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Ten Steps to Joining the Force for Military Service Members

Ten Steps to Joining the Force for Military Service Members

PoliceLink and Military.com

As the competition for coveted law enforcement positions increases throughout the country, police and federal recruiters have the luxury of picking and choosing the absolute best and brightest individuals. More often than not, police chiefs, sheriffs, and recruiters are turning to military veterans to fill these positions as they staff the next wave of warriors in the war on crime.

PoliceLink and Military.com have joined forces to provide our members – both active duty and veterans alike – with this exclusive, comprehensive guide to prepare you for a transition from your military background to your new and exciting career as a civilian law enforcement officer.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Law Enforcement Career

Step 2: Transition Made Easy: Timeline & Checklist

Step 3: GI Bill

Step 4: Picking a Department

Step 5: Meeting a Recruiter

Step 6: Applying for the Job

Step 7: Exams

Step 8: Background Check

Step 9: Fitness

Step 10: Common Hurdles Faced by Veterans


Due to popular demand, the 10 Steps to Joining the Force – A Guide For Military Service Members is also available in this FREE downloadable ebook.



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  • 0411080048_max50

    ccsdcurran

    2 months ago

    6 Comments

    Well let me give you some advise from one Vet to another....here in TN...yes departments like Vets BUT... to find you a department that will send you to the acadamy is one thing. Its best to send your self and you can use your GI bill to pay for it... Once you have your certifaction You have one up on every one else. GOOD LUCK To you all !! and Be safe!

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Account Removed

    5 months ago

    read up Soldiers

  • Yusniel2_036_max50

    yusniel

    8 months ago

    2 Comments

    Deseo estudiar una carrera del departamento policial,pero no tengo dinero para pagarla,cómo podría resolver esta situación.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    CHRIS1317

    8 months ago

    8 Comments

    so its best to join the military service before actually applying for law enforcement job. I need good advice

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    callme911

    about 1 year ago

    4 Comments

    I guess if u want 2 get into law enforcement, go 2 the army. If u saw the goarmy commercals, u see all the guys who were in the army. they also pay 4 collage.
    GOARMY.COM

  • Cothron_20william_20_20468159_max50

    cothron

    about 1 year ago

    74 Comments

    well depending on where you go here in TN depends on whether or not you get hired. but its still a great idea. you get a better selection when you pull from veterans

  • Larbn_max600_max50

    okc_marine

    about 1 year ago

    1088 Comments

    Wow. Good stuff. Just in time for me to put in apps.

  • Me_and_gunny_max50

    TrojanSkyCop

    about 1 year ago

    504 Comments

    Hey, that looks like it could be Minot AFB! Aaahhh, the fond memories flooding back . . . :-)

    Thebig_d_58 pretty much hit the nail on the head for those guys' tactical errors; as far as "the enemy seeing where you are for the most part," at the very least they should have the suspect turn his head to the right.

    That said, I'd say my own experiences as a USAF Security Forces troop (HOOAH!) benefitted me tremendously in prepping me for a civilian L.E. career. Don't get me wrong, I know many fine LEOs who were NOT prior military, but all the same, I couldn't help but notice that veterans adjust to the discipline and rigor of both the training academies and post-Academy OJT (On-the-Job Training) much more quickly and readily than the non-vets.

  • In_remembrance_max50

    thebig_d_58

    about 1 year ago

    260 Comments

    yeah a little bit of cross fire, plus the enemy seeing where you are for the most part, lol.......i need this book though, i'm out in a little over 2 years

  • _dsc0093_max50

    thatguy20

    about 1 year ago

    20 Comments

    Anybody notice anything wrong with the SF guys in that picture? Crossfire anyone?

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Account Removed

    about 1 year ago

    Miltary can give you a good boost in getting into law enforcement.

  • The_gang_max50

    gymbumm

    about 1 year ago

    38 Comments

    You're leaving out the new personal history questionaire that is given in california and las vegas before you take your wirtten and phsyical agility. This consists of a series of questions similiar to whats found in your background and if you don't pass you don;t test any further.

    SFC FRYAR INFANTRY US ARMY 18 YEARS

  • Lapd_mourning_badge_max50

    larryt700

    about 1 year ago

    366 Comments

    This is great information.... I served 12 years Navy and am actively serving LAPD and think that the transtion was far easier for me than non-miitary due to the fact that the training and procedures were so much similar. As far as the combat Vet goes, I hear it both ways. They don't want combat Vets due to liability reasons and then I hear that they want combat vets because they want someone aclimated to that type of environment. Either way, non-combatants are still coming on the job as well. So, not sure what the problem is with other branches or non-combat experienced.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Account Removed

    about 1 year ago

    This is was great to read. I am currently on Terminal Leave from the USN after serving 5.6yr.'s as a FMF Corpsman out of 3rd Mar Div. I've applied to 2 departments, but the state's local PD's aren't pushing for Combat Vet's and are taking a long time to even respond to myself. Anyone have any tips? This has been my Goal to become an LEO.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Account Removed

    about 1 year ago

    Outstanding source of information for veterans and anyone else interested in a LEO career. I am retired USMC and Retired LEO. Not by choice am I retired. Repetitive back injuries helped do that.

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