Getting Competitive for DEA

[BarXone]

I saw our recruiter Friday, and he surprised me by saying that he thought DEA was actually about to start making offers to many of the people who applied without degrees, something that surprised me a lot.

Without degrees, but with prior Law Enforcement?

and I was beginning to think higher education actually meant something in Federal jobs !;)

[gma21]

I wouldn't get to excited.

It's true that they are waiving the degree requirement, but I heard that it is primarily intended to aid officers already on the DEA Task Force, pretty much helping TFO's get in who don't have their degree.

[BarXone]

I think I have feelings opposite of excitement hahah - I have my BA degree and some Master's education, it hasn't paid itself off much yet. I just get discouraged when departments start lowering their standards (- i.e. the FAMS hiring TSA Screeners).. I've seen it happen everywhere including local PDs. I discovered necessity will override any past policy. :rolleyes:

I'm keeping my hopes up, however. I'm just hoping for the best, and if you're determined and focused enough you can make things happen. With prior experience of course!

[Group9]

I wouldn't get to excited.

It's true that they are waiving the degree requirement, but I heard that it is primarily intended to aid officers already on the DEA Task Force, pretty much helping TFO's get in who don't have their degree.

Yeah, that's what we were told, too, when they changed the announcement to include work experience instead of a four year degree. But, apparently, in practice, there was no way to limit it to just TFOs. I don't know that any have made it to an academy class yet, so it will be interesting to see the backgrounds of the first ones who do (and apparently, there will be some getting offers if nothing changes and they pass the rest of the requirements).

[localtin]

When new recruits graduate the academy and they are assigned to their respective field offices, how is it determined what group they will attach to. A local task force, money laundering, etc.??? Is this by the needs of the particular office or do SAC's like to throw new guys into an area where they will gain the most experience?

[Group9]

When new recruits graduate the academy and they are assigned to their respective field offices, how is it determined what group they will attach to. A local task force, money laundering, etc.??? Is this by the needs of the particular office or do SAC's like to throw new guys into an area where they will gain the most experience?

Generally, they just put the new guy in what ever group has an an open slot.

I'd like to be able to say there is more thought to it than that, but really, there isn't. :D

[DEAHOPEFUL55]

A couple questions:

Any update on future BAT classes in 2009? I thought there is one in July?

I read there is baton training, but do DEA agents also get OC'ed?

What is a competitive score for the PFT exam? 20+?

[mleehogg]

Has anyone heard anything that applied in early April? I haven't heard either way yet.

[LastDon]

I submitted an application to the DC field office about three months ago, and I've heard nothing since.

I try to call three times a week to the application hotline, and the mailbox for status checks has been full since I submitted my application.

I'm not optimistic about my chances at this point, and am considering resubmitting.

Everyone I speak with at the office transfers me to the hotline, even once I explain that the relevant mailbox is full. It's a bit disconcerting.

[puma2]

A couple questions:

Any update on future BAT classes in 2009? I thought there is one in July?

I read there is baton training, but do DEA agents also get OC'ed?

What is a competitive score for the PFT exam? 20+?

There is a July class. There are rumored to be Aug and Sept classes also.

I don't know about baton and OC training.

To go to Quantico, you need a 15 or more on your pre-Quantico PTT (the one you take within 90 days of reporting). You need at least a 12 on your initial PTT to continue in the process.

[DEAHOPEFUL55]

Since we are on the topic of application process:

Sept '08-Orientation/initial form
Oct-Nov '08 - SF86/application
January/February '09 - Written, Oral, Psych Test
February/March '09 - Psych Meeting, Medical, Drug Screening

I'm assuming the PFT is next, upon passing the Poly would follow?

PFT Scheduled for next week

[mleehogg]

I just got my letter. I am taking my written test soon. Nice!!

[MPcorpssmprFI]

Hey congrats on the next step, Good Luck

[nyctrainer8]

Hey All,

I got my conditional offer letter recently and am expecting to be called to start the next steps any day now. I am training for the FIT for another agency now, but their standards are very different. I have looked through the PTT booklet that is provided online, but there is no mention of timing for the pushups, situps and pullups. Does anybody know if these are untimed, 1 minute or 2 minutes long? Thanks for the help and congrats to everyone else who got offer letters.

[localtin]

NYCTrainer8,

The Pull-ups and Pushups are unlimited time, as long as you keep going and don't stop for a breath. The situps you have two minutes to complete as many as possible. I hope this helps and best of luck.