FLETC vs STATE

[BlueKnight901]

This question is directed to all those who have made the switch from local, county and state to federal. What are the main differences in FLETC and the state POST academies? How do they differ in mind set, physical training, classes ect....

In other words....I know all academies are different, but what are you general opinions on it.

Specifically DOD Police, but not limited.

[Piggy]

From what I understand, all DOD Police do not go through FLETC. It's up to each individual base where they go. Some do go to FLETC, some get waivered from states and there are a few that attend the VA Police Training.

[smcc360]

The State Police academy was more like boot camp (marching, military courtesies, ball-breaking), and FLETC was more like college. Much less stressful at FLETC.

[Switchback]

Well... like a really dumbed-down version of college.

[RT302]

Well... like a really dumbed-down version of college.

Ain't that the truth!;)

[Firebug]

With all the personal drama going on in between the members of my class when I was there it felt much more like junior high.

FB

[FPS207]

Oddly enough, my FLETC experience was reversed. My state police academy was actually taught on a college campus and had the appearance of a dumb downed college course. The FPS MBPTP was like boot camp, and very miserable during my 14 weeks at FLETC.

[SSA1811]

I'm disappointed to hear that the academic standards at FLETC may have declined that drastically.

I still vividly recall my first day of CITP when one of the Directors welcomed and addressed my class of 36 men and 6 women. He prophetically stated that, "..... history has shown that six of you will not be here for graduation. Six of you are going to wash out".

My class created study groups and we did everything we could to support each other to avoid that prediction. Unfortunately, the Directors prediction came true - six students washed out; one could not qualify in firearms and five couldn't cut it academically. It bothered and saddened all of us to see people we had gotten to know and like not make the cut.

Apparently, things may be different these days.


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[Switchback]

I went through in the mid 90's. The only thing that I know has shanged (both before my time and since) has been fit... and that was mostly during our in-house training.

I have to admit that I am surprised to hear FPS having a hard academy down there. I was always under the understanding (and it seemed pretty well agreed upon) that the big green Border Patrol had the worst times down there, followed by us (the U.S. Marshals). And, while we had a few bad fit sessions, the classes were stupid easy and I got in worse shape while I was there. I never read so many books (recreationally) in my life!

[SSA1811]

Hi Switchback,

I went through FLETC in the late 70's.

One thing that has not changed since then is the consensus opinion that the "Mean Green" Border Patrol has it harder than any other Agency during training. (Colonel Bill Jordan would be proud)

However, it appears that currently, your observations may be more correct than my recollections. "They" seem to be more reluctant to wash anyone out at FLETC these days - I now hear they are giving trainees second, and in some cases third chances, or more, to pass. That was unheard of when I went through.


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[Switchback]

A buddy just graduated ICE and he had a few (well deserved) wash-outs. It was refreshing to hear.

[Big Sexy]

As a former BP Agent, thanks to all for recognizing our collective misery and sacrifices, as one of the hardest working academies. :D

As far as FLETC, BIG can only speak upon CITP and ICESAT. Both are equal in that, one can only fail two tests during the duration of each phase. Example, you fail a law test and fail the re-test, you'll be gone. You fail a law test, pass the re-test, fail an other test and you'll be gone.

In CITP we lost one person, U.S. Bureau of Engraving, to academics and had one person on the bubble for same.

In ICESAT, we lost one to firearms, had three others on the bubble for same. We also had two others on the bubble for driving.

We had a few injuries, partially torn knee ligaments and ACL's near the end of training. Luckily the injuries happened within the last ten days and all were able to graduate.

[Maverick24]

From what I have seen (and heard from others) the most common wash-out at FLETC is firearms. But honestly (especially when I was there in Artesia) it seems like they bend over backwards to make sure you dont wash out. Extra help is always available in the practical courses, and (as previous posters have stated) the academics arent exactly "hard" if you just study a bit. You almost have to TRY and wash out. When I was there (not for CITP) we lost one for firearms, and several others came down to the wire. We had several "on the bubble" for academics as well but all passed in the end. Also lost a few due to injuries in DT.

In my PD academy down in FL, we lost about 10 guys. Many quit of their own accord (those way out of shape) during our initial PT "Hell week". Lost one to shooting and a few more to academics. I personally thought local was tougher then my FLETC experience. Definately tougher PT-Wise.

I think this seems to be a more common (and alarming) trend in law-enforcement as the agencies seem to be much more reluctant to wash out candidates. I dont know if this is due to money,fear of lawsuits, or what. I see on the NYPD thread it was mentioned all tests at the academy are now open book! And at Border patrol they have eliminated the post academy 6mo and 12mo spanish tests. Im sure there are plenty of other examples out there as well...

[SSA1811]

I think this seems to be a more common (and alarming) trend in law-enforcement as the agencies seem to be much more reluctant to wash out candidates.

That is a very insightful statement.

I am not implying that we in Law Enforcement are "dumbing-down", however, it seems that where we once were seeking out the "brightest and the best", we now seem to be settling for the "same as all the rest".


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[smcc360]

Well, I got an academic award while at FLETC. A quick look at my past posts should make it clear that this had more to do with the overall academic rigor of CI School than with any particular intellectual merit on my part. Me am not the most smartest.

The PT was pretty good, though, and the chow wasn't half bad. Rooms were okay, too (maid service and good AC).

Overall, a very positive experience. Like summer camp, with guns.