View Full Version : Employment at federal agencies
frostfire
10-05-2015, 11:52
IIRC, there are several members and QP's here who are federal agencies: air marshal, US marshal, border patrol, etc. What are your take on these agencies?
Hypothetically speaking, if one makes it to the last hiring step and is asked which one one would choose (have to disclose other applications), how would you compare them. I have perused each jurisdiction, mission, history, etc. Perhaps you would share your experience from personally interacting with each. Thanks in advance.
- The Bureau Special Agent
- The Bureau Intel analyst
- Secret Service Special Agent
- Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent
- DEA Special Agent
Total derailment, but I read your post and Charley Daniels jumped into my head...
"You may not know it, but this man's a spy! He's an undercover agent for the FBI, and he's been sent down here to infiltrate the ku klux klan."
2018commo
10-05-2015, 18:28
Can't help you with the LE Agencies, but stay away from IMCOM, one big self licking popcicle.
Golf1echo
10-05-2015, 20:07
Total derailment, but I read your post and Charley Daniels jumped into my head...
"You may not know it, but this man's a spy! He's an undercover agent for the FBI, and he's been sent down here to infiltrate the ku klux klan."
I was thinking about Green Teeth just the other day :D
You know, he probably doesn't have a garage....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=952h-AJ3Bcg
Bleed Green
10-05-2015, 21:47
Perhaps you would share your experience from personally interacting with each. Thanks in advance.
Feel free to ping me on e-mail Frost if I can answer any of your questions. I have 30 and a half years of BP time and have worked with a lot of other agencies as well as worked TDY for a couple of strange ones.
If you're working in a org that has special agents, analysts are very much second-class citizens. That's not to say that there aren't ever SA's that value the analysts' contributions, but it's structured that you're not the focus of the organization (which is appropriate). Some folks don't mind, for others, it's a big deterrent to job satisfaction, so it's important to know that going in.
Team Sergeant
10-06-2015, 13:06
If you're working in a org that has special agents, analysts are very much second-class citizens. That's not to say that there aren't ever SA's that value the analysts' contributions, but it's structured that you're not the focus of the organization (which is appropriate). Some folks don't mind, for others, it's a big deterrent to job satisfaction, so it's important to know that going in.
And where are all the regular agents? :munchin
I'd probably choke to death laughing if someone referred to themselves as a "special agent".
Bleed Green
10-06-2015, 13:08
And where are all the regular agents? :munchin
I'd probably choke to death laughing if someone referred to themselves as a "special agent".
I usually think of Dana Carvey and the Church Lady skit, but that is just me being warped I imagine.
FlagDayNCO
10-06-2015, 17:30
Just about all of them hire quotas no matter what they tell you.
As mentioned, Special Agents look down upon everyone, especially the less capable SA types.
Look at USSS Operations Support Technician. It is one of the few armed positions and they are issued CREDENTIALS the same as SA. Credential book is a BIG deal. Many agencies LEOs aren't at the same level. OST's are assigned to major field offices and special groups. They're the guys that control the weapons, training, you name it. You don't have to deal with the SA elitist mentality and crap work. Very high demand. Pay isn't as good as USSS S/A, but you have more freedom.
Deputy US Marshal is interesting, as long as you stay away from Witness Protection and court security (long term). Their offices have lever action rifles on the wall, Wyatt Earpe photos, etc.
frostfire
10-06-2015, 19:57
Thank you for the inputs, gents. I concur on the OST. I believe the qualifications for that is even more specialized than for SA positions.
If you're working in a org that has special agents, analysts are very much second-class citizens. That's not to say that there aren't ever SA's that value the analysts' contributions, but it's structured that you're not the focus of the organization (which is appropriate). Some folks don't mind, for others, it's a big deterrent to job satisfaction, so it's important to know that going in.
I've read about this including criticism in congressional reviews for the two to work better as a team. Good news is I spent a lot of time in active duty doing extra project for my superiors (project improvements, powerpoints, AAR) that made them look like superstars to their bosses. Never had a problem with it. I have learned a ton on quiet professionalism from this board :)
IIRC, there are several members and QP's here who are federal agencies: air marshal, US marshal, border patrol, etc. What are your take on these agencies?
Hypothetically speaking, if one makes it to the last hiring step and is asked which one one would choose (have to disclose other applications), how would you compare them. I have perused each jurisdiction, mission, history, etc. Perhaps you would share your experience from personally interacting with each. Thanks in advance.
- The Bureau Special Agent
- The Bureau Intel analyst
- Secret Service Special Agent
- Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent
- DEA Special Agent
In regards to being a SA in the above listed agencies. I would say FBI. If you want to travel and work at embassy's and baby sit diplomats DSS. Both have their good and bad sides as does everything in life.
The FBI really takes care of their SAs better than any other agency.
Intel is also a good gig and is a rewarding job. Out of all the above agencies FBI would be my recommendation.
Oh I am not FBI..... One of the others listed above. I love my work but it has it's ups and downs and for someone starting out I would recommend what I did.
Good luck if you are applying.
Wow, tons of misinformation and inaccuracies in this thread.
"Special Agent" is an official title. It is in no way an LEO considering themselves above anyone else. That's like someone telling a Master Sergeant that you are in no way a "master".
With FBI or DEA you will have to move around. Factor that into your decision.
WitSec and Court Security are higher pay grade positions that are highly competitive and very sought after. Don't stay away from those in the USMS if you want to advance your career.
