The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), founded by President Richard Nixon in 1973, is a federal law enforcement agency that carries out drug-related investigations and prosecutions. In addition to disrupting the cross-border trafficking of illegal drugs, the DEA works to dismantle drug operations in the United States. DEA actions are led by special agents whose responsibilities include collecting evidence, arresting suspects, and working alongside domestic and foreign officials.
Often working in teams, special agents must be comfortable in dangerous conditions because they can find themselves up against armed criminals or in undercover investigations. Under these circumstances, agents must exhibit courage and calmness under pressure.
Agents’ tasks and responsibilities vary daily, but the majority of their work involves surveillance, drug seizures, witness interviews, and the writing of investigation reports. Research and administrative roles in office environments are available to agents as they progress in their careers.
Because of the demands on special agents, the candidates must meet a range of physical, educational, and mental requirements. The hiring process for a single agent can take longer than a year. This includes a thorough qualifications review, panel interview, physical task assessment, and drug test and medical examination. Candidates also must undergo a polygraph examination and psychological assessment before the final hiring decision.
To apply, individuals must be U.S. citizens between 21 and 36 years old. They must be willing to relocate if necessary and comfortable carrying and handling firearms. They must have sharp vision and hearing acuity, high-functioning limbs, and manual dexterity with free motion of all joints and digits. Agents also must be in good enough physical condition to perform the physically demanding tasks the job requires. These physical requirements are explained in detail in the DEA Training Academy’s 51-page Physical Training & Conditioning Manual.
Prospective agents must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a GPA of at least 2.95. While all undergraduate degrees are considered, many aspiring agents opt to take DEA-adjacent subjects, such as homeland security, public safety, or criminal justice.
Individuals who do not meet the 2.95 GPA requirement can apply after they accumulate at least three years of work experience in fields such as the military, engineering, mechanics, or IT systems. Candidates without a bachelor’s degree can apply as long as they have in-field criminal justice experience. In addition to the aforementioned requirements, prospective agents must show competency in the following areas: attention to detail, interpersonal skills, teamwork, flexibility, self-management, problem solving, decision-making, written and oral communication, and integrity and honesty.
Those who meet the aforementioned criteria can contact their local DEA Recruitment Office, where they will be put in touch with a special agent recruitment coordinator.
Individuals who aspire to work in the DEA but do not meet all of the requirements for a special agent can pursue other roles in the agency. Other positions include diversion investigator, intelligence research specialist, forensic scientist, and professional and administrative support staff. The DEA also offers student and entry-level positions to candidates who comply with its drug policy and meet its employment requirements.
