Military Occupational Specialty

     

    31B - MILITARY POLICE

    Description

    Crimes can happen anywhere and the Army is no exception. Fortunately, the Army has their own law enforcement and security specialists to handle crimes committed on Army property or that involve Army personnel. Military Police protect lives and property on Army bases by enforcing military laws and regulations, as well as controlling traffic, preventing crime and responding to emergencies.

    Military Police are primarily responsible for providing support to the battlefield by conducting area security, police intelligence operations, maneuver and mobility support, and law and order operations. Some of your duties as a member of the Military Police team may include:

    • Patrolling areas on foot, by car or by boat
    • Interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects in the course of investigating crimes
    • Collecting fingerprints and other evidence
    • Arresting and charging criminal suspects
    • Training and working with police dogs
    • Testifying in court
    • Guarding entrances and conducting traffic control

    Training

    Job training for Military Police consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and eight to 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction, including practice in police methods. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

    • Military and civil laws and jurisdiction
    • Crime and accident investigation procedures
    • Evidence collection procedures, including fingerprinting and suspect questioning
    • Use of firearms
    • Traffic and crowd control procedures
    • Arrest and restraint of suspect

    Skills

    Helpful attributes include:

    • An interest in law enforcement and crime prevention
    • An ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • An ability to think and react quickly

    Responsibilities

    Advanced level Military Police supervise and train the other Soldiers in the same discipline. They also supervise small sections in support of security and installation law and order operations.

    Civilian Related

    The skills you'll learn as part of the Military Police will help prepare you for a future with state, county or city law enforcement agencies. You might also be able to pursue a career as a security guard with industrial firms, airports or other businesses and institutions.

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