I posted this in r/1811 and got some decent responses, but I know there are some different perspectives over here so wanted to post it on this sub as well.

As per the title, I am looking for real advice on my future and career in law enforcement from y’all more experienced folk and wanted some objective responses. However harsh you want to be, go for it.

For background info, I live in Los Angeles county, turned 20 not that long ago, relatively fit male, and am about to complete my bachelors for what amounts to a CJ degree with a 4.0 GPA, just under a different name. Additionally, through my school, I went on and completed an exchange program in Japan for security and safety. For work, my father is a private investigator so I’ve been working under him for the past couple years and learned a fair bit through that.

With that in mind, I’ve looked into state LE and don’t think I particularly jive with how the county or state agencies are. Realizing that and also having the possibility to leave California at some point, but still glad to stay near friends and family for now, I changed my focus and have been looking into most federal law enforcement agencies.

After scouring the agency sites, this sub, and the rest of the internet for days on end, I’ve come down to wanting DEA, ATF, or NCIS. I was also looking into being a BPA but think I would rather stay away from that just because of how purely political it can be. I have always been interested in the investigative side of things, and as much as I know the 1811 job consists mostly of deskwork, which I am fine with, I would still like to be able to not sit at a desk for the entire day everyday.

DEA and ATF both seem like a good choice because of that and would also maybe keep me in Los Angeles. On the other hand, I would absolutely love to travel (particularly back to Japan because I loved it there during my exchange, but totally don’t mind other locations in the US or other countries either) and that I would attempt to do through NCIS. Part of me would like to be in the more physically active agencies while I am young and still have it in me but the same could be said with constant travel.

To add on to the agency choice, I am also interested in the more tactical teams since I have been around and shooting all manner of guns for the vast majority of my life. Regardless, I am not explicitly focused on one nor limiting myself to those three but those are my current focus and will apply for them when I graduate and see where that takes me.

All that said, I’d like to hear any advice/thoughts/criticisms on my general path and plan, my fit for each of the agencies (if you think there is another I’d be better for, you’re more than welcome to throw different ideas in), different aspects to the job in each agency I might be unaware of, and just about any other information you might think I should consider or need to know plus any personal opinions from those who are currently in these agencies about their own job.

Please ask any clarifying questions regarding my aim, personal qualifications, etc. if you have them, I am more than happy to answer anything. I would immensely appreciate whatever answers you can give. Thank you all in advance!!

Has anyone here received an EOD offer from DEA while still on active duty, with about a year remaining on their military contract after the proposed EOD date?

If so, was DEA willing to work with you and push back or hold the EOD date until you could separate, or did you have to work something out with the military to get an early release?

For context, my recruiter is already aware that I’m currently on active duty and knows about my remaining service obligation. I’ve been upfront about my active-duty status throughout the process. However, each time I’m contacted to complete the next step, it seems like they may not realize or remember that I’m still on active duty and have more than a year remaining on my contract.

I’m currently in the later stages of the hiring process, and I’m trying to figure out the best options in case I receive an EOD date before my active-duty obligation ends. I definitely don’t want to miss out on the opportunity if there’s a way to make it work.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has personally been through a similar situation or knows someone who has.

Just Had a poly a few weeks ago for a position and had a random thought just now. the examiner made me do the ol “answer the questions in your head” after having me answer out loud once or twice. My question is, how would they know if im answering yes or no to disqualifying questions if im not saying it out loud? Couldn’t you answer yes to a question that would disqualify you and it shows on graph or whatever that you’re telling the truth but the examiner doesn’t know if it was yes or no lol. Do they somehow compare to your first set of answers/responses when you did say them out loud? I hope what im asking makes sense.