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Things that improve your odds and your pay

• A hard language

  Officers who bring or acquire a difficult language get better assignments and extra pay for using it.

• Military or federal service

  Veterans get a hiring preference in the federal system, which matters on a ranked list.

• Real work experience before applying

  The narratives ask what you have done. Managing people, budgets or a crisis reads better than another degree.

• Taking a hardship post early

  Difficult posts pay more and count in your favor for later assignments.