Becoming a special agent may seem intriguing, but did you know, you can become a Criminal Investigations Special Agent in the Army? You don’t even have to become an officer for this position, either. It’s open to those enlisted in the Army or the Army Reserve. However, this certainly isn’t an entry-level Army job.
What is a Criminal Investigations Special Agent?
A Criminal Investigations Special Agent or CID special agent conducts investigations of the criminal type. These investigations happen when the Army is or might be a party of interest. Often, these agents handle felony-level cases involving Army personnel or property.
Check out the Requirements
If you want to become a special agent in the U.S. Army, you will need to meet specific requirements. Certain types of training re necessary and CID Special Agents are held to a high standard when it comes to integrity and morals. The requirements include:
? Must be an in-service soldier, at least 21 years old and a U.S. Citizen
? Must complete Basic Leader Course and have 2 to 10 years of military service
? Must obtain 60 semester hours from an accredited institution
? Must be able to speak and write clearly
? Credit history must be favorable and driver’s license must be valid with a favorable driving record
? Must have at least on year of military police experience or two years of civilian police experience for reserves
? Must have a Skilled Technical score of 107 or higher
? Must have a General Technical store of 110 or higher
? Must meet the weight and height standards for the Army Physical Fitness Test regularly
? Have to be able to be deployed around the world without any physical limitations
In addition to these requirements, you will need to be SPC-SSG with the SSG less than one year time in grade. If you’re looking to enlist in the U.S. Army and you want to become a CID Special Agent, you should speak to your local recruiter. They can help put you on the right track to work towards this exciting Army career.
What is the Necessary Training
As you work towards the path of CID Special Agent, you’ll need to gain specific training. The job training for this position will include a 15-week resident course, which will help to introduce you to the criminal investigation duties for the Army. The skills you will need to learn include:
? Protective Services
? Prevention of Child Abuse
? Processing of Crime Scenes
? Military and Civil Laws
? Testimonial Evidence
? Hostage and Crisis Negotiations
? Investigation Techniques
Those best fitting into this type of career will have an interest in law enforcement and will be willing to work in dangerous environments. You have to be able to stay calm during stressful situations and make fast decisions. It’s also important to be physically and mentally fit.
Entering the CID Direct Accessions Pilot Program
If you’ve graduated from college and you want to join the Army, you may be able to go right into the CID Direct Accessions Program. This is a great choice if you want to go into law enforcement. You will need to complete the 31B Military Police One Station Unit Training and the CID Special Agent Course, but once you have done that, you can get into the program. The requirements for the CID Direct Accessions Pilot Program include:
? Must be U.S Citizen and 21 years of age or older
? Need a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Forensic Science, Digital Forensics, Legal Studies, Finance, Biology, Computer Forensics, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Accounting or Psychology
? Must have a GMA of 3.0 or higher
? Cannot be physically limited or have a history of mental disorder
? Must have normal color vision
? Need to be able to speak and write clearly
? No felonies on your criminal record and your driving record needs to be favorable with a valid driver’s license
? Must be eligible for Top Secret clearance
After you’ve met these requirements, you can speak with a local recruiter and join the U.S. Army. Then, you will be put into the CID Direct Accessions Pilot Program
What’s the Pay Like?
While it may seem very cool to be a CID Special Agent, you should also understand the pay. There are many benefits that come along with a position like this. Not only will you get paid a salary, but housing, food, medical benefits, vacation time and special pay is all a part of the package. You may also earn up to $40K in bonuses if this job is considered an in demand position when you join the U.S. Army.
Future Careers After the Army
Again, you may love the idea of being a special agent, but will you remain one after your time in the Army? While you likely won’t become James Bond or another movie special agent, you will be on the fast track to a civilian career in federal, state or local law enforcement. With the training you will receive as a CID Special Agent, you may become one of the most desirable candidates for many law enforcement jobs after you leave the Army.
There are several benefits to becoming a CID Special Agent. However, it’s not for everybody and you do need to meet the many requirements. If you’re interested and you’ve met the basic requirements, already, talk to your local recruiter to get on the right path towards your new U.S. Army career.
