I'm thinking about exploring military security guard jobs after graduation. Can anyone share insights about what these jobs are like, what kind of training is involved, and what the career path looks like?
Sure, I'd be happy to shed some light on this career path. Military security guards, commonly known as Military Police or MPs in most branches, are tasked with protecting the lives and property on military installations by enforcing military laws and regulations.
Training usually begins with basic training (Boot Camp), which is several weeks long and introduces you to military life. After that, you'll need to complete a Military Police or security forces training program, which can last about 10-20 weeks. Here, you'll learn about law enforcement principles, police methods, military legal codes, crime scene investigation, detainee procedures, and usage of firearms.
The day-to-day job of military security guards can vary, but typical duties include traffic enforcement, crime prevention, responding to emergencies, and issuing citations for violations on the base. Some guards may also work with dogs trained to detect narcotics and explosives. It's important to note that shifts can often be at unusual hours and in various weather conditions due to the nature of security work.
The career path can be quite versatile. With experience, you could potentially move up to a leadership position within the military police, or transition to related civilian jobs. Many MPs use their experience as a stepping stone into civilian law enforcement careers, such as a local police officer, detective, or even working in federal agencies like the FBI or DEA.
Benefits generally include paid training, housing allowances, healthcare, and education benefits so there's a lot of support provided for personal and professional growth. Plus, the discipline, leadership, and team-building skills you gain have long-lasting impact that reach beyond just your career.
Finally, remember that you need to meet certain physical fitness standards and possibly have a certain ASVAB score to become an MP, so consider working on both your physical fitness and studying for the ASVAB test if you decide to pursue this path.
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