How can a criminal justice degree be useful in the military?

I've been thinking of joining the military and have a degree in criminal justice. Are there specific roles that would utilize my education effectively, and how should I approach applying for them?

Indeed, a degree in Criminal Justice could be quite useful in various branches of the military. Your degree might directly apply to roles in military intelligence, military police or enforcement, investigation, and security. These positions often require an understanding of legal systems, criminology, and public safety, areas covered in a criminal justice program.

For instance, the military police or law enforcement (e.g., MPs in the Army, SPs in the Air Force) often deal with maintaining order within the base, enforcing military laws and regulations, and assisting in managing detainees or prisoners of war, among other duties.

Similarly, roles in investigation units such as the Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) or Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), could be a good fit. Here, your understanding of criminal behavior, the justice system, and investigation processes would be quite beneficial.

In terms of applying for these roles, once you join the military, you'll undergo basic training. After that point, you can express interest in these specific fields. Your recruiters and military advisors can guide you through the process, which often includes additional training and education in your chosen field, which would build upon the foundation laid by your degree.

It's important to show how your background in criminal justice provides a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement theories and concepts, something that would be valuable to the military. Preparing examples where you used your degree knowledge in real-life scenarios might also help in showing the practical application of your skills.

Keep in mind that a criminal justice degree does not guarantee a specific position in the military, but it certainly strengthens your application for related roles and may aid in advancement opportunities. Finally, remember that specific military careers will not only depend on your education but also on physical requirements, ASVAB scores, and clearance eligibility.