The location for ATF Agent, ATF Agent Schools, Jobs, and Careers

ATF agents enforce laws concerning the possession and sale of alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. They also regulate the firearms and explosives industries. ATF agents work for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which is under the U.S. Treasury Department.

ATF and its agents are responsible for the following:

1. Preventing Illegal Manufacturing and Distributing of Alcohol
2. Preventing Illegal Possession of Firearm
3. Preventing Criminal Use of Firearm
4. Preventing Illegal Possession of Explosives
5. Preventing Trafficking in Counterfeit and Contraband Cigarettes
6. Preventing Tax Revenue Losses from Alcohol and Cigarettes to the States
7. Etc.

As you can see, the ATF covers a broad spectrum. So much so that it has 4 divisions within it. The 4 divisions are to help it bring focus to each area.

An ATF agent should be prepared to deal with hardcore criminals. Such criminals could be terrorist organizations. These organizations involve themselves in contrabands to help finance their illegal and unlawful activities.

How to Become ATF Agent:

To become ATF agent, you need a college education. You are required to have a bachelor’s degree. Though not specified, there can be no doubt that the best degree program to pursue for this job is a criminal justice degree. A law enforcement degree or 3 years of experience as law enforcement officer will also fulfill the requirement. You are also required to meet the following additional requirements:

1. Be Between 21 and 37 Years Old
2. Have a Valid Drivers License
3. Be a U.S. Citizen
4. Excellent Physical Shape
5. Successful Background Check
6. Medical and Drug Screening
7. Good Vision

After you are hired, you will go through 9 weeks of criminal investigative training in law enforcement and investigative techniques in Georgia. This training will cover such things as:

a. Undercover Assignments
b. Use of Firearms
c. Surveillance
d. Arrest Techniques
e. Etc

As you can see, a criminal justice or law enforcement degree program will put you ahead of your competition. We don’t need to say this can only help your career.

After the 9 weeks training, you will be sent to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Virginia. There, you will receive new agent training. This training lasts 13 weeks and covers arson, laws enforced by ATF, firearms nomenclatures, explosives nomenclatures, etc.

ATF Agent Salary:
ATF agents make a decent starting salary. New agents make between $28,349 to $36,856 per year. Within a few years, your salary will increase to as much as $45,648.

To fulfill the bachelor degree requirement, we urge you again to get a degree in either law enforcement or criminal justice. The schools below will fill these needs just fine. Request for their free information and decide which school you like better.

Request for free Kaplan University information here

Request free University of Phoenix information