I'm considering joining the National Guard and am particularly interested in military police roles. What are the requirements and what should I expect from the job both on and off duty?
Joining the military police in the National Guard can be a great path if you’re interested in law enforcement and military service, and it requires meeting some specific criteria.
Firstly, you'll need to meet the basic qualifications for enlistment in the National Guard. These include being a U.S. citizen or resident alien, being between 17 and 35 years old, having obtained at least a high school diploma or equivalent, passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and meeting certain medical, moral, and physical standards.
Specifically for the occupation of military police, you will need to score adequately in the Skilled Technical (ST) section of the ASVAB. The exact required score may vary, but generally, a score around 91 is necessary.
After enlistment, you'll attend Basic Combat Training for 10 weeks, followed by Military Police Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for 9 weeks. Your AIT will provide you with the skills necessary for your role, including law enforcement tactics, investigative procedures, detention operations, and battlefield circulation control.
As a military police officer in the National Guard, your duties will involve various law enforcement activities such as crime prevention, patrolling, and traffic control. You may also be involved in security operations, detainee handling, or customs enforcement.
Off duty, you can expect to participate in one weekend of training per month and two weeks of training per year. The rest of the time, you are free to pursue civilian endeavors such as a full-time job, higher education, or spending time with family and friends. Remember, part of your commitment to the National Guard is being ready to be called into full-time service during national emergencies or natural disasters.
Becoming a military police officer in the National Guard demands commitment, discipline, and a willingness to serve. It can serve as an excellent stepping stone to other law enforcement or security careers in the civilian world, as it equips you with valuable transferable skills and experiences.
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