CID opens ranks for new recruits

By CHRIS RASMUSSEN, Fort Jackson LeaderSeptember 22, 2010

CID opens ranks for new recruits
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FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Criminal Investigations Command, the Army's primary organization for investigating felonies, is seeking special agents to join its ranks.

Fort Jackson's CID office had an open house Friday to share its mission with the installation community and celebrate the command's 39th birthday.

"We have a hard time recruiting on Fort Jackson because there aren't a lot of active-duty, permanent party Soldiers here," said Sgt. 1st Class Danielle Bishop, detachment sergeant. "Being a (Basic Combat Training) installation limits us."

The recruitment effort is not aimed at filling slots at Fort Jackson in particular, it is for Armywide CID detachments, she said.

CID investigates felonies Soldiers and civilians commit on post. The law enforcement agency also investigates crimes involving Soldiers off the installation, as well.

Special agents and support personnel operate a certified forensic laboratory, protective services unit, computer crimes unit, polygraphs, criminal intelligence collection and analysis and a variety of other functions associated with any law enforcement agency.

"We are unique compared to a lot of law enforcement agencies in that we do our own crime scene investigations," special agent Kevin Strong said.

In theater, CID operations include mentoring local investigators and police in developing the rule of law, recovering forensic and biometric evidence and collecting criminal intelligence.

CID also provides security and conducts force protection operations. During battlefield operation, agent investigations can include war crimes, anti-terrorism and crimes against forces and host nation personnel.

To qualify as a CID agent a Soldier must have two years of service, be a U.S. citizen, be at least 21 years old, have 60 college credit hours and be a staff sergeant or of lower rank.

U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command was established as a major Army command on Sept. 17, 1971. The organization, however, has roots dating back to 1918 when Gen. John Pershing directed the provost marshal general of his American Expeditionary Forces to organize a criminal investigations division within the military police corps.

Those interested in joining CID should stop by the Fort Jackson CID office on Marion Street. From there, Soldiers will undergo a brief interview to see if the Soldier meets the minimum requirements.

For more information, call 751-7664.