Become a Cop >> Browse Articles >> 10 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.
okc_marine
almost 5 years ago
1104 Comments
Wow. Good stuff. Just in time for me to put in apps.
TrojanSkyCop
almost 5 years ago
532 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.
thebig_d_58
almost 5 years ago
258 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
thatguy20
almost 5 years ago
20 Comments
Anybody notice anything wrong with the SF guys in that picture? Crossfire anyone?
Anonymous
about 5 years ago
Miltary can give you a good boost in getting into law enforcement.
gymbumm
about 5 years ago
36 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
larryt700
about 5 years ago
444 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.
Anonymous
about 5 years 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.
Anonymous
about 5 years 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.
Gideon
about 5 years ago
2 Comments
I want to join
msp1728
about 5 years ago
584 Comments
All good information. I was active duty as Security Police/Forces for six years. Left active duty and went into the AF Reserves. While in the Reserves, I applied to the State Police and was hired. I enjoy the two. I have my AF Reserve pension (only have 5 years left till retired) and I am working on my State Police career and pension too. I think it is the best of both worlds. Plus the State is very supportive of my military commitment.
larkinforce
about 5 years ago
72 Comments
As a retired Air force Security Policeman this article spells things out very well.