Options for Military Jobs Related to Law Enforcement?

I'm thinking about joining the military, but I'm also interested in a future law enforcement career. Are there any military jobs that align well with this path, and can provide relevant experience or training?

Absolutely, there are numerous roles within the military that align with a future in law enforcement and can provide valuable training and experience.

First up, you could consider a role in the Military Police (MP) across various branches of the military, such as the Army and the Air Force. MPs are responsible for upholding the law, maintaining order, and preventing crime on military bases all around the world. This role can provide you with essential experience in general law enforcement duties, policing operations, and customer or community service.

Another option is to join the Coast Guard, in roles such as Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist, where you'll enforce laws and treaties on domestic and international waters. This can give you first-hand experience in maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and life-saving missions, which can be incredibly valuable for future law enforcement roles.

If you're more interested in investigative work, becoming a special agent in one of the military's Criminal Investigation Divisions (CID), such as the ones in the Army or the Navy, might be a good fit for you. In these roles, you'd conduct felony-level criminal investigations, which can provide excellent training for detective or investigative roles in civilian law enforcement.

Keep in mind, these roles not only provide practical experience but they also often offer opportunities for further education and skills training in fields relevant to law enforcement. However, remember that your military service length usually determines your eligibility for many post-military benefits including the GI Bill for furthering your education.

Lastly, remember to consider the general skill sets and qualities you can develop in the military. Leadership, discipline, teamwork, negotiation, and crisis management are all invaluable to a career in law enforcement and can be honed in almost any military role.