u/Wild_Dragonfruit5176

I am going to chemical BOLC and the DTS authorization is only reimbursing what it would be to fly since I live so far from Ft Leonard Wood, 900 something miles/15-16 hours. They said I can still drive though. It’s chemical BOLC.

From what I understand, I’ll be in the base hotel. I’m considering just flying at this point and then buying a bike for on post travel. My main concerns are if this is feasible and how I can get from the airport to on post, since I can’t just uber there. Any advice/input would be appreciated.

Background: IT professional with BS in CIS and Sec+, currently working as a Configuration Management Specialist at a federal contractor (GS-9 equivalent). Also an Army Reserve officer.

Goal: Transition into the legal field within the next year. Interested in eventually applying to FBI (Intelligence Analyst or Special Agent), working in federal legal offices, or possibly law school part-time in 2-3 years.

My questions:

1. Would a paralegal cert actually help me break into federal legal work (DOJ, U.S. Attorney offices, agency legal departments)?
2. Does my IT/cybersecurity background have value in the legal field, or would I be starting completely from scratch as a paralegal?
3. What's the realistic salary range for entry-level paralegals with non-traditional backgrounds? (Currently making $65k, trying to avoid a huge pay cut)
4. Paralegal cert vs. other legal-adjacent certs (like CFE for fraud/compliance work) — which makes more sense for someone wanting to work in law enforcement/government legal?
5. Is paralegal work a good stepping stone to law school and/or federal investigative roles?

Looking at online ABA-approved programs ($2k-$3k range). Trying to figure out if this is the right path or if there's a better way to transition from tech into legal work.

Anyone here made a similar career change or work in government legal offices? Would love real-world advice.

Background: 23yoM,IT professional with BS in CIS, Sec+, currently a Configuration Management Specialist at a federal contractor (GS-9 equivalent pay). Also an Army Reserve officer.

Goal: Transition to federal investigations within 18 months. Targeting FBI Intelligence Analyst or Special Agent, IRS-CI, or OIG investigator roles. Eventually considering law school part-time.

My questions:

1. Is CFE actually recognized by FBI, IRS-CI, Secret Service, and OIG offices? Will it help me get hired?
2. Does IT + CFE combo make sense for financial crimes/cyber fraud investigations?
3. CFE vs. paralegal cert — which is better for breaking into federal law enforcement?
4. What realistic job opportunities open up with my background + CFE?

Debating spending ~$1,000 on CFE vs. $3,000 on paralegal certificate. Want to make sure CFE is actually valued in federal hiring, not just a "nice to have."

Anyone here made a similar tech-to-investigations transition? Appreciate any real-world advice.

I am a 23yo male with a bachelors I earned last December in 2025. I have been working full time since December 2025 as a government contractor and have been wanting to apply to be a SA or IA, more so SA. I have a point of confusion though on the professional full time requirement.

I have the 6 months of full time work as a government contractor, and have been a commissioned officer in the National Guard/Reserves for 3 years now. I also have experience as an IT Help Desk analyst for a year and half, however, I do not believe that role would matter for the SA application process since it was part-time.

Will my time in the NG/USAR count towards the time needed for professional experience?

I meet all other requirements for the SA application. Any input is appreciated.