I enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman(AO) and am happy with my job but was wondering...?

Question

If later on in my career I could possibly switch and attend an "A' School in the Law Enforcement field, if my councler approves. The reason I took AO because it was the closet thing I could get to it, because there were no openings in the Law Enforcment field until Sep. next year, and I want to get out of Iowa as soon as possible and I do have an intrest in this field as well. But I want something that will be good for me to get into Law Enforcment in the civilian world possibly 5-10 years from now. (BTW im 18 and enlisted for 5 years.)

So I only can after my 4-year term? Or could it be done during my term?

Answer 1

Welcome aboard shipmate... probably your best choice is once you finish your first 4 years, when u are established as an AO probably a second class, re-enlist under the "SCORE" program, which guarantee's your conversion to "Master at Arms" or MA rating. AO was a great choice because you are around weapons, and can work in the armory, all good skills for an MA.
But, I did the same thing you did, joined in a different rating, and liked it so much I've been doing it for 26 years.
And finally, your counsellor doesn't have to approve, but your Chief does... Impress him by working hard and doing your job well, and he will support whatever career choices you want.

Answer 2

Like you, I enlisted into aviation (Marine Corps, same schools), and when I left in 2001, I was heavily recruited by law enforcement, NYPD, LAPD, Atlanta, even the FBI (that one was for forensic electronics).

Being in the military automatically makes you a favorable candidate in their eyes, you already know how to handle firearms (more in the Marines than the Navy), you know how to take and give orders, and you are used to a structured organization with a rank structure. Whatever law enforcement agency (municipal, county, state or federal) will train you, at the state's police academy, possible college if you are accepted in an investigative role.

Having military law enforcement experience will be a big bonus, but even if you can't get into that field while in the service, you still have a good shot at a law enforcement job.

Answer 3

First off, as a Navy Mom, thank you for your service, and I wish you every success.
Job well done Sailor!
You have so many possibilities for career training right at your fingertips. Please talk to your Chief Petty Officer about your career plans. The Navy wants every Sailor to be better and brighter and smarter, than that awful first months training you went through at Great Lakes. You are showing the best of your abilities just by wanting more. Contact your recruiter also, and let him/her know you are ready to move up in training.

Answer 4

I joined in 1972, AO ten years later while on the USS Midway in Japan I converted to MAA.

Good luck.

Answer 5

the possibility does exist, assuming that AO is overmanned at your paygrade and that MA is undermanned.