I'm a high school junior interested in law enforcement careers and considering the DEA as a future path. What military MOS would best prepare me for a career with the DEA later on?
There are numerous Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) that could provide valuable training and experience for a career in the DEA. It mainly depends on the specific area of law enforcement you're interested in.
For instance, if you're drawn to investigative work, you might consider the Army's MOS 31D: Criminal Investigations Special Agent where you'd gain experience in conducting detailed investigations.
If you're interested in the intelligence side, the 35 Series (Intelligence) in the Army, or the equivalent MOS in other service branches, such as Intelligence Specialist (IS) in the Navy, may be appropriate. These roles would provide experience in gathering and analyzing critical information.
Roles like Infantry (11B in the Army) or Military Police (31B in the Army, 5811 in the Marine Corps) could also be beneficial as they provide training in tactical operations and law enforcement techniques.
Remember, while having relevant experience can be beneficial for joining law enforcement agencies like the DEA, they typically require a Bachelor's degree, so keep your educational plans in mind too. Make sure the MOS you choose aligns with your interests and long-term career goals.
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