What is working for CID really like?

2019-09-07T19:27:36-04:00

I am currently active duty EOD, and have 9 months left before I ETS. I am looking at multiple options for employment - most of which require not re-enlisting. However, I would like to work for ATF/FBI as a special agent. As such, becoming a CID special agent would provide a substantial foot in the door to accomplish that. Does anyone have contact information for actual agents that I could talk to? I've checked out their website, but I would much rather talk to someone who is actually there doing the work.

I largely have two questions. First, I want to know what it's actually like. Do they do normal Army stuff (ie: formations, motor-pool Monday, etc), or are they just federal agents that happen to be in the Army (similar to doctors)?

Second, I've been told before that Warrants are the actual investigators, while the regular enlisted type are more for paperwork. What is the validity of this?

I greatly appreciate any help and information anyone can provide. Thank you!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2019 7:31 PM

2019-09-07T19:31:37-04:00

There is a need to maintain vehicles but there is no motor pool Monday. They are federal agents and work as such but you will spend much of your time doing paperwork. There are rarely formations but they do happen sometimes.

Warrants act as team chiefs and SACs typically but the NCOs do spend much of their time investigating.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 8 at 2019 8:49 AM

2019-09-08T08:49:03-04:00

Well with your EOD experience I think you can guess what area you'll be doing in the investigations.l

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2019 12:16 PM

2019-09-09T12:16:02-04:00

It may have changed, but pretty sure you still aren't able to re-enlist into CID. If you're serious about applying, then you'll need to act quickly. Suggest you drop by the local detachment on your installation and tell them you want to be an agent. That's the best way to start.

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Sep 9 at 2019 8:05 PM

2019-09-09T20:05:48-04:00

Good recommendation already. I spent 17 years as an enlisted agent and as a warrant. Both enlisted and warrants, especially WO1s investigate. CW2s and CW3s are team chiefs. C4s are detachment commanders and CW5s are operations officers at battalion level units.

I have known, worked with and had friends to their initial stint in the command (3 years) and then left the command for ATF, FBI and others. Many stayed in the Individual Ready Reserve ( IRR) after departure so they could eventually retire in the reserves. I stayed the 20 years and then left to work an insurance company as a fraud investigator.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 7:27 PM

2020-02-10T19:27:02-05:00

Call the local FBI office and request to speak with an Agent about your plans. Give him your background, EOD qualifications and career goals. If your lucky he may request you to visit him for a conversation. You may also consider other federal agencies. ATF comes to mind - but don’t be afraid to inquire about opportunities in other agencies.