MOS 5816, Special Reaction Team (SRT) Member Inquiry

[Einherjar]

A quick introduction: My name is Shannon. I'm a female and I am striving to become of "One of the Few". My parents are vehemently against my dream, but I want to defend my country in this time of war. As of now, I am currently a college sophomore in the process of earning my Criminal Justice Degree, while simultaneously attending the police academy. Math is my weakest area, and I would like to avoid "desk jobs", if possible.

Anyway, my question is this: is MOS 5816 closed to women? I've searched the internet for answers, but have found no information stating otherwise. I know women are barred from certain MOSs where the enemy makes killing them easier by conveniently coming TO you (such as Infantry, Artillery, etc.), and the descriptions I've read of this particular MOS sounds similar to Infantry and other related specialties--especially when the illustrious word "special" is included in the title.

Also, can and of you Marines <3 tell me of their experiences as an MP? I've heard conflicting accounts that are generally very vague. D:

Thank you all for taking the time to read this!

[JCam0331]

A quick introduction: My name is Shannon. I'm a female and I am striving to become of "One of the Few". My parents are vehemently against my dream, but I want to defend my country in this time of war. As of now, I am currently a college sophomore in the process of earning my Criminal Justice Degree, while simultaneously attending the police academy. Math is my weakest area, and I would like to avoid "desk jobs", if possible.

Anyway, my question is this: is MOS 5816 closed to women? I've searched the internet for answers, but have found no information stating otherwise. I know women are barred from certain MOSs where the enemy makes killing them easier by conveniently coming TO you (such as Infantry, Artillery, etc.), and the descriptions I've read of this particular MOS sounds similar to Infantry and other related specialties--especially when the illustrious word "special" is included in the title.

Also, can and of you Marines <3 tell me of their experiences as an MP? I've heard conflicting accounts that are generally very vague. D:

Thank you all for taking the time to read this!

Shannon, currently all combat arms MOSes are closed to females. Combat Arms includes usually Infantry, Armor and Artillery.

I don't know what a 5816 does, but if you're a college sophomore, why not visit an OSO and apply for OCS under an Air Contract? I think flying a jet aircraft or a helicopter could be one of the most exhilerating jobs in the world.

[Zulu 36]

The 5800 field is open to females as it is not considered combat arms.

To be a 5816, you essentially need to have "time on the job" as a regular MP (5811). Your job performance would have to be excellent as would your knowledge of the job. You would have to undergo a selection process, including physical fitness tests that may not just involve a regular PFT.

In civilian policing, few women can pass those physical tests. I do not know what the Marine Corps does now.

I spent my last four years on active duty as an MP, and one in the Marine Reserves (plus 14 more as a security policeman in the Air National Guard). I am also a retired deputy chief from a municipal PD near Detroit.

In garrison, MPs do much of the same police work found in the civilian sector, but with added responsibilities such as gate sentry and a significant amount of training to do convoy escort work and POW handling. Marine MPs also do all of the K-9 handling in the Corps. In a combat zone, MP work would involve less "cop stuff" and more "grunt stuff."

MPs (5811/5816) do not do brig work as that is a separate MOS within the MP field.

[Einherjar]

Sweet! Thanks for clearing things up for me, guys!

[konman1]

I never saw any females in SRT, at least not any of my teams or when I went to school...Honestly I think it was because none showed interest. Walk before you crawl here though, worry about becoming a 5811 before even thinking about SRT.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

When I was assigned to MCAS Beaufort back in the 1980's, a WM I knew there was one of the first female K9 handlers in the Marine Corps. She was also an SRT member with her dog.

It CAN be done. But, like Sgt K stated above, concentrate first on earning the Title, then becoming an MP.