Question about MOS choice?

[jamathis]

I am a senior in high school and have my heart set on becoming a Marine. After my service, I would like to pursue a career in law enforcement. My question is whether or not I should try to become an MP, or try to do infantry, which is what I really want to do. I have been told that I should pick an MOS that will help me in the civilian world, but that really isn't the reason I would like to serve. Infantry would be my first choice because it will be exciting, fast-paced and always something new. I've been told that most Marines hate MP's, and I understand that garrison MP's have a pretty boring job. Do field MP's see combat? And what are the chances that if I become an MP that I will be stuck doing garrison work? Also what is life an an infantryman like?

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[silveradomick]

Your MOS while in the service will have no effect on your application to an LE agency after you get out. With civil service jobs, all that matters is if you served or not. People who served get hiring preference over those who didn't in most places.

A a question for you though, if you don't want to "be stuck" doing garrison MP work, what is it about police work that attracts you as a career?

[jamathis]

I guess I didn't quite use the best wording. I would like to join the Marines for an experience that I can't get anywhere else, which is why I prefer not to do the same job that I would like to make my career.

Only reason I was thinking MP could be a good choice is because it will give me law enforcement experience which will give me a jump on my job after the Marines.

[silveradomick]

It won't.

[Kegler300]

Both MOS's are good choices if that's what you want to do, but you have to become a Marine first. If you become a 5811 MP, you will spend little time in a garrison unit, and the majority of your time in a tactical unit.

[jamathis]

Both MOS's are good choices if that's what you want to do, but you have to become a Marine first. If you become a 5811 MP, you will spend little time in a garrison unit, and the majority of your time in a tactical unit.

Could you explain what a tactical unit is?

[Kegler300]

A tactical unit's intended purpose is to train for, and serve in combat or provide direct support to units directly involved in combat.

[Tennessee Top]

You cannot enlist to be a MP. All you can do is ask for a 58XX program.

Included in the 58XX field is MP and corrections (prison guard). The USMC will decide which path you take based on the needs of the Marine Corps after bootcamp.

When you talk to a recruiter, make sure you understand how the MOS assignment process works.

Recruiters are pushing the reserve side because of the force reductions on the active duty side (reservists are cheaper). Don't be surprised when your recruiter tells you the only way they can get you an infantry contract is if you go reserves. You must have plans A, B, and C.

[silveradomick]

And to my knowledge, all reserve MP units are "field" MP's. That's what I was, and the MP missions during wartime are actually pretty cool. Area security, convoy security, route recon, and EPW handling got us to see a LOT of places and work with a lot of units. Spent a lot of time in a turret, a lot of time doing patrols and ambushes, a lot of time doing IED sweeps and going after high value targets in the Ramadi area, and an awful lot of time escorting convoys all over Iraq on the first tour. It was a good field, but it had no bearing on civilian law enforcement.

[josephd]

And to my knowledge, all reserve MP units are "field" MP's. That's what I was, and the MP missions during wartime are actually pretty cool. Area security, convoy security, route recon, and EPW handling got us to see a LOT of places and work with a lot of units. Spent a lot of time in a turret, a lot of time doing patrols and ambushes, a lot of time doing IED sweeps and going after high value targets in the Ramadi area, and an awful lot of time escorting convoys all over Iraq on the first tour. It was a good field, but it had no bearing on civilian law enforcement.

exactly what I did in Afghanistan, was attached to an MP Co. to be a driver/VC

[jamathis]

Will MP's still play the same role in today's less intense conflict in the Middle East?

[josephd]

Will MP's still play the same role in today's less intense conflict in the Middle East?

No because it is much less involved, no large logistics or supply convoys

[Tennessee Top]

Don't expect anything fast-paced and exciting at least for the next 17 months. Except for pilots, everyone else is in peace time.

That may change for some MARSOC Marines soon though. Indications are, special operations are starting to pick up.

[josephd]

That may change for some MARSOC Marines soon though. Indications are, special operations are starting to pick up.

this!

but for you wannabes/poolees reading this dont get excited and think you'll just switch over and tryout for MARSOC after a year or two....not that simple and not that easy