Can I be in the Army Reserves and join the FBI?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 20:35:49 -0500

Looking for another way to serve and I believe the FBI is the route I want to be on.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2018 9:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 21:00:28 -0500

Yes. One of the MAJs I've worked with was an SA.

Response by SGT James LeFebvre made Dec 18 at 2018 9:24 PM

SGT James LeFebvre — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 21:24:09 -0500

Shouldn't be an issue, it's a job, like any other, probably a lot of reserve and guard in their ranks. You get that with police, firefighters, EMTs, etc. Kudos for wanting a second way to serve.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2018 9:36 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 21:36:51 -0500

Yes, as of right now you can serve in the Reserves or National Guard and be in the FBI.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2018 10:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 22:03:52 -0500

One of my former commanders was also in the FBI

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2018 10:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 22:22:20 -0500

I knew a full-bird colonel in the Army Reserves who was also a DEA agent. I knew a female Lieutenant Colonel who was an FBI agent. Yes, you can do both.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 19 at 2018 11:19 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 11:19:37 -0500

The FBI is a Federal employer, hence has to follow the OPM rules. They're more comprehensive than the paper tiger known as USERRA. That said, the FBI has operations which can tie you up. So the best approach is to make sure both sides see your calendar availability. Although there is personnel policy talking about the Feds dealing with reserves, etc., there isn't an opposite for MIL side dealing with CIV other than some notion you don't want to kill morale. Be wary of denied CIV promotion based on a MIL bias. Had that happen to me for years. Title VII Law doesn't cover that one. Takes horsepower to get that one unstuck. Make sure you have friends in higher places on both sides.