Looking into a career as a 31B Military Police Officer

Howdy, folks. I've got a question that's been bugging me for a bit. I'm a rising junior and I'm thinking about following a military path after graduation, specifically as a 31B Military Police Officer. What's the role of a Branch Manager in this scenario, and what would my path look like if I pursued this career?

While enlisting in the military straight after high school is indeed a clear and definite path towards becoming a 31B Military Police Officer, understanding the entire journey is important, so let's break it down.

A Branch Manager in the U.S. military, specifically the Army, is essentially a Human Resources officer. They are responsible for helping manage the careers of enlisted soldiers, officers, and warrant officers in their respective military occupational specialties (MOS), such as your planned path to become a 31B Military Police Officer. Specifically, they provide advice and answer questions about possible assignments, career progression, and schooling opportunities. This ultimately serves to ensure progress and advancement within the soldier's career.

As for the path to becoming a 31B Military Police Officer, here are the general steps:

1. Education: Even though a high school diploma is typically enough to enlist, having a related degree could potentially open up more opportunities down the line.

2. Basic Combat Training (BCT): After enlisting, you will first attend BCT, also known as boot camp. Here, you'll undergo rigorous physical training and learn basic soldiering skills.

3. Military Police training: After completing BCT, you will attend One Station Unit Training (OSUT), which combines BCT and advanced individual training (AIT). As a 31B, most of your AIT will be spent on learning law enforcement methods, procedures, and techniques.

4. Duty assignment: Upon successful completion of your training, your first assignment will most likely be in a law enforcement duty. It may be traffic enforcement, securing areas, or performing crime prevention programs.

It's important to note that the role of military police isn't exactly like that of a civilian police officer. While they certainly have some similar duties, military police also support operations by serving as a sort of first line of defense for the military. This could mean providing battlefield circulation control, area security, prisoner of war operations, civilian internee operations, and law and order operations.

So, your path after high school will certainly be challenging, but also rewarding. Good luck with your career planning and future endeavors with military service!