Expert: Eric Potts - 4/27/2008

Question
I am a 14 year old girl, who has big dreams. I want to go to College in Oxford, England and then come back to the us. I used to have my mind made up on what I wanted to do. I know have to choose between SWAT, FBI, and something like Special Victims. I think I want to do all three. I think I want to go to the military to help pay for college, but I am trying to get a general idea of what it is going to be like. I do not like to be yelled at and I can take instructions as long as they are not rude. Should I go to the military? Which would be easier out of SWAT, FBI, or Special Victims?

Answer
Hi Gabriella,

First off, congratulations for knowing exactly what you want to do in life. You have a head start on so many others because you have a direction and a goal to shoot for.

I must admit to you that if you don't like to get yelled at the Military may not be the place for you. In Basic Training, everyone, at one time or another, finds themselves in the hot seat and inevitably finds a Drill Sgt. or two yelling at them. It is part of the experience and I can tell you from being the recipient and the person doing the yelling it comes with the territory.

You asked which is easier SWAT, FBI or Special Victims...let me first explain to you that SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) is not Department or Organization per se, it is a Unit within an organization. In other words you have to become a member of a Police Department, a Sheriffs Department of the FBI and do some time in that organization before you can apply to become a member of the SWAT team, the same is true with Special Victims Unit. The FBI on the other hand is an organization that has many different units within it, SWAT being one of them, that you will eventually be able to apply to.

I believe the Military is a great start for anyone, but it is especially good for those looking to get into Law Enforcement. I would encourage you to speak with you guidance counselor in school and explore the J ROTC program in your school (if available) and consider entering the service as an officer. That way school is covered by the Military.

I wish you much success which ever direction you choose and if I can be of any more help please e-mail me again. Good Luck!!