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Im in 9th grade and i want to become a cop but i want to join the army for 4 years until i'm 21 to apply to be a cop but i dont if i should join the army to be a cop or should i just wait until im 21 to become a cop. I dont know what is the best way i need help

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Thomas’s Answer

Don't wait on the police department hiring you I would go military first, taking some college courses while in the military and getting into a job in the military that's relatable to law enforcement. Towards the end of your enlistment begin testing with police departments to see where you're at on their eligibility list.
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James’s Answer

The military is never a bad path, but you have to be sure. It will increase the chances of you landing a job in law enforcement. Agencies like to hire prior military. You can even do Military Police. That will give you some good experience and hard skills for when you get out.
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Lance’s Answer

Starting your career in the US Army can be a great way to begin a career because it teaches you many skills that are applicable to other jobs and can give you skills to overcome life's challenges. As a 9th grader, you have a few years to shape your future. I suggest using this time to explore as many career fields as possible - imagine what it would be like to actually perform a job, think about where you might want to live, consider what you are naturally good at and think about the kind of life that you want to live. You have all the opportunity in the world and as you age, your window of opportunity narrows - when you are 16, you have many more options than when you are 55 (or any other age older than 16). Being a police officer and serving our country in the Army are both noble professions and you may find that after you explore other alternatives, that is exactly what you want to do, but at your age, you shouldn't close any doors.
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Kim’s Answer

Jeff,

I have served on the applicant review boards for police officers. We review the applications, and interview the applicants. From what I have seen, very few people have the level of maturity necessary to become a police officer at 21, and therefore, many are turned down. There is one exception: people with military service are much more mature, take responsibility for their actions, and are good candidates for law enforcement, even at the age of 21. There are very few civilian jobs that will give you that advantage. In the military, you will learn to make decisions, be responsible for yourself and others, and be a leader.

If you are considering the military, or law enforcement, or both, I encourage you to start taking steps now to make yourself a "good candidate." This would include things such as staying physically fit, avoiding illegal substances, not doing anything to get arrested, getting good grades, having good attendance records, doing things that involve teamwork (band, sports, debate team, etc), treating everyone with respect, etc. Police departments talk to everyone when they do background checks - neighbors, teachers, EX-girlfriends, employers, etc.

You may want to consider getting into your school's ROTC program, where you will learn more about the military. You should also check to see if there is a police explorer program where you live, to learn more about law enforcement. Good luck to you!

Kim
Thank you comment icon Good advice Thomas Wiggins
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Donna’s Answer

Jeff;

I would never discourage anyone from going into the military right after high school. I think it is an excellent way for young people to learn about different careers with a safety net. As in the military you will always have food, shelter and health care.

That being said you should always have an alternate plan. The military needs people not specific careers. You can go Marines, Army, Navy or Airforce, maybe even the U.S. Space Force; but they may not have police or emergency medical positions open.

You may want to alternatively check into the Turlock Police Cadet Program. Being involved with the local police may not get you hired at 21, but it does give you insight to the internal workings of the hiring practices. Along with the benefit of insight of working policeman. (website below)

Alternatively, the Stanislaus County sheriff's depart is Explorer Post 226. (website below)

I flew out to California in 2019 and attended C.E.R.T training with the Young Marine and L.A. County Sheriff's department. The explorer cadets led the Young Marine Youth. I was quite impressed with their skills and training in not only law enforcement but fire fighting and first aid as well.

My last bit of advice is PATIENCE! My son wanted to go into the Military as a combat medic and become a paramedic when he got out. The military part did not pan out. For two years after high school he volunteered with the local fire department and worked part time at the college as EMT for games and social events. He applied to several counties for permeant hire. Had like 10 physicals and Background investigations in one year from each individual county, before he got an offer from 3 different counties. He is now qualified Firefighter, High Angle Rescue, Water Rescue, EMT, and working toward Paramedic.

Donna recommends the following next steps:

https://www.cityofturlock.org/policedepartment/getinvolved/cadetprogram.asp
https://www.scsdonline.com/other/explorers.html
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John’s Answer

I looked into this for my step-son a few years back. You can join the U.S. Army with a parents permission at 17. That being said in speaking to police they said that a lot of young kids go in with the idea that becoming an Military Police Officer will translate quickly into a civilian police position. Not really! Some said that they would more quickly take a combat medic, someone who work in the legal office or even just a regular infantry soldier over an MP. There were a few different reasons given but the all basically boiled down to the idea that military police learned one way of doing things and it is often harder to retain what they learned out of them than a soldier who was never an MP.

John recommends the following next steps:

Graduate High School and score high on your ASVAB. Stay away from drugs, especially pot because that is what a lot of kids are getting caught with.
Talk to police. They are actually really happy to talk about what they do and the steps required to become a member of the force. They could also point you in the direction of other jobs that are helpful and would get you an "In" if you should choose not to go the military route.
See a recruiter. They will help you look at your options and what would help you meet your long term goals. Remember not every job is open to everyone. That ASVAB is very important to your overall job selection.
Sit down with your parents. I know your grown and can make your own decisions. However, it is much safer to learn from others mistakes, so speaking to people who care about you and have traveled the roads of life a lot longer can give you insight into making those long term goals both realistic and achievable.
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