Does the 35L MOS transfer well to CID? What about 3 letter agencies after enlistment?

SSG Greg Smith — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 19:27:13 -0500

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.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 2:01 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 02:01:28 -0500

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2019 2:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 14:24:19 -0500

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