I’m thinking about joining the military as military police but I'm not exactly sure what the day-to-day looks like. What kinds of tasks do military police handle, and what training is required for this role?
Military police play a crucial role in maintaining law and order within the military, providing a variety of services similar to those provided by civilian police agencies.
In terms of tasks, these encompass quite a range. Military police might be tasked with typical law enforcement duties such as patrols, responding to emergencies or calls for service, investigating minor crimes, and carrying out traffic stops, all within their respective military installations. They may also assist in security operations during military exercises, deployments, or provide VIP escort.
These officers are also responsible for managing confinement facilities and providing custody and security for detained military personnel. Additionally, they engage in mobility security, serving as specialists who conduct route reconnaissance and ensure safe passage for military convoys.
In relation to training, it is quite comprehensive. Firstly, you'll need to complete the Basic Combat Training, like all new recruits. This is a 10-week intensive program that equips recruits with basic soldiering skills. Following this, you'll attend Military Police Specific Training, which is also known as Advanced Individual Training (AIT). This additional training period, taking around 8-20 weeks depending on the specific branch of military service, will teach you criminal law, traffic control, crime scene management, and even some self-defence tactics.
It's important to note that the day-to-day tasks of a military police officer could vary widely depending on the specific branch of the military and the particular assignment or location. Therefore, flexibility and adaptability are key skills for this role. If you prefer structure and predictability, this job might be more challenging, but if variety and excitement energize you, it could be a perfect fit!
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