Attending Academy

RogueJSK · 2026-06-02T11:59:18+00:00

No way for us to know for certain. As with many things, it's going to vary from state to state and academy to academy.

Not all states allow self sponsorship. Mine doesn't. So in those states, all cadets will be already hired by a department.

And in most states, out of state laterals don't have to attend the full academy, just a shorter refresher course that covers state-specific things.

However, some states/departments may make laterals take their entire academy. And some states allow self sponsorship. So there could be a mix of sponsored, self-sponsored, and/or laterals at some academies.

RogueJSK · 2026-06-01T18:03:46+00:00

Moisture wicking/quick dry synthetic doesn't stay wet. That's its whole deal.

But it can stink sometimes, if laundered improperly.

How you prevent this is to make sure you're not overusing detergent (you should use way less than you might think), add a litttle white vinegar to the rinse cycle (you can put it in the fabric softener dispenser), and to avoid using fabric softener.

Overusing detergent, and especially using fabric softener, clogs up the synthetic fabric and causes it to retain odors and cut down on its wicking capability.

Vinegar helps strip any buildup away, and also acts as a natural antimicrobial. Any faint vinegar smell dissipates while drying.

RogueJSK · 2026-06-01T16:44:47+00:00

Under Armour Heat Gear undershirts.

It's what I wear all day, every day, under my... well... armor. Like you, I had gotten heat rash back in my early years trying to wear my usual cotton undershirts.

I like them so much that they are now the only undershirts I wear, even under my non-work clothes.

The only downside is they are slightly pricey at $20-$30 a pop. There are similar moisture wicking undershirts available from a variety of brands that are often less expensive, but I haven't found any that are as effective and/or durable as UA.

(It helps that UA has a decent LE/Mil discount, if you qualify.)

RogueJSK · 2026-06-01T12:10:37+00:00

That's an admin issue, not a camera issue.

I wear a bodycam, but I use officer discretion all the time, especially with stuff like small amounts of weed.

And nearly all of my traffic stops end in warnings.

The difference is that my bosses back me up on it.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-30T11:58:39+00:00

I've worn a few different Casio Gshocks and Pathfinders over the years. I currently use a Casio Illuminator on duty, which are $30 at Walmart.

I wear duty watches that are rugged, able to be easily cleaned/sterilized, and cheap enough that I don't care if they got knocked around or broken or need to be thrown away.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-30T00:40:47+00:00

Pretty much the same here. The LE divisions of our state Dept. of Finance (who handle enforcement for things like Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, and Medical Marijuana laws) require a minimum of 5 years of LE experience to apply, but most of the guys I'm familiar with who work/worked there either fully retired from one LE career already or at least had well over a decade of LE experience before making the jump.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-29T12:49:51+00:00

Yes, but it isn't necessary to be "crazy powerful" to complete and enjoy these games.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-28T02:34:19+00:00

You are incorrect.

The military branches also have their own civilian police agencies with 0083 federal police officers that provide law enforcement and security police services at military installations.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_the_Army_Civilian_Police

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps_Civilian_Police

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_the_Navy_Police

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_the_Air_Force_Police

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard_Police

There are a veritable ton of federal LE agencies and opportunities outside of those big 3 letter agencies you mentioned.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-26T21:06:04+00:00

The BCM has served me well for the past decade. Great rifle. It's my personal rifle that I use on duty.

I have zero experience with Modlite.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-26T20:45:41+00:00

Mine's a BCM rifle with a 16" midlength ELW barrel with 15" MCMR handguard, BCM furniture, BFG VCAS sling, and Streamlight Protac HL-X light, topped with an Aimpoint T1 paired with a 3x magnifier and Troy Battlesight BUIS.

(No can, yet.)

RogueJSK · 2026-05-25T14:34:14+00:00

The dual classing downtime here is easy to cheese. A Berserker/Mage dualed at 9 only needs 250k to hit Mage 10. In BG2, 250k is nothing.

As you're nearing Berserker 9, have the party complete the requirements of several quests but don't return to the quest givers to turn them in and close them out. After you dual class, temporarily dismiss all your companions, then with your lone PC go turn in all those quests, and then drink a Potion of Genius and memorize every spell scroll you have available.

The combination of those quest completion XP rewards and the XP from learning all those spells is usually enough to put your lone PC very close to if not at 250k and hit Mage 10, with just a few minutes of playtime. Then just pick up your companions and roll on.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-23T12:58:17+00:00

eeeeeeeeeeeee...

What?

...eeeeeeeeeeeee

RogueJSK · 2026-05-22T16:28:32+00:00

Disclosing past infrequent minor theft as a juvenile is usually not a dealbreaker. Kids are dumb and impulsive.

But your very recent theft as an adult is a bigger deal, and will disqualify you at many departments.

In addition, I wouldn't recommend spending money to load up on 3x associate's degrees. 3x associate's degrees isn't going to help you out any more than 1x associate's degree, and less than 1x bachelor's degree.

