What Military Branch Should I Join?

Question

I'm asking this question again because I didn't get the answer I was looking for the first time. I am a woman looking to join a law enforcement agency in the future...probably a local or state police department. I will be graduating college in a few years with a Bachelor's Degree in Law/Goverment, and I want to join the military to both gain experience and help pay back student loans. The last time people were accusing me of being "money hungry" cuz i wanted assistance with my school loans...but most enlisted soldiers have joinined because of the educational benefits...there's nothing wrong with a little compensation for your sacrifice. But more importantly,I want to gain experience in the military...defense tactics, technical skills etc. I know that there are police academies but I want more elite training. I am fully aware of the challenges I may face in each of the branches, and I'm not afraid to die for a just cause...but I want to join the branch thats the best for me...

Answer 1

The Army will guarantee the job you want, if you want to be an MP then thats what you'll be. I also see that you want your college loans paid off. There are peopple on here telling you to go officer but going officer they will not pay back your college loans.

You can go into the Army as a Specialist (E-4) and in three years your loans will be paid off and you will have the police training and background. If after those three years you decide you want to be an officer then go to OCS (officer candidate school) and become an officer.

If you want to join the Army and get a different skill thats always open too, there is nothing saying that you have to be an MP when you join.

Hope this helps a little.

Answer 2

I would consider trying to join the Coast Guard. You could try to become a Maritime Enforcement Specialist. You could also later try to become a boarding team member. You could consider trying to become an MA in the Navy, an MP in the Army or Marines, or a Security Forces Specialist in the Air Force. Talk to recruiters from all the branches. Choose whatever branch you think would suit you most. Keep in mind that you might not do much traditional police work in the military. What duties you perform could depend a lot on where you are stationed. Many military bases or installations have federal civilian police officers (sometimes referred to as DOD Police or 0083s) that do most of the policing. You don't have to choose a law enforcement or security related job. There are a lot of good jobs in the military. Being a veteran is what can help you get law enforcement officer jobs. Veterans get extra points on civil service tests. Some law enforcement agencies that require applicants to have college will waive some or all of their college requirements for veterans. Also, for different reasons, some people simply like to hire qualified veterans if they get a chance to. You should get a college degree if you can. Getting a degree is one of the best things that you can do. Many agencies require or prefer applicants to have college. Having a degree could help you get hired. Some agencies pay their officers more if they have a degree. Having a degree could also help you get promoted during your career. Getting law enforcement officer jobs is becoming more and more competitive. However, all else being equal, a candidate that is a veteran with a college degree has a very good chance of getting hired.

Answer 3

If you want to join a branch to get the most experience, you should probably consider the Marines or Army. I'm in the Army, so I'm a little more biased. You should consider being a military police officer in the Army because I think the army is the branch that provides the biggest amount of money for loan payback and as far as education benefits. Also, if you do have a degree, you can consider becoming an officer and that will put extra money in your pocket too.

Answer 4

Air Force if you join for the 4 yr term you will be able to get more schooling and pay off current college with your pay because like it was stated earlier you cannot use th GI bill to pay previously encountered college loans as far as training the Security police would be a good choice for they do have a chance to go to Iraq but you get trained in combatant situations before going of course if you do go it is usually in a low hostile area for they protect the parimeters of Air Force installations there and not in the thick of things that would greatly improve the possibilities of returning home in one piece but remember not to volunteer for just anything they ask. Make sure of the job you will be doing. You may even decide to be a dog handler also this could help further your career for the outside world when you get out. I have been in the Air Force for over 20 yrs and with any service you choose be sure that you get all of the facts from the recruiter and there are web sites that go further into detail of each brance and the careers offered but SF should be available for we are in need of more willing individuals for their career field keep in mind eventhough the recruiters say you can have any job you may choose the service usually fills any spots they seem fit to put you in. recruiters job is to enlist individuals not guarentee a job read the fine print all the way ask questions if they say you will have to wiat for your specific career then play the mind game and do just that. I am a tactical aircraft technition (Crew chief) on the F-16. I have enjoyed my career, it is all in how you want to do the job and if you make the best of it you can enjoy your career choice. You will always have those times of not being sure of why did I choose this job because of people you work for and with but there is not much difference in civilian life they wont fire you as quick, you may get another job in the same field but not fired looking for another job. hope this will help you to better decide. V/R Randy Shoup

