So You Want to be a Federal Agent?

[ffjweber]

Thanks for the info about tattoos. I have two tattoos on my forearms, so I guess I don't fit the average.

I personally know I do not have the credentials as it stands right now, but that is why I am researching this now. I have about half of a Bachelor's Degree worth of college credits, and have about 12 years to go until the age 37.5 cutoff. (I also realize it may -- scratch that -- WILL take several years to complete the hiring process (if I even make it that far).) 6 years being a full-time FF, I have excellent job security, and I certainly don't have anything to complain about (although us fireman can ALWAYS find something to complain about... ;) )

My biggest cause for concern is the fact that age 37.5 is the oldest one can be and still get hired as a Federal Agent. Big problem since with 20 years I would be 39. ((((early retirement!!))))

Hey- who knows, maybe in 5 years USMS will target FIREFIGHTERS and create a whole new line of hiring initiatives. :eek:

Ok, now I don't want to piss anyone off............................... :cool:

[Kimble]

Thanks for the info about tattoos. I have two tattoos on my forearms, so I guess I don't fit the average.

I personally know I do not have the credentials as it stands right now, but that is why I am researching this now. I have about half of a Bachelor's Degree worth of college credits, and have about 12 years to go until the age 37.5 cutoff. (I also realize it may -- scratch that -- WILL take several years to complete the hiring process (if I even make it that far).) 6 years being a full-time FF, I have excellent job security, and I certainly don't have anything to complain about (although us fireman can ALWAYS find something to complain about... ;) )

My biggest cause for concern is the fact that age 37.5 is the oldest one can be and still get hired as a Federal Agent. Big problem since with 20 years I would be 39. ((((early retirement!!))))

Hey- who knows, maybe in 5 years USMS will target FIREFIGHTERS and create a whole new line of hiring initiatives. :eek:

Ok, now I don't want to piss anyone off............................... :cool:

I don't know of anyone retired from one job and then becoming a federal agent. Even if you went into the military at 17 and did 20 years active duty, you'd be pushing it if you got hired at 37. If you're serious about becoming a federal agent, retiring as a hose-dragger... er, firefighter, is probably not a reality.

I do know in the past ATF recruited firefighters with arson investigative skills. Might be something worth looking into if that fits your interests.

[aegis319]

Just got a TO for a position with my Agency's IG. Can anyone tell me what to expect next? I haven't received a call from the HR person yet...the hiring Agent called me to tell me to expect a call from HR.

[Kimble]

Just got a TO for a position with my Agency's IG. Can anyone tell me what to expect next? ...the hiring Agent called me to tell me to expect a call from HR.

I think you just answered your own question (re-read the portion in bold if needed).

[Joeyd6]

I am a 1811 with an IG....PM me.

[Switchback]

I don't know of anyone retired from one job and then becoming a federal agent. Even if you went into the military at 17 and did 20 years active duty, you'd be pushing it if you got hired at 37. If you're serious about becoming a federal agent, retiring as a hose-dragger... er, firefighter, is probably not a reality.

I do know in the past ATF recruited firefighters with arson investigative skills. Might be something worth looking into if that fits your interests.

FWIW, I know ONE guy that was able to collect a full pension before getting hired by us. He went into the AF Academy at 17 and the clock started. He did 20 years as a pilot and slid into a USMS position at 37.

...and scratch what I said here:

It's a good thing you are not set on the USMS. There is no real avenue for you to be hired with current hiring initiatives.



Generally speaking, sleeves may make things a bit of a challenge for you to get hired. Many of us have tattoos, some pushing the half-sleeve. I work with a few guys with tattoos on their forearms (but there are not many). Most of us have them where they can be (reasonably) covered up with short sleeved shirts.

I have since finished my sleeve. I know 2 others in my officer working on theirs now.

[SABT]

I have been retired for 10 years after a 35 year career with the FBI. I worked in an FBI field office in order to put myself through college and was going to attend law school. However, I was given the tests for the Special Agent position when I completed college and passed them. As a result, I received a appointment to the Special Agent position via teletype and reported to the Old Post Office building in Washington, D. C. a week later. During my career I worked closely with a number of Agents from a number of Federal Agencies. Unfortunately, I lost some of my friends working for these other agencies when they were killed in the bombing of the Murrah building in OKC.

I enjoyed reading the original post in this thread. Most of the Federal Agencies prefer individuals with accounting and law degrees, but they also recruit individuals from other law enforcement agencies or former military officers. When people ask me if they should take police science courses in college, I tell them that the FBI would much rather they took science courses because they will teach them constitutional law along with the other courses in investigating criminal violations and enforcing the law.

In short, I worked for the FBI for over 35 years and looked forward to going to work every day, except for perhaps 5 days which were bummers.

For those of you who are interested, go to the websites, determine the current requirements and start planning to meet those requirements. Good Luck.

[Kimble]

I have been retired for 10 years after a 35 year career with the FBI. I worked in an FBI field office in order to put myself through college and was going to attend law school. However, I was given the tests for the Special Agent position when I completed college and passed them. As a result, I received a appointment to the Special Agent position via teletype and reported to the Old Post Office building in Washington, D. C. a week later. During my career I worked closely with a number of Agents from a number of Federal Agencies. Unfortunately, I lost some of my friends working for these other agencies when they were killed in the bombing of the Murrah building in OKC.

I enjoyed reading the original post in this thread. Most of the Federal Agencies prefer individuals with accounting and law degrees, but they also recruit individuals from other law enforcement agencies or former military officers. When people ask me if they should take police science courses in college, I tell them that the FBI would much rather they took science courses because they will teach them constitutional law along with the other courses in investigating criminal violations and enforcing the law.

In short, I worked for the FBI for over 35 years and looked forward to going to work every day, except for perhaps 5 days which were bummers.

For those of you who are interested, go to the websites, determine the current requirements and start planning to meet those requirements. Good Luck.

JNorman,

First, welcome to the site. Our site requires those who claim to be LEOs to be verified, which I've sent you a PM with more information regarding this process. Please reply to that message so that I can verify you and enable your access to our LE-restricted forums.

[SABT]

ROS:

Thank you for your assistance.