If i want to be an officer, should I join the military first?

Question

i'm aiming to become a police officer, i'm a small (5'4'' 110lbs) Chinese female, 21 yo, will finish college in 1 year with 2 degrees. I'm concerned about being able to fight/grapple, etc. ShouId I join the military to learn how to defend myself and others? If so, which branch would be best? I need to take some time after college because I used marijuana about a year ago. I want to show I'm serious about becoming LEO so I want to wait, prove that drug-experimentation will forever be in my past, gain some life experience, and become better qualified for everyone's sake. What can I do that will help me bulk up and fight well? I'm afraid that if I join the military, I will not have the tolerance to work with civilians (I've been told that might happen since their standards for integrity, efficiency, discipline, etc are so high). So what should I do after I graduate? If you are an officer, what did YOU do to prepare?

Answer 1

You could join the military if you decide to, and being in the Reserves might help you. But it really is not necessary. My agency will give you credit for the degree and then put you through an academy. Other agencies will have different rules, though I know of none that require military backgrounds.

As for the fighting part, any good police academy will teach you most of what you will need to know. Based on your size and gender, at first you might have some problems on the street with people not thinking you can do it, but you will learn how to handle people and get the job done. Some beginning martial arts training, especially judo or a grappling form (as opposed to strikes) will definitely help. As you work, you will watch the older and more experienced officers. Most of them get into very few fights as they have learned how to talk with people and get them into the car without a struggle. There will always be some who fight, but it gets rare as you learn to talk with people.

My personal experience was just what you were proposing, but in reverse. I went into the Army as a military policeman, then got out and joined a civilian department. There is some transition learning, but it is not as bad as they told you. I finally did go back to school and complete my degrees. I wish now that I had been smart enough to stay in school first, as the degrees would have helped me all along in the career.


Each agency will also handle the pot question a little different. If it was just experimentation, and you are honest and tell them about it, you should be okay in most cases.

Answer 2

Any police academy will teach you the necessary skills to do your job. Being a police officer isn't about fighting, it is the ability not to fight. Your first line of defence is your BRAIN, learn how to use it. Defending yourself in a confrontation is the last resort. There are levels of force that they will teach you, from passive to lethal. You have to be prepared to do them all. As for your drug use... they will ask you in an interview if you have used drugs. Don't hide the fact that you have or they will know that you have no character or honesty. Whether you join the military or the police, you will see others in a different light. I have seen it happen with my dad & friends and even myself. Although I am not a police officer(I wanted to but realized that I was doing it for the wrong reasons) Make sure you know what you are getting yourself in to. know your strengths & weaknesses, and be able to adapt and over come. As for preparing, go to a gym and train, perhaps go to a local police station and ask for a tour or talk to a recruiting officer. If you are just out of school, then life experience is what you need. Find out from the recruiter what you can do to prepare yourself for the police department. If you want it that bad, you will take the time to prepare before you get into it.

You can take my words for whatever they are... I never became a police officer because I was doing it for my dad. I am now a firefighter and I couldn't be happier. He is just as proud of me regardless

Answer 3

I went into the army to get me on my way to becoming a police officer. It gave me confidence and road experience, but they are looking more towards education then military background. It can be a good emotional base and increases your Independence. Its not the ability to use force that you need to be concerned with, its the willingness to use whatever amount of force is necessary to gain compliance.
My question is "why become a cop?" You have 2 degrees? Have you bumped your head. Please don't give me the "I wanna help people line" if you do, become a social worker. Find out what you want before you commit yourself to being a cop. It can be the most terrible and yet most rewarding job you'll ever have. Good luck from an oldtimer

Answer 4

Police departments hire people that have college degrees or military experience before anyone else. So if you are going to have 2 degrees in a year I would just wait till then and apply, if you join the military that is going to be at least 4 years of your life.
Whatever department hires you they will give you the necessary training.
You don't get a lot of hand to hand combat training in the military unless you get deployed.

Answer 5

Get an inspiration of what you could care to do. If you wish anything that parallels your measure, you have got to retailer round. Find out wherein the closest Officer Recruiter's Office is for every department of the carrier. Check all of them earlier than identifying. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines. The Marines DO NOT require an ROTC or Academy heritage however their OCS and next coaching may be very severe for all officials without reference to task. You can name the nearby recruiter they usually must be ready to factor you within the correct path. Don't wait till commencement to begin watching. If you want to make the dedication, now could be the time to begin getting ready each bodily and mentally. Good good fortune.

Answer 6

This is not a good time to join the military. Apply to the police academy. They will train you thoroughly.

Answer 7

I would go to the police academy. There are plenty of ways to bulk up without being a soldier.

Answer 8

I would take martial arts of some sort.