I don't watch the show, so I don't know whether it matters, but "SSA" is also shorthand for "Senior Special Agent."

I don't know if the Virginia office counts as a field office. Strauss is a Section Chief, I think. Everybody but Garcia is a Supervisory Special Agent, but no, I don't think they supervise anyone unless they're chief of something. Reid's an SSA too, but they introduce him as Doctor. Gideon explained why--to help him seem older, I think.

Garcia is a technical analyst, not an agent, but they did have her flash an agent badge in whatever episode it is that some guy pretends to be an FBI agent to pick up on the women in a bar at the beginning--probably an error to serve the joke.

According to this FBI FAQ, Question 17 here:

[link]

all "profilers" are supervisory special agents.

17. I want to be an FBI "Profiler" - where do I begin the application process?

You first need to realize the FBI does not have a job called "Profiler." The tasks commonly associated with "profiling" are performed by Supervisory Special Agents assigned to the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) at Quantico, Virginia. Despite popular depictions, these FBI Special Agents don't get "vibes" or experience "psychic flashes" while walking around fresh crime scenes. It is an exciting world of investigation and research — a world of inductive and deductive reasoning; crime-solving experience; and knowledge of criminal behavior, facts, and statistical probabilities.

Special Agents are not eligible for positions at the NCAVC until they have three years of experience. Because the positions are so competitive, however, individuals selected usually possess eight to ten years of experience as a Special Agent. The NCAVC employs Special Agents with a variety of backgrounds. The most important qualifications include overall experience as an investigator specializing in violent crimes, particularly homicides, rapes, child abductions, and threats. Please see our list of NCAVC Frequently Asked Questions for more information about the NCAVC.

Thanks, everyone, that clears up my confusion. And it will make my Dexter/Criminal Minds crossover fic even better, with the little hint of realism there.

In re Criminal Minds - it occurred to me that with Morgan now the leader (at least temporarily), perhaps the killer who targeted Hotch and his family (can't remember the name) will target Tamara, as Morgan's "loved one" and she'll be killed off in a bit. So we'll get to see that Morgan isn't emotionally unavailable, and he'll get to suffer for several episodes. (And, yes - wildly inappropriate relationship.)

I figured that Morgan talking to Tamara about the job (inappropriately!!) was what was helping him reconnect -- but then, I just felt closer to my own job after trying to sell it to people applying to replace me. Telling them the good things about it made it feel better in my head.

But didn't Foyet target Hotch because he wouldn't take the "deal" he offered (to stop looking for the killer)? Then either Derek (or his people) wouldn't become a target, or wouldn't become a target until he was offered, and refused, the same deal, right? (Which I wouldn't mind. I like Salli, but she seems to have the anti-BBoC effect - I never believe her chemistry with anyone. So killing her character would bring the good angst).

Yes ... I left out the offering the deal step.

Then either Derek (or his people) wouldn't become a target, or wouldn't become a target until he was offered, and refused, the same deal, right?

right.

(Which I wouldn't mind. I like Salli, but she seems to have the anti-BBoC effect - I never believe her chemistry with anyone. So killing her character would bring the good angst).

yes, and the shirt that she was wearing when they were having coffee was really distracting, it was way too low cut for a casual coffee date. No need to see your sternum, thanks!

Foyet might target Morgan with a deal if he learns that he's in charge now, but I think that he's not done with Hotch by a long shot. He's not going to forgive him for not taking the deal--he needs to be punished.

I feel absolutely no chemistry between Tamara and Morgan (Salli's not the most chemistry-riffic actress, but I do think she and CFerg sell it sometimes), so that's mostly why I can't read it as anything other than wildly inappropriate. It's not at all a lovely and true attraction that came out of nowhere. She's desperate and gutted and he's got a hero complex and is looking to make a difference, and their needs are clicking right now.

I could totally deal with her being killed off and Garcia (platonically) nursing Morgan through the anguish. I figure Penelope is going to have to help him out of this somehow. If this comes between them for long I will not forgive Bernero lightly.

Speaking of hookups that make no sense, anyone watch CSI: NY? Adam and Stella and the complete lack of impact on the rest of the season? Why the hell bother?