Hi all, so I'm pretty set on joining the military police when I graduate. My question is, do all military branches even have a military police, and if so, is one branch known for having a stronger military police program than the others?
Yes, all six branches of the U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force - do offer roles in military policing. However, the policing duties and responsibilities may differ depending on the branch of service.
1. Army: The Army's military police provide an important function in the full spectrum of Army operations as a member of the Maneuver, Fires, and Effects division. The Army has the largest ground force and consequently has a substantial and very active military police presence.
2. Navy: The Navy's equivalent to military police is the Master-at-Arms (MA). These are the Navy's security and force protection professionals.
3. Air Force: The role of military police in the Air Force is carried out by Security Forces (SF). They are responsible for missile security, defending air bases around the globe, law enforcement on those bases, combat arms, and handling military working dogs.
4. Marine Corps: The role is carried out by the Marine Corps Military Police (MP), who uphold regulations, laws, and rules, much like a civilian police officer on a civilian police force.
5. Coast Guard: The Coast Guard has a unique role, as it enforces maritime law during both peace and war. Military police in this branch fall under Maritime Enforcement (ME) and they serve as a Coast Guard law enforcement officer.
6. Space Force: This branch is the newest and smallest. While it does uphold regulations and laws, there doesn't seem to be a specific role akin to "military police." However, adhering to rules and the enforcement of regulations is a part of every servicemember's duty.
In terms of which branch has a "stronger" Military Police program, this is subjective and can vary depending on what you're looking for in a military law enforcement career. Factors might include the size of the force, the variety of duties, opportunities for advancement, and locations of duty stations among other things. It may be beneficial to research each branch individually and speak with a recruiter to find the best fit for your interests and long-term goals.
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