Criminal Investigator

• Origins in the U.S. Army: The modern Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) was established during World War II in 1944, but its roots trace back to Civil War-era provost marshals who investigated crimes among soldiers. • International Operations: Military criminal investigators have served in every major U.S. conflict since World War II, including Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, often working alongside allied military police and investigators. • Not Just Soldiers: CID Special Agents are a mix of military personnel and civilian federal agents, with civilians often bringing specialized skills in forensics, cyber, and major crimes. • Hollywood Portrayals: The Army CID and its Navy/Marine counterpart, NCIS, have inspired numerous TV shows and movies, most notably the popular series "NCIS" and "JAG." • High-Profile Cases: Military criminal investigators have solved notorious cases, such as the Fort Hood shooting investigation in 2009 and the theft of military equipment and classified materials. • Cold Cases Division: CID and other military investigative branches have dedicated cold case teams to solve decades-old crimes, often using advanced DNA and forensic technology. • Protecting the Chain of Command: Criminal investigators are frequently called to investigate allegations of misconduct at the highest levels of military leadership, ensuring accountability and integrity. • Specialized Training: All military criminal investigators undergo rigorous training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and many attend the FBI National Academy or other advanced forensic courses. • Global Reach: CID Special Agents are stationed worldwide, from small outposts in Africa to major bases in Europe and the Pacific, providing investigative support wherever U.S. forces operate. • Forensic Innovation: The military has pioneered forensic techniques, including battlefield crime scene processing and rapid DNA analysis, to support both criminal investigations and counterterrorism efforts.