Marine Corps reserves...

[Stephon]

Can a Marine Corps reservist be a full time police officer?

[DeltaV]

Of course.

[mcsap]

We have 3 Army Nat'l Guard / Reserves in my former PD.

[retdetsgt]

I think it's illegal to discriminate against you for that. You would be welcome at my old department.

[Stephon]

Well, i'm currently active duty Navy, i get honorably discharged in 10 months. i have a few skeletons in my closet. Never been arrested or charged with anything nor have i ever been into drugs besides the expiremantal phase back in high school. i was just thinking once i'm out, going to the marine corps as a reservist will make me a much better candidate then the average joe blow fresh out of burger king. im 23 right now and i just want to get as much credentials under my belt as possible. i dont know if honorable service in the Navy is enough and if i should just get out and continue school and finish getting my degree while applying. thank you

[Wolfman]

Police departments, like everyone else (besides certain parts of the federal gov't), can't legally discriminate against you participating in the reserve; however, never mention it during a hiring board because some agencies may not support it as much as others and could potentially find an alternate reason to use not to hire you (that is legal).

Well, i'm currently active duty Navy, i get honorably discharged in 10 months. i have a few skeletons in my closet. Never been arrested or charged with anything nor have i ever been into drugs besides the expiremantal phase back in high school. i was just thinking once i'm out, going to the marine corps as a reservist will make me a much better candidate then the average joe blow fresh out of burger king. im 23 right now and i just want to get as much credentials under my belt as possible. i dont know if honorable service in the Navy is enough and if i should just get out and continue school and finish getting my degree while applying. thank you

I can't speak for every agency, but active duty time in the Navy will count more than non-Active duty time in the USMC (service jokes aside). If you activate with the USMC then obviously that would be viewed as active service though you are technically still listed as a reserve member. PD's look at the total package, and not just words on a resume. If your Navy service is honorable, then you should be fine in reference to your military service.

[Stephon]

thank you for your reply, it def helped me out on the big picture of things. Trust me, i've heard all types of service jokes! everyone thinks they are superior, it's a never ending rivalry! i just really enjoy the comrodary and brotherhood of the service. i've been in four years and done two combat tours and one humanitarian mission in Haiti when the earthquake hit. like i said i just stress my past a little too much. nothing really bad like i've stated. just some things i regret and i just want to make myself the best candidate i can be.

[retdetsgt]

I would wait until I was hired and finished my probationary time before joining if you haven't already. For one thing, weekend drills will be a pain while you're on probation. Good luck.

[mcsap]

Veterans preference points are HELPFUL but can only be given to those who served full time. You are elegible for either 5 or 10 extra points.