Exploring a career in Military Police through College

Hello! I'm interested in military law enforcement and I was thinking about the College of Military Police. What's the course like there? How does it prepare you for a career as a Military Police Officer? Does anyone have personal experiences or thoughts that they can share? Thanks so much!

Hello!

When considering a career as a Military Police (MP) in the United States, it's important to understand that there isn't a "College of Military Police" as such. Rather, to become an MP, one generally enlists in a branch of the military (such as the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines) and then undergoes training specific to that role.

However, you can prepare for a career in military law enforcement through college in a few ways. If you're interested in the legal aspects, a major in criminal justice or law enforcement could be beneficial. These programs often cover topics like criminology, law, ethics, and community relations.

Additionally, you could consider participating in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs which are present in many colleges across the country. The ROTC gives you a solid foundation of military training and leadership skills while you're still in school. With an ROTC program, you can get commissioned as an officer upon graduation, and then possibly serve as an MP.

If you are set on a path in military law enforcement, a military academy could be another option to consider. Though it's less traditional, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point or the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis are excellent institutions where you can receive a first-class education, while also getting training that may prove invaluable in a military law enforcement career.

Once in the military, you'd then undertake specific MP training. In the Army, for example, this is a 20-week program that includes both basic combat training and advanced individual training. This training will equip you with the unique skills and knowledge required to perform law enforcement duties in the military, including how to conduct investigations, manage traffic, and handle military prisoners.

Remember that being a Military Police officer also includes aspects of conventional law enforcement, such as maintaining law and order, but also involves more military-specific duties. It's a career that can be both challenging and rewarding with opportunities for advancement and specializations. Collaboration with local civilian law enforcement, and managing and preventing conflicts among the military personnel are some of the other tasks that an MP officer may have to undertake.

Finally, do keep in mind that the requirements and training to become an MP can vary between military branches, so you'll want to research each to see which could be the best fit for you.

Hope this information helps you in your journey towards becoming a Military Police Officer!