Civilian Jobs for Military Police (MP): Jobs After Military Police
If you have served in the military as an MP, which stands for Military Police, you will probably have quite a few options for an after military career.
Jobs After the Military for Military Police (MP)
While becoming a civilian police officer can be the most streamlined choice, there are other possibilities. Here are four other options for those who have served in the military as military police or an other similar MOS or career.
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Loss Prevention Specialist
If you have good communication skills, are able to stay calm, and can do well with observing different situations, becoming a loss prevention specialist can be the right path for you. A loss prevention specialist helps combat the problem of theft by both shoplifters, and employees. Their job duties would be to stage investigations and stings on retail employees suspected of committing theft or fraud, safety apprehend and detain potential shoplifters, notify police to make an arrest, and more. They work closely with law enforcement and store management.
In order to be a loss prevention specialist you would need to have at least a high school diploma or GED for entry-level positions. Having an associates, or bachelor’s degree can help with a supervisor position. You would also need to get certified. You would mostly work indoors for a major retailer.
According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary of a loss prevention specialist as of June 4, 2019 is $29,021.
Corrections Officer
If you would like to work within the prison population, you can consider being a corrections officer. Although this is a dangerous job, it can be a steady one. A corrections officer would work in a jail or prison, to help keep the order. Besides a jail or a prison they might work in a courthouse or other type of detention center. They would book and search prisoners as they are coming in, guard the prisoners, help prevent fights and riots, transport prisoners, and make sure everyone is falling in line.
Working as a corrections officer doesn’t require a college degree, but a high school degree or GED is required. Extensive academy training and certification is required in most states. You would also need to be in good physical condition, be able to communicate and have interpersonal skills. You can work in a local sheriff’s office, or a state or federal prison. You may be employed by the government, or by a private company now that some prisons are privatized.
According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary of a corrections officer as of June 10, 2019 is $38,187.
DEA Agent
The Drug Enforcement Agency was created as a part of the Department of Justice to stop or lessen drug trafficking. A DEA Agent would investigate every part of the illegal drug industry, and could work in either the US or somewhere else in the world. They would work closely with state and local law enforcement agencies as well as fellow law enforcement associates. They would help coordinate investigations and enforce their efforts. They may also participate in undercover operations, in tracking and arresting suspects, providing testimony, and handling weapons, drugs, and large sums of money.
Being a DEA agent can be a risky job, but so is serving in the military. Getting the job can be a bit competitive. You do have to be between the ages of 21-37, and there will be a rigorous background investigation. You would be given a polygraph, a psychological screening, and will need to pass a physical skills test. In order to be competitive, you should probably have a four-year college degree in criminal justice or another related field. Having a master’s in criminal justice or criminology would be even better. Knowing a forgein language is also a big plus for this job. There is an 18-week DEA training academy in Quantico, Virgina that you would go through after you were hired.
According to Payscale.com, the average salary of a DEA Agent as of November 28, 2018 is $67,407.
Border Patrol Agent
If you would like to guard the borders, and help protect the US in that way, becoming a border patrol agent can be a good choice. Border Patrol agents work to secure the country’s international borders as well as coastal waters. They are part of the US Customs and Border Protection unit of the US Department of Homeland Security. They work to apprehend or stop illegal border crossing, and stop potential terrorists and criminals from entering the US and carrying out illegal activities and attacks. They watch the border, track and detect suspects, write reports, and make arrests. They work with other local and federal agencies such as customs enforcement, the DEA, and ICE. They can also work to join speciality areas such as working in the K-9 unit, or the Honor Guard.
In order to become a border patrol agent, you would need to be under the age of 40, be eligible for Veterans’ Preference or have previous law enforcement experience. You would need to be a US citizen and resident, hold a valid driver’s license, pass a background investigation, pass a polygraph, pass a medical examination and know spanish or be able to learn spanish. A college education isn’t required, however, you would go through extensive training at the US Border Patrol Academy. Being physically fit, having observational skills, as well as decision making skills would help you in this career. Many former military tend to do will in this type of job.
According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary of a Border Patrol Agent as of November 26, 2018 is $86,338.
As you can see, you do have many choices for an after military career. You can stick with law enforcement, or branch out to another part of serving the public. There are options for those who have a college degree or want to get one, and for those who want to start working in their civilian career, instead of going to school.
Military Occupational Codes for Military Police or Similar
The job of a military policeman differs somewhat from service to service. For example, the Army’s Military Police (31B), Marine Corps’ Military Police (1158), the Navy’s Master-at-Arms and the Air Force’s Security Force Specialists primary responsibilities are base security and military law enforcement.
However the Coast Guard doesn’t have a specialty for on-base security. That job is open to several different ratings and some non-rated personnel. The Coast Guard is also unique in that they have a specialty rating (Maritime Enforcement Specialist) whose job is focused on enforcing maritime laws and anti-terrorism, as well as providing force protection and port security.
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About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.