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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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    Sydsdaddy

    6 days ago

    8 Comments

    I'm in the opposite position of you Tyler B. I have military experience and no degree. I'm actually going back into the military as a reservist MP in a few months in order to get the education assistance benefit to finish my bachelor's degree and start a graduate program. I've gone all over Ohio looking for leo work since 2006 and have found nothing. I've had 1 interview but applied for 9-10 positions. Part of the problem is the economy, and my guess is you, me and everyone else looking will have to move to warmer climates to find the work if you haven't already.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    ArmySoldier1

    6 days ago

    36 Comments

    Im only 18 and currently not in college but looking to start soon but i am in the military. My friends dad who is a captain of the cincinnati police department told me that once you have passed all your tests, and everything else you need to become a leo, your file goes to the cheif and that, that is where all your experience plays its role. He said that a degree and military service is a huge advantage,hopefully he is right.

  • 7021_525500901599_177802699_31168054_3439882_n_max50

    TylerB

    6 days ago

    8 Comments

    I have no military experience but I did get a bachelors in Criminal Justice at a university. I have applied at a few depts in my state but, as of right now, very few places are hiring and if they are hiring its for one or two spots. Now maybe is the time for me to join and do my OCS training for a few years.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    dpcmurray

    2 months ago

    2 Comments

    I am an Afghan Veteran who is currently in the Army National Guard and serve as a deputy jailer in Kentucky. I have applied to several different police departments and passed every written test and physical agility test with no luck toward employment. The two things that I feel are deciding factors are that I have no degree, and my interview skills aren't top-notch. Any advice?

  • 0411080048_max50

    ccsdcurran

    5 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

    Anonymous

    8 months ago

    read up Soldiers

  • Yusniel2_036_max50

    yusniel

    11 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

    11 months ago

    8 Comments

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

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    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

    1092 Comments

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

  • Me_and_gunny_max50

    TrojanSkyCop

    about 1 year ago

    524 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

    Anonymous

    about 1 year ago

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

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