Many people that want to become law enforcement officers choose to join the military.  Some people join the military to improve their chances of getting a law enforcement officer job.  Joining the military can help someone get a police officer job or other law enforcement officer job.  Some people join the military to do law enforcement in the military.  There are great opportunities to do law enforcement in the military.
How can joining the military help someone get a law enforcement officer job?  Some employers and individuals simply like to hire qualified veterans whenever possible because they believe it is one way to repay veterans for their service.  Some people like to hire veterans because they realize that people often mature and become more responsible as a result of serving in the military.  Veterans tend to have a certain amount of respect, loyalty, discipline, and life experience.  Veterans have had to work with diversity and overcome adversity.  Veterans get extra points on civil service tests. Veterans get preference for federal jobs.  Veteran points and preference is what usually helps the most.  Also, some police departments that require applicants to have college will waive some or all of their college requirements for veterans.  Joining the military can help people pay for college, and having a college degree can definitely help someone get a police officer job.  There are programs such as the Montgomery GI Bill and the College Loan Repayment Program that will pay for some or all of your future education or repay some or all student loans you already have.  Being a veteran, regardless of what job you did when you served, can help you get a law enforcement officer job.

There are different law enforcement jobs in the military.  There are active duty and reserve jobs.  What are some of them?  The Army has military police.  Military Police protect lives and property on Army installations. Among other things, they enforce military laws and regulations, control traffic, prevent crime, and respond to emergencies.  The Army also has Internment/Resettlement Specialists. They are the Army’s correctional officers.  The Army also has Criminal Investigations Special Agents.  Among other things, Criminal Investigations Special Agents are responsible for supervising or conducting investigations of serious incidents and offenses or allegations of crime that affect Army personnel, property, or activities.  The Navy has the Master-at-Arms rating, which is pretty much the Navy’s military police.  The Air Force has Security Forces Specialists.  The Marines also have Military Police.  The Coast Guard is often the first choice of people that want a law enforcement career.  The Coast Guard is the nation’s primary maritime law enforcement service.  The Coast Guard has ratings such as Maritime Enforcement Specialist and Investigator.  As a member of the Coast Guard, it is possible to become a member of a boarding team member and get the chance to help enforce treaties and laws at sea.  Explore the possibilities and opportunities that the military has to offer, and find out if joining the military is right for you!