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What is the most difficult part when joining the Military Police Corps?
9th Grade
San Francisco
Interested in law
#military
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5 answers
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Wayne’s Answer
Hello! One of the most difficult things in joining the MP corps are the requirements and possible stagnation in promotion. For example, police are needed at all times, so they may have to work nights, weekends, holidays, short notice emergencies, VIP escorts, etc. Fulfilling all of their duties and allowing time to rest may not leave the MP with much time to prepare for promotion requirements or personal time with family.
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Semo’s Answer
Great question Derrick. As posed, you’re referring to two different items. Law enforcement is different from law assistance. A military police officer will enforce the laws on/associated with, the military base. Where as a legalman, legal clerk or legal assistance would aide the Command in legal counsel while also supporting the members of the command with legal guidance.
I agree with Joseph, define your path more clearly and you could be better guided.
I agree with Joseph, define your path more clearly and you could be better guided.
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Zackary’s Answer
In the Navy we call our Law Enforcement “Master-At-Arms” or (MA). Their tasks can vary from basic gate security/patrol, dog handler, to investigators. It really depends on what path you take out of A-School. A-School is the basic course and C-School is where you train for a specific field.
They perform duties on shore, ships, and overseas. 3 to 4 year rotations. On most bases they work hand in hand with DOD police and Local Police department. They do not have the same powers as local police so jurisdiction stops at the gate.
Keep in mind the first few years you will be standing a lot of gate guard duties and it will suck. If you can get past that then you can pursue a specialty.
If your goal is to join the law enforcement community after the military then this may be the route.
They perform duties on shore, ships, and overseas. 3 to 4 year rotations. On most bases they work hand in hand with DOD police and Local Police department. They do not have the same powers as local police so jurisdiction stops at the gate.
Keep in mind the first few years you will be standing a lot of gate guard duties and it will suck. If you can get past that then you can pursue a specialty.
If your goal is to join the law enforcement community after the military then this may be the route.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Every branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) has its own police-like career. Every branch is very different in terms of training, locations, deployments, family considerations, etc. I would recommend researching the different branches and figuring out which one has the lifestyle you think you would be most interested in. Then decide whether you plan on enlisting or commissioning into that branch. In order to commission (become an officer) you need a college degree. Once you've made those decisions then I would recommend updating your question so someone with more specific knowledge can give you a better answer.
Since you say you are interested in law you may also want to look at becoming a JAG (essentially military lawyer), or if you go the enlisted route but want to consider law in the future (or while you're in the military) there are enlisted careers that are comparable to law clerks.
1. Research and decide on which branch you want to serve in (or at least narrow it to a top 2)
2. Decide on whether you will go enlisted or officer
3. See if there are other jobs with similarities to the one you believe you want to see if maybe something else might be an even better fit.
4. Act on your decisions.
Since you say you are interested in law you may also want to look at becoming a JAG (essentially military lawyer), or if you go the enlisted route but want to consider law in the future (or while you're in the military) there are enlisted careers that are comparable to law clerks.
Joseph recommends the following next steps:
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James’s Answer
I won't just speak for me as a member of the Military Police community, but for my fellow Marines and what they thought during training. The hardest part for most is chemical munitions. You have to get sprayed in the face with OC. While enduring this excruciating pain, you must navigate an obstacle course and apply certain techniques and movements you have learned throughout training. If I had to describe the pain, I would say it's like sticking your face in a deep fryer.