.

[SSA1811]

Virtually every Federal Agency that I am aware of has an "Office of Preference" list where you get to list three locations or cities where you would prefer to work.

From my experience, this is primarily a "feel good" exercise. Occasionally, you may hear of an Agent getting their office of preference, but for the most part, new Agents are going to get assigned to the larger cities where vacancies are harder to fill, such as New York City.

Also keep in mind that many if not most of these "voluntary transfers", if approved, are on your own dime.


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[Nole795]

Based on the agents that I know, agencies such as USSS, USPIS, and ATF tend to keep you where you were recruited or a city nearby. Now there are a few agents with the above agencies that have been royally screwed when hired, but that is the name of the game.

The good thing about the above agencies, is that you know where you are headed before you are hired, unlike DEA and FBI.

[crusader55]

Virtually every Federal Agency that I am aware of has an "Office of Preference" list where you get to list three locations or cities where you would prefer to work.

From my experience, this is primarily a "feel good" exercise. Occasionally, you may hear of an Agent getting their office of preference, but for the most part, new Agents are going to get assigned to the larger cities where vacancies are harder to fill, such as New York City.

Also keep in mind that many if not most of these "voluntary transfers", if approved, are on your own dime.


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Thats ok, I would prefer NYC or Los Angeles anyway!

Thanks for the help guys.

[bigmanallen]

Bear in mind that the FBI nowadays requires a 4-year stint in a major field office at some point in the agent's career. Many new agents elect to do this first, then transfer to the hometown office of their dreams. If you put it off, you will have to move to an LA or NY later, with a possible wife or child in tow -- a much trickier proposition than when you're young.