Posted on Nov 24, 2019
Does the 35L MOS transfer well to CID? What about 3 letter agencies after enlistment?
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I’m looking to enlist in the 35L mos. My ultimate goal is to be a federal agent (1811). But CID isn’t accepting prior service via the pilot program. So I’m aiming for 35L and then to put in a packet to CID. I guess I’d like some opinions from those who know better whether this is a solid plan or if I’m better off looking at another MOS. Thanks in advance.
35L: Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
31D: CID Special Agent
CI Special Agent
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 2
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If you are looking at 35L - CI Special Agent as a transition to 31D - CID Special Agent, you are looking in the wrong place. They are both considered to be career-long and career-establishing jobs and it is not typical for one to enter one these MOS's with the express purpose of going to the other. They are similar in the fact that they both are investigative fields, while one focusing on general felony-level crimes (CID), the other focuses on the investigation of national security crimes (CI). However, they differ in that CI does more than just investigations, they also conduct collection, specialized CI operations, analysis & production, and technical services. Interestingly, CI often works with CID in the course of some investigations, as they have parallel or dual jurisdiction in many circumstances. You should also know that both CI and CID agents often go on to have successful careers in many different 1811 (and other related) fields. So one is not necessarily better than the other in terms of experience, unless of course you are looking to say, join the FBI later on down the line and get on an FBI CI squad, then of course, I would say Army CI is a safer bet experience-wise than CID. Just my opinion.
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SSG Greg Smith
I see. Thanks for your input. I’ve been wrestling with this for a while. This helps me narrow my decision.
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SSG Greg Smith
Appreciate the response. I do have a BA in criminal justice. It sounds like 35L has a lot of what I’m looking for in terms of experience.
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CW3 (Join to see)
The LTC is right that the FBI does have an age limit, but you can subtract active duty military time from that age limit (the one exception to it). I only know this because I was once an FBI applicant who made it all the way through the process before a better opportunity presented itself. In any case, you should also know there are *significant* changes occurring within Army CI (ACI) right now, as U.S. Counterintelligence across the board is expanding to meet emerging threats. These changes are positive and are going to mean big things for ACI, but unfortunately I cannot discuss them further than that in this venue. Bottom line is that its an exciting time to be in ACI.
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Just pick an MOS with a short AIT or no AIT and apply once you're on active duty. CID is ALWAYS accepting qualified applicants. You just have to be on station for one year before you leave
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