[MegaDiscussion] Aspirations and reasons for going into Law Enforcement.

I'd like to take today (09/16/2015) to discuss with aspiring LEO's and verified LEO's about their aspirations and reasons for going into the Law Enforcement field. All discussions (within reason) are welcome and I encourage all of you to be honest. Obviously subreddit rules apply and if the Moderators feel that you're contributing nothing to the conversation, your post may be removed. I'm mainly disclaiming that to deter people who wish to come in here with execrable intentions.

Verified LEOs

When and why did you decide to pursue a career in Law Enforcement? When you decided that you wanted to become a LEO, how long did it take you from the time you decided to the time you applied? To the time you got sworn? How many times did you apply before you were accepted? To how many different agencies? How much education do you have? How much volunteering? What are your aspirations now that you've become an LEO? What positions do you wish to attain? Have you attained any of them yet? What extended education have you received to help your job (DRE, DEA courses, etc)? Go on, be fluent and extensive.

Aspiring LEOs

When and why did you decide to pursue a career in Law Enforcement? Have you applied anywhere yet? Have you been dropped from the application process yet? If so, how many times? How much education do you have? Do you plan on getting more education? How many agencies do you plan on applying to? What are your aspirations post-hire? Do you plan to continue your education post-hire (Masters, Doctorate, etc?) Do you volunteer? Do you want to volunteer? Go on, like the verified LEOs, be fluent and provoke discussion.

The purpose of this thread is to promote discussion and educate individuals who might be a bit fuzzy, and obviously for you to tell us a bit about yourself. Have fun with it! It will remain stickied for the duration of today. I will post in a moment with my story.