In general, the smaller the agency the better the working conditions. Larger agencies mean more complex office politics and more bureaucracy. You may see some idiots "looking down" on other employees, but that is the exception not the rule. And then only because you have that in any field, not because of this profession.
In reality, all of these positions are "extremely" difficult to secure. My advice would be to land any of the above just to get your foot in the door. It's way easier to lateral transfer to the agency of your choice once you are a qualified 1811, than it is to get hired initially.
Good luck.
Team Sergeant
10-07-2015, 09:04
Wow, tons of misinformation and inaccuracies in this thread.
"Special Agent" is an official title. It is in no way an LEO considering themselves above anyone else. That's like someone telling a Master Sergeant that you are in no way a "master".
With FBI or DEA you will have to move around. Factor that into your decision.
WitSec and Court Security are higher pay grade positions that are highly competitive and very sought after. Don't stay away from those in the USMS if you want to advance your career.
In general, the smaller the agency the better the working conditions. Larger agencies mean more complex office politics and more bureaucracy. You may see some idiots "looking down" on other employees, but that is the exception not the rule. And then only because you have that in any field, not because of this profession.
In reality, all of these positions are "extremely" difficult to secure. My advice would be to land any of the above just to get your foot in the door. It's way easier to lateral transfer to the agency of your choice once you are a qualified 1811, than it is to get hired initially.
Good luck.
So "special agent" is a progression in skill and experience just like Master Sergeant? (cause you don't make Master Sergeant just by passing basic training....) :munchin
Having worked closely with DSS, I'd go TSA and become one of their "special agents" first. Less likely to get shot by one of your fellow special agents...... ;)
And where are all the regular agents? :munchin
I'd probably choke to death laughing if someone referred to themselves as a "special agent".
I wanna be a SECRET Agent! :lifter
I wanna be a SECRET Agent! :lifter
Be careful what you wish for ....
From what I understand, to become a SECRET Agent they give you a number and take away your name. :eek:
Team Sergeant
10-07-2015, 10:49
I wanna be a SECRET Agent! :lifter
Two words = Wolfgang Hammersmith ;)
(I think he's the new director of the CIA)
Old Dog New Trick
10-07-2015, 11:11
Be careful what you wish for ....
From what I understand, to become a SECRET Agent they give you a number and take away your name. :eek:
We're all just numbers anyway, and someday your number's up. ;)
IIRC, there are several members and QP's here who are federal agencies: air marshal, US marshal, border patrol, etc. What are your take on these agencies?
Hypothetically speaking, if one makes it to the last hiring step and is asked which one one would choose (have to disclose other applications), how would you compare them. I have perused each jurisdiction, mission, history, etc. Perhaps you would share your experience from personally interacting with each. Thanks in advance.
- The Bureau Intel analyst
I don't know anything about the SA jobs but the FBI 0132-series that I've worked with aren't too satisfied and most are looking for greener pastures.
I've heard GREAT things about 0132's at DEA and USMS (especially within TOG). As far as the 3 letter agencies, it seems the bureaucracy and outside hiring of managers post-9/11 is taking its toll but DOE and DOT seem like good places to work.
Absolutely avoid intel within TSA: that place is a soup sandwich.
frostfire
07-11-2021, 22:40
In regards to being a SA in the above listed agencies. I would say FBI. If you want to travel and work at embassy's and baby sit diplomats DSS. Both have their good and bad sides as does everything in life.
The FBI really takes care of their SAs better than any other agency.
Intel is also a good gig and is a rewarding job. Out of all the above agencies FBI would be my recommendation.
Oh I am not FBI..... One of the others listed above. I love my work but it has it's ups and downs and for someone starting out I would recommend what I did.
Good luck if you are applying.
Well, it took me 7 years with 2 degrees and careers to get US citizenship, then another 3 years to finish branch obligation before being able to submit 4187 for selection, then only took seconds for a branch chief to make sure I would never attend selection, and by God's grace alone, after another degree and 2 careers and 8 years of failing forward I made it into FLEO.
For the BTDT, in which of the cities below would you work and live in today's hyper polarized American society? I know the choices are not ideal. I wished Idaho or Utah are in the list but no dice. Thus after researching cost of living, affirmative action, sales tax, and income tax, I figure I solicit some inputs here. Always appreciate ya'll perspectives :)
Chicago
New York City
Miami
Washington DC
Boston
Houston
Los Angeles
San Francisco
I'd say Boston, just because I've not heard much about stupid crap happening there...unless it's not reported. Yes, it is the land of Massholes and expensive, but maybe the lesser of the evils...
You may as well throw a dart at a map, probably have better luck at selecting...
Good luck..
Well, it took me 7 years with 2 degrees and careers to get US citizenship, then another 3 years to finish branch obligation before being able to submit 4187 for selection, then only took seconds for a branch chief to make sure I would never attend selection, and by God's grace alone, after another degree and 2 careers and 8 years of failing forward I made it into FLEO.
For the BTDT, in which of the cities below would you work and live in today's hyper polarized American society? I know the choices are not ideal. I wished Idaho or Utah are in the list but no dice. Thus after researching cost of living, affirmative action, sales tax, and income tax, I figure I solicit some inputs here. Always appreciate ya'll perspectives :)
Chicago
New York City
Miami
Washington DC
Boston
Houston
Los Angeles
San Francisco
1st. This depends on which FLEO your in.
2nd for my choices I would put my top 3 in this order with the options you listed:
Miami
Houston
Boston
Under no way I would go to CA or NY.
mark46th
07-12-2021, 10:09
I have been to Boston. I could see where I wanted to get to 4 blocks away but still couldn't get there...