Advice on joining Criminal Investigation Division (CID), OSI, NCIS?

2015-06-13T23:59:42-04:00

I am currently serving active duty in the Marine Corps, with the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group. Will have completed a bachelor's degree in law enforcement administration, in December 2015. T/S Clearance holder. I am hoping to transition, or LATMove into the Marine Corps' Criminal Investigation Agent MOS (5821). If that option is not available I would certainly entertain the possibly of transitioning services, to join up with the Air Force's Office of Special Investigations, Army CID or NCIS.

My goal overall is to remain on active in the military while working in the federal law enforcement community. All information and input is welcome and thank you in advance for sharing!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-06-14T13:32:12-04:00

http://www.osi.af.mil/questions/enlisted/index.asp

Air Force OSI - Enlisted

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-06-14T13:38:40-04:00

http://www.cid.army.mil/militaryagent2.html

Enlisted agents

PREREQUISITES - Must be a U.S. citizen - Minimum age of 21 - Completed Warrior Leader Course - Maximum grade of SGT or SSG (with one year or less time in grade) may apply with waiver (*See below) - Minimum of two, maximum of 10 years of military service - Minimum of 60 college semester hours from an accredited institution - Minimum ST score of 107 and minimum GT score of 110 - Consistently meet the height and weight standards prescribed in AR...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-06-14T13:42:14-04:00

http://www.dodig.mil/Careers/index.html

DoD IG - Careers with the DoD Inspector General

The Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General offers potential applicants more than just jobs and professions. A career with the DoD IG offers those who qualify an opportunity to serve our Nation and those who are defending it worldwide.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 14 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-06-14T15:46:07-04:00

I had an informal interview and test run with AFOSI. I did pretty well until one day I was supposed to meet them at a Starbucks. All went well, shook hands, went out only to discover I left my car keys in the ignition out of excitement.

Pay close attention to detail.

Response by CW3 Stephen Mills made Jun 18 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-06-18T10:31:31-04:00

If you are serious about being in LE and staying on active duty then your only real options are either Army CID or OSI. Marine CID isn't recognized as federal agents and NCIS has gone away from active duty agents. DOD IG never had active duty agents.
This leaves AFOSI and USACIDC.

I am a retired Army CID agent and current civilian police chief.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-06-21T14:44:09-04:00

Your only option to switch to Army CID, at this time, would be to transfer to the Army as an MP for two years and then submit your application for CID. In doing that you'll have to pay attention to the prerequisites identified in the link provided above. At the end of those two years as an MP, where will you stand. I recently researched this through our Command Recruiting Operations Cell (ROC) when I was contacted by a Navy individual looking to transfer. Hope this helps.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-08-18T13:26:04-04:00

Seriously consider the option that was listed by the CID agent below. Joining the Army for two years to submit a CID packet is a good idea. Even though they're good investigators, my friends who are Marine CID agents have told me the only time they worked good cases was when they were on temporary assignment to NCIS. Army CID is a great organization with which you have a lot of opportunities open to you.

Response by CW2 Nick Ivanovic made Oct 1 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-10-01T16:06:08-04:00

I retired as a Army CID warrant officer in 1993. I know back then that the Marine Corps CID was like the army military police investigator. They worked most non felony crimes. With the Marine Corps, the NCIS was similar to the Army CID; working serious felony crimes. Know keep that in mind, because you have options.
After I retired I was fortunate enough to land a federal agent law enforcement job. After a while it becomes about retirement. With your background you have a pretty good chance of landing a job with the civilian fed's, but unless you land a job as a federal agent do NOT get out if the military. As my army CID colleagues said go Army CID , get into the warrant office field and stay 30 . You are not going to regret it when it comes to retiring.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-12-16T12:28:22-05:00

Shoot me a msg il put u in touch with army CID people

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 7:02 AM

2016-03-07T07:02:19-05:00

If u want more information from a Marine CID agent instead of scuttlebutt, you can message me direct on [login to see] , or go direct with your local Marine CID office.

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Oct 25 at 2018 8:06 AM

2018-10-25T08:06:38-04:00

I had the occasion to attend CID Basic Course with four male Marines, all were single, like myself and had been fleet Marines before attending the course. I also had a vehicle at the course so it was natural that we all hung out together. I think the course did them well, as they all transferred to NCIS offices upon graduation. I also later ran a screening cell as a civilian contractor at Al Asad and was attached with the Marine PMO. Nothing but a personally rewarding assignment as a retired Army CW3 to work for a Marine Corp CW3.