What are the steps I need to take to move my career to CID?

2018-06-15T19:21:06-04:00

When I enlisted I wanted to do CID, not fully understanding how to get there, I was told to start as an MP. I’ll hit my two year mark in January and I feel like I’m wasting my time and not really getting myself where I want to be. I’m Currently a 31B, but have minimal road experience, I’ve spent most of my time in the field. We are starting a road cycle soon though. As of This moment I don’t have any College but once I get back to the states from the rotation my company is on I am going to start taking classes in something. What steps do I need to take to get me to CID, I’ve heard a cluster of information and never had a straight answer. I’m just trying to formulate a plan and need clear goals so I can get where I want to be in my career.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 7:30 PM

2018-06-15T19:30:07-04:00

Check out the website cid.army.mil and then talk to the Recruiting Coordinator at your local CID office. You’ll find addresses on the website. Being an MP with road experience isn’t really going to set you up. You’ll be fine without it. I never had road experience my 7 years as a MP and a lot of our guys were not MP’s to begin with. The only thing that is holding you back is the college. Columbia College is very military friendly. Speak with a counselor at the Ed Center and get set up with Joint Service Transcript. That’ll turn your military education into civilian ed. You’ll need need to complete BLC before you apply also.

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Jun 16 at 2018 7:58 AM

2018-06-16T07:58:27-04:00

Go to your local CID element in a combat zone or CID Office stateside and get some up-to-date from the CID recruiter. Each CID unit should have one. Most young CID Agents weren’t even alive when I retired as one in 1994.

Response by SPC Aubrey Zachary made Jun 20 at 2018 9:19 AM

2018-06-20T09:19:52-04:00

I was MPI (95B V5) in the early '80s & we worked very close with CID. Now that your in, contact CID & show interest in joining the team & apply. Good Luck!
I found this on the Army page that you may have already looked at:
Requirements
CID Special Agents must have high moral standards and the utmost integrity. The training agents receive provide them with the technical skills that will permit them to execute any felony investigative mission with success. Due to the nature of work required of CID Special Agents, strict qualification must be met prior to application. Minimum eligibility requirements are listed below.
In-service Soldiers only
U.S. Citizen
21 or older
Completed Basic Leader Course (formerly known as the Warrior Leader Course)
SPC-SGT(P)
Between 2-10 years of military service
60 semester hours or more from an accredited institution
Skilled Technical (ST) score of 107 or higher
General Technical (GT) score of 110 or higher
Consistently meet the height and weight standards prescribed in AR 600-9 and consistently pass the Army Physical Fitness Test
Ability to deploy worldwide, have no physical limitations and normal color vision
Must possess a valid driver’s license and favorable driving record
Ability to speak and write clearly
Favorable credit history
Valid driver’s license and favorable driving record
At least one year of military police experience or two years civilian police experience (requirement for reserve soldiers only)
Visit http://www.cid.army.mil/militaryagents2.html for the complete list of requirements and instructions to begin your application.

Join CID

Become a CID Special Agent, Join CID, how to join CID

Response by SGM Edward Sullivan made Nov 9 at 2020 2:40 PM

2020-11-09T14:40:32-05:00

Apply for MPI School, once you have worked investigations for at least a year, request a lateral transfer to the Local CID element...then you are are the road!!!

Response by PO1 Robert Ryan made Nov 13 at 2020 9:57 AM

2020-11-13T09:57:30-05:00

Take classes in criminal justice. I don"t know about the Army now, but when I was doing MP duties in 1971-1975, E6 and above could apply for a warrant Officer program (MP Field) as a pathway to CID. I don't know if that is still an option. But definitely take Criminal Justice Courses in college.

Response by SCPO Victor Glaviano made Jan 11 at 2022 9:38 PM

2022-01-11T21:38:57-05:00

Try to get into the MPI course in the meantime, that will help. That's what we do in the Navy then when we get to our permanent duty station we go under the NCIS RA for other training, UC work (I did a lot of UC narcotics when I was in my late 20s and early 30s.