Civillian Law Enforcement

RGRJ · 08-16-2010, 16:05

Special Forces Soldiers,

I'm just less than 2 years out from my ETS date, and plan on knocking out selection while still on the active duty side. My question is geared towards any SF Guard Soldiers who are also civilian law enforcement, or who have pertinent information. I plan on trying out for A Co 1/19, but I am also planning on applying to Tacoma Police Department. Regarding the long training pipeline of the Q Course, would it be best to complete the training prior to applying to a police department? Also, with the op tempo of training and deployments in 19th SFG, are there any problems that would hinder one in a civilian LE position?

I am in contact with a TPD recruiter, but would greatly value any knowledge I could gain from you guys as well. Thank you all for your time!

Surgicalcric · 08-16-2010, 16:52

This topic has been discussed before here. A thorough search and some reading will provide you with the answers...

Crip

Bad Tolz · 08-16-2010, 17:43

Attempting both within several years is a compromise which may endanger success in either. Both will require your undivided attention, perseverence and the capacity to grow (painfully).

Similiarities are that the learning curve actually gets steeper once you leave the formal training. The ultimate learning failure can be death in each.

**18C4V** · 08-16-2010, 18:54

It all depends on your schedule and fiances. Out of the three cops (from the same agency) on my ODA, two were cops before they went SF and the other became a cop after SFQC/Deployment.

The only issues that I see is if you're on probation with your dept and you get hurt or wounded on a deployment. If you're off probation, then it would be a moot point. At least that's how it's done with mine.

A/1/19th has a lot of 2/75 and 1st Group guys who are cops. Some of them are probably supervisors in the dept that you're applying for that can run interferecne if needed.

RGRJ · 08-17-2010, 11:56

Much appreciated, thank you all!

Tom Viktor · 11-19-2010, 12:10

My situation was similar to yours. I'm a federal leo and our probation is two years. I was looking into joining the National Guard and go for the SFRE but after some consideration and the advice on this site I decided to wait until I was done with my probation before going for it. I'm getting my personal and financial issues in order so that I can attend one of the SFREs next year. Good luck to you.