The Evolution of Civilian Special Agents in the U.S. Army CID
Since the late 1970s, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has embraced the employment of civilian special agents to enhance its investigative capabilities. This move aimed to introduce skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds, thereby augmenting the overall effectiveness of military criminal investigations. Today, civilian special agents play a crucial role in addressing fraud, disciplinary violations, and other offenses related to Army personnel and property.
Structure and Classification
Both the Army CID and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) operate as civilian agencies under their respective service heads. Similarly, the Air Force maintains its own investigative division, while the Marine Corps falls under the NCIS umbrella. The special agents of each organization are classified under the same Civil Service classification as those of federal agencies such as the Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and other federal law enforcement bodies (GS-1811).
The journeyman grade, which serves as the normal working grade to advance to without competition, was previously GS-12. However, it has been upgraded to GS-13, with GS-14 being the supervisory grade. For example, when I served as a Special Agent in U.S. Customs, the journeyman grade was GS-12 over four decades ago.
Differentiating CID Special Agents
According to the U.S. Army CID website, civilian criminal investigators do not handle general crimes; instead, they focus on specialized investigations such as computer system intrusions, polygraphy operations, sexual assault investigative policy, and major contract procurement fraud. For more detailed information, please refer to the official CID website.
As far as I remember, if there is a need, GS jobs will be filled, whether for positions held by civilians or military personnel. For instance, during my tenure, I had interacting with many GS attorneys, such as myself, who were at the GS-13 level. These pay codes represent significant job positions. Civilian secretaries, on the other hand, have a lower paying grade.
Identity and Operations
Civilian special agents in the U.S. Army CID typically work in civilian clothes and are identified solely as "Special Agents" without indicating a rank. This practice is designed to prevent higher-ranking individuals from attempting to intimidate them during the course of an investigation. Special agents can hold any rank, from enlisted personnel to senior commissioned officers, including warrant officers. An example would be a sergeant working as an investigator and requiring cooperation from a general.
Understanding the evolution and roles of civilian special agents in the U.S. Army CID is essential for grasping the dynamic nature of military law enforcement. These agents not only enhance the capabilities of their divisions but also contribute significantly to the maintenance of order, discipline, and integrity within the military.