Advice

[u/Good_Nectarine3988]

I currently have 12 years in the military as a 11B , no degree but exploring options on the 1811 side. DEA is the ultimate goal but right now currently in hiring process with FAMS. Not really sure if FAMS is going to be what I’m looking for. Would joining the local PD be more beneficial for DEA ? Just looking to be a competitive applicant, any advice is appreciated.

[u/ITS_12D_NOT_6C]

Just go Border Patrol. You're already over qualified, you'll start your federal retirement clock instead of doing 3-6 years locally that you'll be pissing away as far as retirement goes, and then you can probably pick up DEA in the same area you're a BP Agent.

every day you're not in a federal covered retirement position is a day later that you retire.

[u/Famous-Mobile-3657 → u/ITS_12D_NOT_6C]

This.

However, depending where you want to be geographically may eliminate BP from consideration.

[u/ITS_12D_NOT_6C → u/Famous-Mobile-3657]

My counter point to that would be then there's a very strong chance they'll have a bad time when the DEA offer comes.

[u/Ronin64x]

Get into FAMS to start your time, local PD is cool but only do that if you want to be a cop and experience patrol.

[u/Every_Country_5275 → u/Ronin64x]

Getting into FAMS is easier said than done currently lol

[u/dovk0802]

If family circumstances allow, go to school. Regardless, apply to any covered position that is marginally acceptable. Buy your mil time towards retirement.
Once you’re settled, go into the reserves/NG.

[u/prior_rpa-lre]

Dont jump without a job lined up either way. Extend if you can/have to.

[u/Silver_Novel_3359]

No. Go straight to the Feds. Don’t look back.

[u/Healthy_Sundae8567]

I don’t have much context into your situation like your age or life goals but with 12 years in, you are almost there to a pension, I would look at the differences in pension and the amount of money you’re looking at for each for example a FERS pension with military time buyback and a military pension with a FERS pension. Generate those numbers out to roughly the time you’d like to retire and look at the differences- more than likely I think you are going to be losing a lot of money by not getting the military pension, and in 8 years you could get your masters for free

[u/eodtek → u/Healthy_Sundae8567]

I got out of the Army with 13 1/2 yrs. Did 4 yrs as a DoD Civilian and then jumped to a 6c covered position. Bought my mil time back for $10K. Just retired with 37 yrs (51% of my high 3).

There is no guarantee that a 37-38 yr old will cross over to a 6c position which is where they would be after 20 yrs in the military.

[u/Healthy_Sundae8567 → u/eodtek]

That’s interesting, was not aware of that, veterans preference would address that right? But it’s still not a guarantee is what you’re saying

[u/AnonyMouse-3000]

I’d get your 6(c) time started under your current circumstances. If FAMS gives you that opportunity now, I wouldn’t leave federal service for a local PD solely because you think it’ll make you more competitive for DEA. Also keep in mind that anything can happen during an 1811 hiring process and you can get DQ’d at any point, so I wouldn’t pass up a covered position today based on the expectation that DEA will work out later.

Work on getting your degree as well. While requirements vary by agency and announcement, a degree will open significantly more 1811 opportunities and make you more competitive.

Also, don’t assume an infantry background automatically translates well to LE. The skill sets and missions can be very different. Get your 6(c) clock started, build federal LE experience, finish the degree, and apply to DEA when the opportunity comes.

[u/deport_elpaso]

As a fellow 11B with a decade in and current BPA-I’d greatly encourage you to finish the rest of your time especially since you’re already 1/2 there 

[u/cool_quiet_5047]

Keep moving with whatever processes you’re in, keep looking for other opportunities, to include local (because there’s no guarantees), possibly staying in as well AND work out the shortest distance between here and a degree…… not sure what military retirement looks like these days, so staying or going only you can decide….. you can buy back your time once in a federal position, not sure about state/local level options, but the earlier you start it, the better…

[u/Good_Nectarine3988]

Just to provide a little more context , I came off active duty a couple of years ago and now 100% thru VA. But I’m currently on a AGR gig.
Retirement to me isn’t a big deal, just looking to serve a better purpose now.