Mullen began his life in New London, Connecticut, where after graduating from
Central Connecticut State College (B.S. 1962) he served in the
United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957. He became a
police officer in New London, before being appointed as an FBI
Special Agent in 1962.
Service with the DEA 1981-1985 In July 1981, Mullen was designated Acting Administrator of the DEA. However, it was not until 21 January 1982 that
President Ronald Reagan announced his intention to nominate Mullen as DEA Administrator, succeeding
Peter Bensinger. Mullen served in an acting capacity from July 1981 until he was confirmed by the
U.S. Senate on 30 September 1983 and sworn in as the DEA's third Administrator on 10 November 1983. He served until 1 March 1985. == After DEA ==