How can I become a military police officer after college?

Hi there, I'm considering studying criminal justice in college and I'm really interested in the role of a Military Police Officer. What's the path to become one? Do I need to serve a certain number of years in the military before I can become an MP officer? Any insight would be appreciated.

To become a military police officer, you would typically need to first enlist in one of the branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force). Once enlisted, your military training will include basic training or boot camp, where you'll learn discipline, physical fitness, first aid, and military procedure.

Once you've completed basic training, you will move onto Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training. For aspiring military police, this is where you would learn your specific role within law enforcement in the military, dealing with things such as criminal law, patrol procedures, and other related subjects to your field.

You don't necessarily need to serve a specific number of years in the military before becoming an MP officer. Some individuals start their military career off as an MP right after they finish their specialty training.

If you're planning on going to college first, enrolling in ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) can be a beneficial route. ROTC provides leadership training and can result in a commission as an officer upon graduation. As an officer, you could potentially serve as a military police officer, but keep in mind that officer positions often require management and leadership skills. ROTC participants often have to commit to a certain number of years of service upon graduation.

Another route is to enlist after earning your degree. With a degree, you also have the potential to start at a higher rank.

Each branch has its own criteria for becoming a Military Police Officer, so I recommend reaching out to the recruiting offices of the branches of the military you're interested in for more detailed information about their specific requirements and opportunities.