I am 19/Interested in being a cop?

[MeanDean]

I was wondering how good my chances would be if I worked hard at what I wanted. I have made a couple of "HUGE" mistakes so far. I have dropped out of HighSchool, and I have not accomplished my G.E.D Test yet. I am currently working in a factory, and was considering going into the military for some credibility towards my dream. I was also wondering if I was tp go apply for a License Branch job. Would I have a better chance at being a Highway Patroll? I dont know I am just in a heavy relationship, and it's fragile time in my life. I want to do this, but I dont want to just waste my time either. If I could get some advice or any information for that matter. Then I would be deeply grateful.



Thanks,
MeanDean

[K9 Police]

For starters, stay out of trouble. Go get your highschool degree. Then think about either the military or college. Either way, I would still get a college degree. Get some good work experience and contacts. Then start applying...

This is something that doesn't happen overnight. You have to be committed, because you may "waste" many years of your life trying to get hired. There are applicants that get hired right away, others that never get hired, and everything in between. If anyone knew they were going to waste their time, they probably wouldn't do it.

You will always fail if you never try.

K9

[mcsap]

Either go back to high school or get your GED. This is an absoulute MUST !!

If going to college isn't your thing ( it wasn't mine) consider the military. You NEED an edge in the LEO world to get hired and you either need college or the military.

Heavy realtionship at age 19 ? It may seem heavy but you are way too young to really be in a HEAVY realtionship. You may have physically be all grown up but you will still go through some significant changes over the next 4-6 yrs and it isn't a good time to be getting married. I didn't get married until I was 24 and I am GLAD. I did a lot by the time I was 24 which I could never hve done if I was married.

my .20 c

[MeanDean]

I really appriciate the input. I have a good friend that lives in Tennessee, and he told me that going through a couple years of military should be all the credibility I would need. He said it is a must as well that I get my G.E.D squared away as soon as possible. I have just setup an appointment for my G.E.D test. Now after I get my test I will probably go to the military for a couple of years, but do you experienced guys think that just a "Couple" years would be all I need in the military? If I was to join the military. Would there be any chance I could hit 2 birds with 1 stone? like do they have classes in the military that I could take for the carrear path im trying to accomplish? I have not talked to my close friend in about a month, but that is what he told me before he moved to Tennessee. I would again just like to say I appricate you police officers that are helping random ppl to try, and get to their dreams. I am grateful for any help I get on the road to my dream. Thanks again!

[mcsap]

Yes, you can take classes while in the military, they paid for 75% of the cost of the classes. Very few enlistments are for less than 4 years, most are for 4 years. That is what I did and I got to travel all over the world ( thanks to the military's largest airline, USAF). You can get college credit for basic nad tech school etc. The USAF has the Community College of the AF. Not sure about the other branches, but it is WORTH checking out.

[FPS207]

US Army has the same thing from what I remember. It could be that the Army uses the same one the AF uses but it has been a while since I was in the Army. I remember they had a military community colllege that you could receive your degree through. Also I don't think you can enlist in any branch of the service for less than 4 years anymore. I could be wrong but it had changed years ago when I enlisted. My initial enlistment was 6 years.

[gijoeyl33]

army has two three four five and six year enlistments. highly recommend a two year enlistment, then you get reenlistment options in 13 months in case you didnt like the job you had. most basses have huge education centers with numerous colleges inside. if you are intrested in college, try to get a job that doesnt go to the field often so you can take classes at night. in other words stay away from combat arms, and combat units

US Army has the same thing from what I remember. It could be that the Army uses the same one the AF uses but it has been a while since I was in the Army. I remember they had a military community colllege that you could receive your degree through. Also I don't think you can enlist in any branch of the service for less than 4 years anymore. I could be wrong but it had changed years ago when I enlisted. My initial enlistment was 6 years.