There are better places to work in 2009 as a Special Agent. DEA is not what it used to be. - GS-14-1811/Special Agent Group Supervisor DEA Employee Review

Managers are morons and have zero respect for employees. DEA has no concept of family oriented career growth, and salary is capped at GS-13 (effectively) unless you want to promote to GS-14, which requires a mandatory HQ tour of 2 to 3 years and then a mandatory rotation OUT of HQ, two moves. Since the HQ tour begins at Year-4 after initial promotion to GS-14, you are facing two mandatory moves in a 6 to seven year time span. This wreaks havoc on family and finances.