2018 DEA SA Applicants

[HSIApplicant]

Applied 3 months ago. Emailed recruiter 2 months ago for update. Still pending review.

[Saluki89]

FWIW...
First requested application packet 6/18
Application submitted 6/25
Written test 11/28
Waiting on interview date
YMMV

[Vcrl]

Jtemple. Appreciate the info.

[Bluerider5]

anyone here receive an invited for a mac in any FO then was told it would be cancellation/postponed?? Has this happened to anyone? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[ididntknow]

For those who haven't heard anything since submitting their COL docs, I called HR in DC today, and they said there are still many applicant files waiting to be reviewed by a specialist before they move forward with the process. Things have slowed considerably since the MAC for me, but I'm glad to see others are moving faster (at least up until the poly).

[JPlowry]

Are you done with everything except the poly and background?

[ididntknow]

Nah, still waiting for medical, too.

[Vcrl]

How long does it take to get equip email? I have been waiting for a little over a month since they started my background according to DC. I know it varies by individual just curious what others timelines are. Thanks

[JTemple]

Yeah it's pretty variable. I was told technically your background starts when they receive your prints that you did with your recruiter, which was back in August for me. Just received my eQIP link last week so it was a pretty good chunk of time.

[Vcrl]

JTEMPLE were u at the MAC in Dallas back in Aug?. Looks like you and I have roughly the same timeline. Thanks for the info.

[JTemple]

Yes I was. Are you just waiting for Poly too?

[Vcrl]

Yes just waiting on poly as well.

[JTemple]

Got it. Well best of luck to you! Hoping for March class

[Justwaiting22]

Hello everyone. I wanted to provide an update on my 2018 applicant process...

6/2 - Emailed recruiter about application packet
6/4- Sent recruiter completed application packet
6/30 - Invited to attend MAC (Mobile assessment center)
9/21- Written tests, Interview, fingerprinted
9/22 - PTA, Psychological assessment, COL
10/3 - Medical 1
10/5 - Medical 2
12/10- Drug Test
12/11 - Psychological interview

No word yet on Poly and BI...Current Fed with TS/SCI clearance

[Vcrl]

JTEMPLE thanks best of luck to you as well. Keep us posted on ur progress.

[Nova307]

Seems like most of us are on the same step, now it's just a wait and see if we will have any movement before the new year. Just waiting on poly and background at this point.

[VaughnJ25]

Posting my timeline too.
Sent Resume to recruiter in Houston in 09/18.
Recieved email in 11/18.
Passed & Took Exams/Oral Board/ Psych Exam & Fingerprints on 12/12/2018.
Next step is PTA. Recruiter here in Houston said it could be 2 years before those of us that pass everything are hired. Said the BI takes 12-15 months, Hopefully not.

[Nova307]

That would be unfortunate since I age out in a year and a half....let's hope not

[Vcrl]

Hope that's not the case. I heard they are giving interim clearances. It would make sense if you already have a TS clearance.

[RLiechty]

*post deleted*

[CrabApple]

https://www.dea.gov/employment-requirements - click on "Drug Use Policy". When it comes down to it, even though yours isn't "that" bad, you have to remember that these applications are super competitive. It may not be that bad. But you're going to be competing against others who have only tried it once. Or never. All else being equal, they're more likely to get picked.

It may also be worth mentioning that you might want to wait until you have your degree. To qualify, you need to posses a bachelors degree with at least a 2.95 GPA or higher (if that's how you're trying to qualify). https://www.dea.gov/am-i-qualified-b...-special-agent and click "Do I have the right experience"

[Saluki89]

It's not a good idea to publically post stuff like that.

Just be honest on your application.

[Tommy_V]

First time poster long time viewer. I am applying for the 2019-1 SA. Just wanting any sort of advice from you all who have gone through the process. I am applying before graduation, will be graduating this coming May. I have heard the DEA is trying to hire a lot of recruits, what are my chances of getting in from your experiences? I have a 3.51 GPA, I am in the Army National Guard and will be an ADA officer come May. I am not 100% sure of the drug policy and what disqualifies anyone, especially with this being the DEA. If anyone can offer insight as to what has disqualified people I would love to hear it. Ex: taken a single adderall pill prescribed to a buddy on 21st birthday. Smoked marijuana a handful of times (maybe ten times) throughout highschool and first year of college. Its not a perfect background but it's really not THAT bad...again it is the DEA tho and I would imagine they may be a little stiffer on drugs than other agencies. Anything would be appreciated thanks.

There is a thread for 2019 applicants, go and post your story there.

[JPlowry]

Completed the psych interview today. Now waiting with several others to complete the polygraph and background. I’m processing out of Louisville and that recruiter says this process is going to be very quick. It appears the Houston recruiter thinks the opposite. Anyone processing from another office who’s recruiter says this will be a relatively quick process? As in, not 2 or 3 years. I’ve heard the hiring goal is 350 a year for 10 years (coming from my recruiter) I don’t see how they could meet that goal if the background took 2 years.

[JPlowry]

I’m glad both of y’all have heard what I’ve heard! If I had to (guess) I’d think they’ll get a lot of polygraphs scheduled at the same time like in the same month and knock some out. That would make the most sense to get people into quantico but who knows. Just a guess.

[Justwaiting22]

My recruiter told me today my poly should be scheduled sooner than later. Keep working on your fitness everyone!!!

[JPlowry]

That’s good news from your recruiter. I hope he’s right. Definitely keep working on that PTA. I’m ready to lee this ball rolling. What office are you out of?

[Justwaiting22]

I am processing out of the Atlanta office. In the event of the shutdown, how does it affect the process? Does anyone know?