Need Advice

[Weebro]

I am 21 years old and I am considering joining the military to gain valuable experience and skills. I want to become an 1811 later on in life, which career fields in the military will give me the best chance of accomplishing this goal? Which is a better branch? Any help and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also, would have military experience or civilian law enforcement experience help me more for becoming an 1811?

[Switchback]

Assuming you have a degree, the LE experience may give you a slight edge over military experience. Many candidates will have all 3 (degree, mil & LE). The key is to try and make yourself as marketable as possible. No matter which you choose, (LE v. military), there are things you can do to make yoruself a better candidate.

Specific MOSes in the military are not all that important (unless you can get certified as an 1811 in the military). I can tell you one thing, contrary to what recruitors tell you, being an MP will not give you an edge into getting into civilian LE.

[Kimble]

Specific MOSes in the military are not all that important (unless you can get certified as an 1811 in the military). I can tell you one thing, contrary to what recruitors tell you, being an MP will not give you an edge into getting into civilian LE.

Switch is dead-on. I've known and worked with 1811's that were prior military police, however, I've also worked with plenty who worked in communications, IT, infantry, and other non-LE related fields. I've also known plenty of 1811's who were prior military intelligence grunts and officers. If you're able to get into a criminal investigations gig (Army CID, Marine CID or AFOSI) this will help you build relevant experience for a later 1811 application. Specific MOS, though, isn't as important as to how well you do your job and whether you are released from service honorably. A 8-year Seabee in the Navy with an honorable discharge has a much better chance at a future career in law enforcement than a Master at Arms who is discharged with a General Under Honorable Conditions (I've worked a sexual assault case where the suspect received this discharge simply because the command wanted to wash their hands of him).

[BP348]

As ROS stated the most important part is getting that HONERABLE discharge. If along the way you can get an Army CID or AF OSI gig that's great.

My other advice is to take advantage of the education benefits the service has to offer. Most have free tuition for classes. and you can knock out your associates and/or bachelors if you really try. When my brother went to Iraq he took several text books with him so he could continue his classes & he recently graduated with his Bachelors degree. USAF paid for all his classes. It's not easy but getting your college education while serving can be done.

That way when you seperate you have Military service and education.

[Weebro]

Thanks for the help guys, it looks like I have a decision to make. I appreciate the quick responses. .

[dpd0779]

Some things to think about...Army CID requires at least 2 years of service in another MOS prior to switching over and you will be required to re-enlist for 5 years (use to be 3 years). CID is not a career path if you come in as an officer, MP officers do little if any law enforcement. If you enlist you can go warrant officer but it will require an additional 6 year committment and you need at least 2 years with CID before submitting a warrant officer packet. I'm not sure about OSI but I don't think you can come in as an OSI Agent. You would need to start in a different career field and than switch over. Military Intelligence or any MOS that gets you a TS clearance would be the best bet. Commo or Signal would be another good choice in the Army. Computer and or Intelligence experience is big, but who knows that could change by the time you get out. Good luck.

[dpd0779]

One more thing, if you decide to enlist in the Army or Air Force, don't let them tell you there are no slots for intelligence, MP or whatever MOS you want. Stick to what you want and they will eventually cave. I sat for a couple hours at the MEPS station going back and forth before they finally gave in and I got an MP slot. If was a little smarter back than I would have held out for an intelligence slot.

[BP348]

One more thing, if you decide to enlist in the Army or Air Force, don't let them tell you there are no slots for intelligence, MP or whatever MOS you want. Stick to what you want and they will eventually cave. I sat for a couple hours at the MEPS station going back and forth before they finally gave in and I got an MP slot. If was a little smarter back than I would have held out for an intelligence slot.

+1

Remember the recruiter has a boss who's telling him what positions need more people. You're in the driver's seat as long as you have the ASVAB score hold out for the job you really want. THEN GET IT IN WRITING!!!

[scuzzo38]

he's correct don't let the recruiter tell you what you are going to do. Do what you want to do, i spent 8 years as a scout and loved it, youre in controll