Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi my name is Jesse and I had a question about being an MP in the Army. I have done a lot of research and it is what I want to do for the Army if thats the branch I choose but I was wondering what branch gives the most extensive training in regards to law enforcement Navy or Army those are the two that I have in mind. I know that a lot of people say it's personal preference for the service you choose and that is why I have it down to Navy and Army I'm just looking for the most extensive training of the two. Thank's for any help you can provide.

ANSWER: Dear Jesse --

Whether you choose Navy or Army you will get training that relates to policing and security of a good sized town.  Which service has better training for you depends on what you hope to achieve.

Besides the basic law enforcement and security training, in the Army, you will get additional training related to civil affairs and crowd control.  The Army MPs are expected to be able to deal with more and varied situations from security activities close to combat actions through running the military detention facilities in the United States.  

In the Navy  you would get base security and personnel protection and detention facility operations.  You might also provide security for an Admiral’s visit, or you conduct a preliminary investigation of a crime scene on base. In both services you will likely be providing physical security along with law enforcement and anti-terrorism measures.

Good luck to you.  Thank you for considering military service.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the quick and helpful reply I appreciate it. I have a follow up concern I know that you deal more in the Army but I figured I would still ask because you were very helpful.I have been doing some research on both the service's in general and about being an MA or MP.I have read this from a few discussion boards is that the MA's in the Navy feel like the Navy doesn't take thier training as serious as the Army and the ones that have said that are looking at going to the Army so that bother's me very much. So does that hold true that the Army is more serious about their training for MP's? I know that this is a lengthy question I'm just looking for the best training for this and am very serious about it. Thank's again for any help.

Answer
Dear Jesse --

Both services take their training very seriously.  The Army training is longer and more elaborate, because Army MPs must learn so many skills to deal with the extremely varied situations they may encounter.  Sailors in the Navy's law enforcement program learn everything they need to know to do their missions, they just have fewer missions to learn.

If you want broad, varied, and longer training -- the Army would be good.  If you want focused training that will get you working in the field sooner, you want the Navy.  If you want a chance to work nation building, choose the Army.  If you want to enforce shipboard policy and security, choose the Navy.

Both options are excellent, it really just depends on what will suit you and your goals better.

Again, I wish you all the best.