best branch for LE(Pro & Cons) of each

[studentcj]

I'm a sophomore in college and have really been leaning towards going into the military for like 4-8 yrs after college. If I do go I have narrowed my choices to AF or Army. However I would like to know more about the Coast Guard before I make that decision.

[Dan]

there is a lot of knowlegable(sp) on www.military.com

heres what Ive gathered

Airforce-
-best bases
-Its SECURITY forces, thats mainly it, not much LE is involved

dont know much about army MPs.

As to the CG, theres no LE specific rate, see my thread titled "Coast guard?s" to find some great advice from USCG and DRTBIKIR(sp) about the USCG and LE

-Dan

[mcsap]

USAF merged their Security and Law Enforcement troops years ago. They do regular base law enforcement duties as well as security ( flight line and nukes) as well. They are involved in Air Base Ground Defense which is the "infantry" of the USAF. The bases and chow are the BEST. I have been to Navy, Marine and Army bases.

USAF also has pararescue which is quite an elite unit. They are the Special Forces of the USAF. Sorry if I seem biased!

USAF Security Police 1978-82

[KimberlySF]

It really depends on what AF base you get stationed at and, of course, your rank. Some bases do nothing but LE, where as some are mainly security. As you move up in rank, just like anywhere, you get better posts. Most of the new airmen are going to be doing security (watching a F-15 for hours on end) for the first few years. After that it kinda depends on what you like, some people end up really enjoying security. I had a really good time in the Air Force and I agree with mcsap about the food!! If you like to travel then I say go for it, it's a GREAT experience.

USAF Security Police 1999-2003

[Island_Girl]

My girlfriend is a recruiter for the AF and she says there is virtually no LE programs anymore, only ground defense.

When Batman was active duty, he was a Law Enforcement Specialist. There is no such bird now. He was going to join the reserve so that he could collect dual retirement (it seemed to be a waste to serve for so long and not get any credit for it...so to speak). Anyway, once he found out there weren't any LE programs... that was it. He did enough ground defense the first time he was in, he wasn't interested now.

I am a huge supporter of the military. Although I'm partial to USAF, any branch will offer the one thing that departments/agencies look at closely....."discipline". Leaning in closer to the subject, it would be preferable to get into a branch that offers a more tactical program. This will open you up, later in LE, for jobs that some non-military people wouldn't even be considered. In this respect, it IS a leg up.

I would suggest you call a recruiter (any branch) and pick their brain. If you DO decide to go into the military .....GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!

[1Adam12]

I am a former MP. I went through in the 80's however.

I imagine now most MP's are combat support and POW duty like in Cuba. With all the base closings I think most of the actual garrison work has gone to the DOD police.

If you are looking for action go ARMY.

If you want to keep your manicure in order, go AF :D.

You may also have fun in the Navy. Being a cop on a carrier is probably a kick in the pants. They're still squids though! :D

[Island_Girl]

Originally posted by 1Adam12


If you want to keep your manicure in order, go AF :D.

Easy now....tread lightly. :moderator

[1Adam12]

Originally posted by Island_Girl
Easy now....tread lightly. :moderator

i'm playing, little rivalry...

[newtonjl]

if you go navy(Master at Arms) you will spend all your time
checking ID's and writing tickets for wrinkled uniforms(not kidding)
if you get sea duty. Shore duty may be a little better, I cant say because I was never on shore duty.

[EricTheBald]

You know, if I were a kid who wanted to join the military with an eye toward becoming a cop when I got out, and knowing what I know know, I would go into CID, or Criminal Investigation Division.

Who knows...? You may actually decide to stay for 20 years, and after 20 years in CID you could probably "walk" into a high ranking civillian police job.

[mrbelvetron]

I joined the Army as an MP right after high school. Even though a heart condition got me sent home, I was there long enough to know what they do and receive some training. When assigned to a base, MP's are basically police officers. They have marked patrol cars and enforce base speed limits, respond to emergencies, handle domestic disputes, and all of the other aspects of law enforcement. Out in the field, they perform traffic control, guard duty, searches, and combat support. I don't know about the AF. Hope this helped and good luck.

[kawizx62003]

Look into the Coast Guard. Alot of LE there.

[NavyCop]

The Navy....if stationed to shore duty...has a TON of LE work. I have been busier than hell since being shoreside. Domestics, traffic stops, felony thefts, to assaults.....you name it. It's been VERY eventful and I have my hands full. I know for a fact that the Coast Guard isn't all that involved. Unless you enjoy guarding ships and aircraft. The Navy has various branches of Master-At-Arms that specialize in different patrols. We have harbor patrols, fleet master-at-arms, shore patrol, base police (which is me), K9's, investigators, force protection MA's, Physical Security MA's, and my favorite....protection services. Which is basically the secret service for the Navy. We protect admirals and senators and all that fun stuff. You actually wear suits and carry concealed weapons the whole 9 yards. Fun fun detail. But not for a family man because you are gone quite a bit.

Anyhoo....I know the Air Force does do a lot of guarding aircraft but a small few do get base patrol. My cousin is a Security Forces officer and I've been told it all depends on where you're stationed. The Army has MP's and I've heard they do a lot. But I'm not all that sure.

Anyhoo....I hope I offered something useful for ya.

[WAMBAUGHREADER]

Navy cop said what i was thinking. The Master at arms field appears to be the only one still concentrating primarily on law enforcement. Now, coming from a former Marine, and current Air Force security forces member this isnt easy... go navy(if you want good l.e. training and experience) If you want to go overseas and see real wardirt, security forces is your best bet, even above army and Marines-not that youll be doing any room clearing or house to house fightting, but you can say youve been in country.

[Srebeiro]

Well,
Security Forces in the Air Force as everyone says depends on where you are stationed. Travis AFB, has the best food and base faciitys anywhere romotely close to where I live in California.