Answer 5

That one's easy -- Air Force, hands down. Been in 16 years myself and I have colleagues in all the other branches of the service (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) who have all said the same thing: "Man, I wish I had joined the Air Force!" There's a good chance you could get into Security Forces (our version of the Military Police) and you'll get a lot of valuable experience there, plus you may be able to get into specialized training courses. My best friend in Alabama is Security Forces and he's had all kinds of tactical training that the Air Force helped him get into. Plus, there's also a good chance that you'll be able to go to school and get at least 75% of your tuition paid for (as long as you get a C or better) while you're in the Air Force. Of course, if you have a degree before you join, you should apply for a commission to become an officer before going the enlisted route -- you'll make a lot more. If you want to learn more about the Air Force and what it has to offer, talk to a recruiter or check out the website: http://www.af.mil/

Answer 6

I do not know who answered you last time but they are a bunch of pricks. I will be totally honest with you because I joined the military for the same reason you want to. I serve in the army and you will pry have to deal with a bunch of **** but from what I understand they get it pretty easy over in the mp area and you get alot of great experience! You will get more experience in the army than if you join the air force but you will live an easier life in the air force. The marines are hard core but are called jar heads for a reason they have few things on their mind. The navy I do not know much about but chances are you will learn nothing more there than in the army and their basic is longer or at least it was when I joined, in the navy you will have to be a descent swimmer or want to be. I hope my advice helps you!

Answer 7

The army is your best bet.

Understand, you need to talk with an Officer Recruiter after you graduate, not a regular Enlisted Recruiter. Tell 'em you want to work in the Military Police or Civil Affairs. They may, or may not, have an opening for you.

It's doubtful you'll get an incentitive but you won't know until you find out.

Why don't you contact the nearest Army ROTC unit and see what they can do for you? My oldest daughter is getting a full ride on a Navy ROTC scholarship. It wasn't too hard to get either.

Answer 8

The armed forces does not normally pay educational expenses accrued by an enlistee before joining up. They pay educational expenses that you will in-cure based on future educational expenses. So, if you're planning on continuing school during your enlistment or following your service, they will help with those expenses.

All services have their own equivalent of military police. For the exposure you are looking for, I would recommend to you that you put in your bid for that job. The service that comes the closest to offering you some kind of guarantee for that job, is the one you should consider first. This exposure to law enforcement will put you in demand as a civilian in law enforcement.

Once again! As a college graduate with a degree in law/government you will qualify as an Officer's candidate. You should consider this avenue before considering the enlisted ranks. You know, be all that you can be!

Answer 9

You don't need to join the military to be a law enforcement agency ... Go your local PD or the PD of your choice and ask their requirements...Be a cop that way you have enough to pay your way through college and take care of your loans...That way you get experience and you don't have to leave home....By the time you finish school and you're a good cop you would be who know a Sgt maybe...You can even go and apply to the FBI or whatever agency you want ...And if you have the military bug join the reserves...

Answer 10

It all depends on your situation. My husband was in the Army, and it was hard on all of us. We even moved to Germany with him. If you have any kids, I'd go Air Force, b/c they are more family-oriented. If no kids or husband, go Army.

You can also get the same training if you join the Army National Guard. You go to basic training and do all the same stuff that regular Army does, and you get to stay within your home area, which is nice. They do have full-time soldiers and you get a really hefty bonus, especially for first-timers going in. My husband is re-enlisting to the AL National Guard, and he's getting a $15,000 sign-on, but that's for prior service. Not sure what the bonus is for first-timers, but I'm sure you can find out.

Good luck, whatever you do!!!