Be a Federal Badge Special Agent for the US Army. The number one path for those seeking federal law enforcement careers.
What would it take to match military pay at this very moment using the lowest pay grade you can join as a Special Agent (E-4) and not married (http://militarypay.defense.gov/Calculators/RMC-Calculator/):
Civilian Pay Needed to Match Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA PLANNED LOCATION:
$2,056.65 2 X PER MO.
$4,113.31 MONTHLY
$49,359.68 ANNUALLY ( This is the starting pay needed to match what you would get with the US Army )
WHAT IS A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS SPECIAL AGENT?
CID Special Agents are federal badge agents who conduct independent felony-level criminal investigations that involve Army property or Army personnel. They process crime scenes and collect evidence, conduct interviews and interrogations, provide forensic laboratory support, and perform protective services operations.
Recruits will generally take these five steps to become a CID Special Agent:
1. Take the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Your score on this test will help determine your qualifications for CID
2. Pass an Army physical
3. Interview and submit application for the CID Direct Accessions Program
4. You will attend 16-week, combined Basic Combat and Military Police Training, then follow on Special Agent Training.
5. After Special Agent Training, you will be assigned a permanent duty location based off your assignment preferences and the needs of the Army.
GENERAL ENLISTMENT QUALIFICATIONS*
To become an enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army, you must be:
– A U.S. citizen
– 21-35 years old
– In good physical condition
– Eligible for a Top Secret security clearance (i.e. clean record, good credit, suitable character, integrity, etc.)
– Normal color vision
– A valid driver’s license and favorable driving record
– 3.0 GPA or higher
– Bachelor’s degree or higher in; Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Computer Science, Computer Forensics, Digital Forensics, Legal Studies, Accounting, Finance, Psychology, or Biology
EARNING EXTRA MONEY
In addition to Basic Pay and Drill Pay, Soldiers have many opportunities to earn additional money. These one-time bonuses are available if you choose a specific Army job, complete special training, or if you have prior military service.
ARMY FOOD ALLOWANCE
The Basic Allowance for Subsistence is used to pay for food for enlisted Soldiers and officers authorized to eat off post. The current rate is $369.39 a month, tax-free.
ARMY HOUSING ALLOWANCE
The Basic Allowance for Housing offsets the cost of housing when Soldiers live off post. BAH rates are based on location, rank and family status. This BAH rate for a single Soldier, living in the Philadelphia area is $1,368 per month, tax-free ($1,818 for a married Soldier).
ARMY CLOTHING ALLOWANCE
Enlisted Soldiers receive an annual Army clothing allowance to replace uniforms and uniform decorations. Since CID Special Agents wear civilian clothing for their job, the military provides an additional civilian clothing allowance.
ARMY COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE
Soldiers assigned to high-cost locations in the continental U.S. and overseas are paid a Cost of Living Allowance. This Army COLA offsets the higher costs of food, transportation, clothing and other nonhousing items. Higher housing costs are covered separately by the Basic Allowance for Housing.
ARMY MOVING ALLOWANCE
The Army pays a moving allowance for the transportation of household goods during a permanent change-of-station move. In addition, lodging and per diem are provided between locations. To further offset moving costs, a Dislocation Allowance is also granted for permanent change-of-station moves.
FAMILY SEPARATION ALLOWANCE
Soldiers assigned or deployed to locations where the military will not move families receive an Army Family Separation Allowance of $250 per month to cover expenses incurred during a Soldier’s separation from their family. Soldiers are also entitled to the allowance if their families are unable to accompany them overseas due to medical reasons.