Army MP/CID/Warrant Officer

[Sgt. Slaughter]

I've been perusing a few manuals and noticed CID doesn't even wear rank on their gear. They're just designated as CID so rank shouldn't enter the picture when working. I did notice their chain of command is separate from everything else which has gotta help immensely.

Of course, people with aspirations of increasing rank or their "station" in life isn't restricted solely to Army life.

[MyOwnNemesis]

I've been perusing a few manuals and noticed CID doesn't even wear rank on their gear. They're just designated as CID so rank shouldn't enter the picture when working. I did notice their chain of command is separate from everything else which has gotta help immensely.

Of course, people with aspirations of increasing rank or their "station" in life isn't restricted solely to Army life.

Exactly - Rank and Authority are the factors that get peoples anal hairs up in a bunch. You will rarely see CID with rank - Back in the day we had the US lapel pins/patches on our BDU's if we wore anything...It did make you stand out like a ROTC cadet - but the important part was that the rank did not get in the way of the mission.. It could be bad in the US Army if you rank (NCO or WO) were found out but it was HORRIBLE in foreign military operations. The US has a very professional NCO corps with educated individuals trained to do what needs to be done in the absence of orders. Foreign Military units usually do not operate this way - especially non-SOC units. Rank is purchased in many cases and only the wealthy are officers. My experience in S. America was to keep my NCO status as quiet as possible. We always wore sanitized uniforms.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Just fired off an email to my local CID office. Hopefully they can help out.

[Joeyd6]

I've got no clue how they operate. Inside the military, as a military investigator would be brand new to me. Operating within the confines of the UCMJ has got to be much different than the street-level police work I'm used to.

I have actually had better luck with UCMJ than on the outside, where there are threhold limits, such as "Don't bring us case unless the loss is at least $25,000."

This is off their website: "CID does not charge subjects of investigations with crimes. CID investigates allegations of wrongdoing and once an investigation is completed, turns the findings over to the appropriate command and legal authority for disposition and adjudication."

No federal agency charges anyone. Everyone, the FBI, SS, DSS, NCIS, DCIS, ATF, DEA, OIGs, etc.... all conduct and complete a investigation which we present to the agency administration for action if a administraive case, or to the proper prosecutor for civil and criminal investigations.

Is DCIS an 1811 position? I see they're OIG investigators and no positions are open.

DCIS is an 1811. OIG is just another fancy three letter federal LE agency. The OIG is a place many 1811 agents try to end their career with due to the family friendly work environment and usually, their large budgets with fewer agents which means you can score some great training and hands-on that you would only dream about at other agencies.

Maybe for CID it's better that I've got civvie experience?

I would say 100% yes! All of the CID agents who were tools in my past were not prior LEO's, none had been to college, none had been to a state/local/FLTC police academy, and all felt the Army training they got was sufficient to handle working major cases which involved major crimes (that were violatons of Title 18 more than UCMJ). And all were career U.S. Army. Sounds like you will shine db an asset with prior civilian experience.


But again, its my opnion and that with a $1 may get you a cup of coffee.

[Kimble]

Operating within the confines of the UCMJ has got to be much different than the street-level police work I'm used to.

It is! Sometimes it can be frustrating when you solve a substantial case and command simply sends it to NJP/Art 15, but you just have to work the investigation as thoroughly as you can and not take the adjudication personally. Also, the UCMJ has some funky crimes you wouldn't see in the civilian world (ex: adultry, homosexuality, etc.). On the other hand, you'll have the opportunity to work some cases you likely wouldn't work outside a military environment: treason, war crimes, etc.

Is DCIS an 1811 position? I see they're OIG investigators and no positions are open.

DCIS is an 1811 position, but realize they are an OIG (unlike other MCIO's that investigate your typical "street crimes"). They work fraud, plain and simple. If you're interested in DCIS, or any OIG, I'd suggest calling the nearest office directly, vice looking on USAJobs.gov or other online sources that post vacancies. A lot of hiring for OIG's is done at the regional level, vice sending an application to their HQ.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

The bane of my existence is the distinct lack of a college degree. At 34 years of age, I won't get it completed in time to test for 1811 positions. That's one of the reasons I've been looking at the CID gig. I can do the work and have them pay for my classes while I'm in. The WO route would make for a decent career, I think.

[Kimble]

The bane of my existence is the distinct lack of a college degree. At 34 years of age, I won't get it completed in time to test for 1811 positions. That's one of the reasons I've been looking at the CID gig. I can do the work and have them pay for my classes while I'm in. The WO route would make for a decent career, I think.

NCIS does require a 4 year degree, unfortunately, but I don't believe 1811 positions with OSI do. A degree would help, but substantial LE/investigative experience would too. Also, if you compare the salaries of enlisted/warrant agents and civilian 1811's there's a sharp difference, with 1811's making quite a bit more.

Not saying you shouldn't pursue CID if that interests you, but I wouldn't discount OSI.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

I'll check into it. I have to see how much credit they give patrol monkeys.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Seems they give ZERO credit to patrol monkeys. hahaha

CID it is...

[CincyCop]

Not intending to venture too far off topic...but why not apply for a WOFT position? (WOFT = Warrant Officer Flight Training)

[Kimble]

Seems they give ZERO credit to patrol monkeys. hahaha

CID it is...

Maybe so, but, if you can get investigative experience (Army CID or at your current PD), they do seek that. And, AFOSI is the only 1811 position I know of that has a separate hiring program for people over 37 yoa (don't ask me how they do it when no other federal agency does, but they do). They have what they call "A" and "B" civilian agent (1811) hiring programs, and the "B" program is for people over 37. Many former active duty agents are hired back on as civilian agents through this process, but it's still an opportunity to get on board with them if their mission interests you: Air Force Office of Special Investigations - Civilian Vacancies

Army CID may be to your liking, and if so, hope you have an enjoyable career. I haven't worked with CID yet, so I can't speak to any personal experience with them. However, the one thing that AFOSI and NCIS bring to the table that Army CID does not is the opportunity to work counterintel/counterterrorism cases (Army CI and Army MI work those cases, CID simply works criminal cases). CI/CT isn't everyone's flavor of choice, but something to consider.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Not intending to venture too far off topic...but why not apply for a WOFT position? (WOFT = Warrant Officer Flight Training)

I'm too old.

[MyOwnNemesis]

I'm too old.

No, no, no - Big Sarge, you are too experienced in other areas. That is what my wife keeps reminding me!

But yeah - they usually don't want Geezing Chopper Jockey's.

[CincyCop]

I'm too old.

Aren't you something like 31 or 32? Also, there may be age waivers in place for prior military (USMC) service...they were in place when I was looking into a WOFT (Black Hawk) position with the Indiana Guard back in 2002.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Aren't you something like 31 or 32? Also, there may be age waivers in place for prior military (USMC) service...they were in place when I was looking into a WOFT (Black Hawk) position with the Indiana Guard back in 2002.

34.

Be at least 18, but not have reached their 33rd birthday at the convening of the selection board.
* "Waivers will be considered for applicants with exceptional qualifications and only on a case by case basis"

I'd have to figure out what "exceptional" means....