What military jobs align well with a criminal justice degree? Are there specific branches or roles that would be a good fit for someone with this academic background?
A criminal justice degree is extremely versatile and there are several roles within different branches of the military where it could be advantageous.
For instance, in the U.S Army, a Military Police (MP) officer would be a suitable role, as MPs are responsible for preserving law and order. They conduct patrols, apprehend and detain suspects, investigate crimes, and cooperate with civilian police forces.
In the U.S. Navy, there's the Master-at-Arms role, which is essentially the law enforcement and security sector of the branch. Master-at-Arms handle matters of force protection, physical security, law enforcement, antiterrorism, and, where applicable, anti-narcotics operations.
The Air Force has the Security Forces role, which is responsible for missile security, defending air bases around the globe, law enforcement on those bases, combat arms, and handling military working dogs.
The U.S. Marine Corps has the Military Police (MOS 5811), with roles ranging from criminal investigations to correctional facility operations.
Lastly, the U.S. Coast Guard has the Maritime Enforcement Specialist job which includes ports, waterways, and coastal security; defense readiness; and anti-terrorism.
Given the demand for law enforcement in the military, a background in criminal justice could certainly come in handy and make you a more competitive candidate for these positions. Of course, each branch of the military has its own specific requirements, so it might also be beneficial to speak directly with a recruiter to gauge which opportunities might be the best fit for you.
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