Marine Corps MOS · Support
5821 Criminal Investigator (CID) Agent
Overview
Criminal Investigation Division Agents investigate misdemeanor and felony crimes within Department of Defense jurisdiction and support law enforcement and deployed contingency operations. They conduct covert operations, protective services, crisis negotiations, and forensic examinations while preparing trial cases, guiding junior investigators, and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.
Core Skills
- digital forensics fundamentals
- evidence collection and chain of custody
- case management and documentation
- interviewing and elicitation
- report writing and technical writing
- legal and regulatory compliance awareness
- briefing and presentation to leadership
- interagency coordination
- critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- team leadership and mentoring
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
Civilian Career Paths
- Law Enforcement
- Private Security
- Intelligence Analysis
- Open Source Intelligence
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) · Funded
- Certified Criminal Profiler (CCP)
- Certified Human Trafficking Investigator (CHTI)
- Certified Organized Retail Crime Investigator (CORCI)
- Certified Professional Criminal Investigator (CPCI)
Career Growth
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) · Funded
- Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP)
- Certified Workplace Violence and Threat Specialist (WVTS)
- GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
- Physical Security Professional (PSP) · Funded
What the Work Involves
- Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
- Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
Related Occupations
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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