How Do USMC Military Police Careers Work?

I'm thinking of joining the Marine Corps and becoming a military police officer. Can anyone provide information on what to expect from this career and the qualifications required?

Joining the Marine Corps and becoming a Military Police Officer can be a rewarding career! Here's a brief overview of what to expect and the qualifications required.

First, it's important to meet the basic qualifications. You need to be a US citizen, aged between 17-28 (though waivers for age can sometimes be obtained), pass a physical, and have a high school diploma. Additionally, you'll have to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) with a minimum score which varies over time and according to needs, but often a minimum score of 100 in the General Technical (GT) section is required.

Moving onto training, upon enlisting in the Marine Corps, you'll first go through a 13-week basic training program often referred to as "boot camp". After basic training, you'll then attend the Military Police Basic Officer Course where you'll learn about law and law enforcement including investigations, patrol tactics, firearms use, and non-lethal weapons.

As a Marine Corps Military Police Officer, your duties can be quite diverse. You may find yourself patrolling bases, managing confinement facilities, or conducting investigations. In the field, you could provide battlefield circulation control, area security, prisoner of war operations, civilian internee operations, and law and order operations.

With experience, you may be tasked with more responsibilities like command of Military Police units or coordination of investigations into serious crimes.

Also, keep in mind that the Military Police career field in the Marines (MOS 5811) is physically demanding, so maintaining physical fitness is important.

After your service, the experience can be very transferrable to civilian jobs in law enforcement and security services. The skills, discipline, and leadership experience you gain as a Marine Corps Military Police Officer are highly valued by many law enforcement agencies.

Finally, joining the military is a life-changing decision. I recommend reaching out to a local Marine Corps officer recruiter who can provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information about becoming a Military Police officer in the Marines.

Best of luck as you consider this career path!