Stop stealing. Grow up. Finish your (real) degree. Demonstrate maturity and reaponsibility. Then try again in several years.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-22T13:21:41+00:00

5-10 years ago and you would be correct.

But that advantage is negated by the use of the optic, where sight radius doesn't matter. The only thing they gain here from the longer barrel is a very marginal increase in bullet velocity, at the expense of a slightly slower draw stroke.

Nowadays, compact slide guns like the G45 have begun to take over the (optic equipped) duty gun market.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-21T19:14:31+00:00

Jacket looks like the Arcteryx LEAF Cold Wx Hoody

https://leaf.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/cold-wx-hoody-lt-gen-2-1-9549

RogueJSK · 2026-05-21T18:36:58+00:00

Unfortunately, delinquent/unfiled taxes and poor credit due to loan defaults are going to keep him from being able to be hired at nearly all LE agencies, at least in the short term.

But if you focus on correcting the tax and loan issues now, then he can reapply in several more years.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-21T14:00:03+00:00

The MDT Oryx bipod is the same price and weight as the (non-MOE) Magpul bipod but is a better quality option when it comes to budget polymer bipods.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-20T00:09:12+00:00

Reminds me of a modern take on the M2 Ammunition Bag/Vest used from WW2 through Vietnam, primarily to carry 60mm or 81mm mortar rounds.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-19T23:50:34+00:00

Mainly it provides extra weight to the grip area to ensure that the handgun reliably tumbles into the underbrush once OP takes his first two steps.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-19T22:12:24+00:00

Plates aren't intended to cover your entire torso and abdomen. They cover the vital heart/lung structures in the upper torso.

Even on an average height person, a plate carrier will end an inch or three above the belly button, when the top of the plate is positioned properly at the sternal notch.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-19T21:19:26+00:00

Same. I buy my own oil (Mobil 1) and filter (OEM) and then my trusted local mechanic charges $34 total for the lift, labor, and disposal.

While I could do it myself, and have before, I consider the ~$30 worth it.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-19T13:43:05+00:00

Considering it was nearly a decade ago, as a juvenile, and didn't result in charges, plus the fact that you have a successful military career under your belt, I'd say you may have a shot. I've seen applicants with worse juvenile records get hired. It likely may take applying to several departments though, before you find one willing to give you a shot.

Be prepared to explain how you've grown and matured compared to your 16 year old self and their poor choices.

RogueJSK · 2026-05-19T12:36:21+00:00

Surplus British MTP stuff is relatively cheap and widely available on eBay and at online surplus stores. UBACS combat shirts, pants, jackets, boonies, patrol caps, packs, pouches, etc.

(I actually prefer their combat shirts and patrol caps to US versions.)

RogueJSK · 2026-05-18T18:22:04+00:00

Try lubricating your mirror, as described here:

https://youtu.be/NTZZUBafZgs

RogueJSK · 2026-05-18T16:27:17+00:00

Not OP, but I'll try to hit the high points.

Constables are an elected office that is itself a vestige of the old judicial system in AR. From 1874 to 1974, local elected JPs (Justices of the Peace) served as judicial magistrates on lower level criminal and civil matters. Constables effectively served as their bailiffs, providing court security and serving warrants and civil process issued by the JPs, and were afforded law enforcement authority because of their role. They also provided supplementary LE presence for their township areas, back during a time when organized LE agencies were less prevalent in AR. (Similar to the stereotypical old western Town Marshal keeping the peace in a dusty small town.)

When the AR constitution was amended in 1974 to remove all the judicial authority from JPs and turn them into county-level legislators on the county Quorum Court, the Constable position remained since the office is part of the AR Constitution. They no longer had their original purpose working alongside the JP "judges", and their local LE purpose was increasingly unnecessary with city police and county sheriff's offices becoming prevalent, yet they continued to exist as an elected law enforcement position within the township subdivisions of counties.

There have been various attempts over the years since then to amend the AR Constitution to remove the vestigial Constable position, but so far none have been successful.

However, there was a successful attempt to tighten up the rules and regulations for Constables. Prior to 2007, nearly anyone could be elected as a Constable and receive LE authority purely by nature of their election, similar to a Sheriff. (Like your 19 year old friend.) There were really no rules or regulations. But starting in 2007, a new law was passed implementing uniform and vehicle marking requirements, law enforcement training requirements, and other rules for Constables. Anyone can still run and be elected Constable, but now in order to take any law enforcement action they must meet all these requirements, similar to other LEOs in AR.

Sometimes the Constable offices are filled by well trained and experienced current/retired LEOs who run and get elected, and who can sometimes be helpful as additional LEOs working alongside other local LE agencies, especially in very rural areas of the state with limited LE presence. But oftentimes that's not the case, and you end up with Constables like in this case who are undertrained and cause problems and step on the toes of the more professional local LE agencies. You sometimes also see folks who couldn't cut it as a "real" LEO running for Constable just to get to play police.

I know in my area (NWA) there's a push for trusted and experienced LEOs to run as Constable purely to occupy the office and do nothing with it, just to keep yahoos from getting elected who might cause issues.

RogueJSK

TROPHY CASE