What are military criminal investigation jobs like?

I'm interested in policing and law enforcement careers, and I heard about military criminal investigation jobs. What roles are available in this field, and what qualifications do you need to get started?

There are several roles in military criminal investigation, each bringing its unique set of responsibilities and challenges.

1. Military Police: Military police handle a broad range of law enforcement duties within the military. They monitor base activities, enforce military laws, direct traffic, conduct patrols, and respond to emergencies like bomb threats and base invasions. Their duties closely mirror those of civilian law enforcement.

2. Criminal Investigation Special Agents (CID): This role is found in the U.S. Army. Agents conduct investigations into felonies involving Army personnel or property. Their work includes collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating crime scenes. Remember that being a special agent is a position of high responsibility and investigators are often handling sensitive information.

3. Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS): This branch investigates crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Like the Army's CID, NCIS agents perform duties like crime scene processing, forensics, surveillance, and protective services.

4. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI): Like NCIS, the OSI handles felony-level criminal, fraud, and counterintelligence investigations, and its agents often work to investigate and deter terrorism threats.

To get started in these roles, you'll typically need to join the military and successfully complete an investigative or police training program. This will often involve undergoing military basic training and then receiving further specialized training in law enforcement or criminal investigations. Additionally, some roles may require a bachelor's degree, although this can sometimes be substituted with relevant military or law enforcement experience.

Please note that each branch of the military has its own specific requirements and qualifications, so it's important to research and ensure that you meet these criteria before applying. It's also worth noting that these roles often require demonstrated physical fitness, mental sharpness, and high ethical standards due to the nature of the work. You will also be subject to a thorough background check as part of the selection process.