College Graduate Military Options?

Question

I spoke with a few friends, both in college and military, in hopes of trying to gather enough info about what would be the best option for a friend interested in FBI, CIA, etc. careers. We argued for a while on the military issue and whether or not this would the BEST option. Being in his senior year, I told him ROTC is likely not an option (OCS would be the best bet if Officer is his goal), but even that seems not to be guaranteed. Having family in related fields, I'm just as curious I guess the questions are as follows:

1.) What is the best option for a college senior interested in FBI/CIA type work?

2.) If military is the best option, how would one best make use of his/her degree (in terms of assuring an Officer position)? What sub-group (intelligence, infantry, etc.) is most desirable for FBI/CIA goals? And with which branch of the military (Army? Navy? Marines?)

Answer 1

Any college graduate with a degree is qualified to go through Officer Training School. That lasts 10 Weeks (at least it lasts that long for the Air Force). and every branch has it's own FBI and CIA department like the show NCIS, its almost like that.

Answer 2

I am not an expert but married to an Army Reserve Recruiter in the SF Bay Area (Sgt Urbano 877-235-7171).  I am a college graduate and he always joke around that I should join because I will come in as Officer since I have a degree. Plus they have a Loan Repayment program which will be great considering I have 20K+ in college loan.  I have the same interest as you in regards to work excitement.  I am an Analyst in the civilian world and he said I can come into Army Intelligence and do something similar to what I am doing now or dig deeper into the secret service level type.  It is interesting but I don't think I can be a military personnel yet... I am content being a military wife for now.  My husbands enjoy the Army and he wants me to share the same passion as him which I do just in different level. So I will pass the same bias advise - the ARMY is better.  

Answer 3

1. I believe joining the military in some form of Intelligence field. If you go to the FBI site you can see they like military experience. Also If you have the chance to learn another language go for it. It is quite a competitive field to get into the FBI with just a college degree, because a lot of people have them, so military might be a good option to set your self aside from the rest!

2. I would definitely go for OCS and become an officer! My suggestion for the "sub-group" Would be intelligence or PSYOPS (Psychological Operations)  You can learn a second language and it is a very good job. You will deal with a lot of intel and classified cases, thus the reason for the top security clearance. Its worth looking into, I think it would definitely set you a part from the rest. Having the military background and possibly a second language. Also, for the physical parts of the FBI testing, with military training you will breeze right by, if you stay in shape of course. And which branch? All I've said was from an Army View. Good luck my friend!