Exploring Careers in Military Criminal Investigation

I'm fascinated by criminology and considering criminal investigation jobs within the military. What are the paths to enter this field, and what kind of cases might one work on? Is prior experience required?

There are several paths to consider if you're interested in military criminal investigation. Each branch of the U.S. Military has its own law enforcement units, such as the Army's Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Navy's Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the Marine Corps' Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). These organizations investigate serious crimes within their respective branches, such as murder, robbery, drug offenses, sexual assault, and financial crimes. They also handle issues related to national security.

To start a career in these units, you typically need to enlist in the military and complete basic training. After that, you will need to complete additional specialized training for the law enforcement division. This may involve attending the Military Police School or another similar institution.

In regards to prior experience, while it can certainly be beneficial, especially if your experience is in law enforcement or criminal justice, it isn't typically required. The military provides intense, comprehensive training to ensure you are well-equipped to handle your duties.

It's also important to note that these jobs often require security clearance and various physical and mental aptitude tests to ensure you're suited for the role. As you advance in your career, you might have the opportunity to specialize in fields like cybersecurity, counterintelligence, or forensics.

While military criminal investigation careers can be intense and challenging, many find them rewarding due to the high stakes problem solving and the chance to make a significant impact on the safety of the military and the nation.