Thread: DEA Offices

Yeah, this is one of those time-wasters of sorts, but I (and many of the DEA apps on here I know) love to hear your responses and reasoning. So here goes ...

Which offices (can't list them all on the poll, so if it isn't on here, chime in anyway) are "best" for new SA's for DEA? Why? And which might not be such a good idea? (Yeah, this assumes they were all offered on "the list" during BAT.)

All arguments are welcome - as are reflections or insights into the cutures of the different offices. So come on DEA folks (and others with opinions), let's hear from you.

Peace you have left off the entire SW border......And a quick question.... who are you in the processing with I see DEA, DSS....and who are hoping comes thru first and why that might give us a clue as to what you think is important as far as solid advise???

Originally Posted by Chickw/Guns

Peace you have left off the entire SW border......And a quick question.... who are you in the processing with I see DEA, DSS....and who are hoping comes thru first and why that might give us a clue as to what you think is important as far as solid advise???

Yeah, sorry to the SW Border guys/gals - nothing personal. Seriously, any comments about any offices are welcome. Hell, any advice about anything is welcome!

Chickw/Guns - my BI is completing for DEA. I recently passed the BEX with DSS - so I am very early on in the pipe with them.

Preferences? Hahahaha - I was born during the day Chicks, but it wasn't today. hahahahaha

Originally Posted by PEACE

Preferences? Hahahaha - I was born during the day Chicks, but it wasn't today. hahahahaha

Peace it is meant as a serious question... you are talking about two agencies that have vastly different missions. What is your perference? What do you hope to acomplish in or with each agency???? That will give us a clear understanding of the advice you are seeking....on the atmosphere you wish to build your career in.....Chicks

Hmmm, well then a serious answer is needed.

I agree that both agencies have vastly different missions - one being principally an investigations agency and the other (historically, though there seems to be an effort underway to offset this with more crim work) a protections agency (not discounting the monumental efforts involved at RSO/ARSO work abroad.

So rather than trying to articulate a preference between the agencies, a better construct might be to articulate my goals - as you suggest Chicks.

Let's start with the lofty goals - I want to serve my country, work alongside motivated and capable individuals, and do so within a culture which appreciates innovation and initiative. DEA and DSS aren't the only agencies that fit this description - but they are the only ones to which I applied.

Less lofty, but still important; I seek the opportunity to work abroad (in what some on this board have termed shitholes, but I just prefer to call most of the planet). I enjoy travel, want to see the world and genuinely enjoy learning new cultures. I have studied the Middle East extensively and studied arabic, and would like to work the region at some point, in addition to others.

I realize that with either agency I will need to learn the ropes of my agency and my job (should I get one), and will be required to do so domestically so I posted this poll hoping those with more experience and insight might let me know the pro's an con's of different offices (DEA) for new SA's.

Domestically speaking, I seek an urban environment - I like the social and cultural aspects of the city, as well as the educational opportunities (my wife wants to go to grad school). I've lived on both coasts, New England and the Northwest, and in the South, SW, and Mid-West, so anywhere is fine.

I am not asking people to give me advice on which agency - but rather just descriptions of the offices and why, in their experience, people might recommend one office over another.

Thanks in advance Chickw/Guns!

PS - I really don't want this thread to be all about me though Chick - so while I appreciate you wanting to tailor your answers for me, I'm hopeful the responses also reflect your thoughts generally so that they may apply to other board members as well.

Be safe!

If you are looking a for a overseas experience I would suggest a larger office (a Field Division Office) that has a greater possiblity of getting involved with international investigations. If you are involved in a overseas investigation you are more likely to be picked for a overseas experience. Certain offices have certian overseas post locked up more than others...For example if you wish to go to latin/south america a SW Houston...Dallas...office might be a good first pick. If you are hoping for Asia LA might be your best bet. NY has historically had many of Europian positions filled over the years...Miami is the office that seems to have a line on the places like the Bahamas.....Detroit might be a natural pick if you are looking at a middle-eastern post in the future....All of these locations have good and bad, it is simply what you make of it....Now if you want to talk cost of living...........quality of life.......I will let people in those offices give you their 2 cents.....Bottem line is you will get what you are given when it comes to to any federall agency and try to make the best of it.....nothing is forever....Chicks

PEACE and CHICKS

recently saw on the news DEA is involving itself heavily in Afghanistan regarding eradication...what is that doing for foreign DEA staffing there? In the spirit of tactical awareness...percentages will do! CC

Originally Posted by Can't Commit

PEACE and CHICKS

recently saw on the news DEA is involving itself heavily in Afghanistan regarding eradication...what is that doing for foreign DEA staffing there? In the spirit of tactical awareness...percentages will do! CC

Can't,

http://www.dea.gov/pubs/pressrel/pr111704.html

-Joe

Peace, I prefer the Charleston SC RO. Just because it is the one that I'm presently assigned to as a TFO.

I've heard Charleston is nice - how does the work differ (in terms of quantity and quality) in an RO versus an FO?

Not much, depends on what your group does. In the Charleston Office there is only one group and everybody works thier own cases until its time to go up on a T3 and then everybody works that one case untill its done. DEA is alot of paperwork compared to a local narcotics unit. There are some upsides and some down sides to DEA. I prefer the fast paced of a local unit compared to the long term that DEA does. Of course being a local I get to arrest the same mope two to three times before they actually go away for awhile. When DEA arrest them once and they go away for awhile. But that is the Federal System for you.