Expert: Matt - 6/24/2009

Question
Hello Sir, I am a Highschool student and am interested in joining USMC. I'm interested in joining the field as an MP. I have heard a lot of mixed emotions about MP's and especially the marines. I have had the pleasure of talking to some marines who are MP. some of their responses were negative, one said that you can NOT get a job out of the MP field as a state cop without a degree in the criminal justice field. my first question, is that true? Or does being a marine MP open a lot of law enforcement careers such as becomming a police or SWAT officer? My last question refers to if I decide to join the marines and become an MP would I be able to choose that field or do I refered by someone for me to become an MP? I thank you for your time and hope i can get the answers I am looking for. An I hope on becomming a future USMC recruit.

Answer
Hi Corey

Everyone has their own idea of what is good and what is not, generally any job (military or civilian) is what you make it. MP's are well respected Marines, but they dont generally do front line fighting (although they can). They sometimes get a bad rap because they have to police their own. Imagine having to arrest your HS buddies...wouldn't be too fun. Keep that in mind when deciding what job in the usmc you want. And yes, generally you can tell the recruiter what you want to do, and he will do his best to fit you in. He might try to barter with you, but if you have your heart set on something, then dont give in until you get what you want. Afterall, it is your life and you will be spending the next four years doing it...keep that in mind too! As far as opporuntities for after you get out of the Marine Corps, your best bet is to call around and ask the State Police and other agencies what their hiring policy is; that is the only way to know for sure. I do know that some agencies require either a college degree OR military service, so that might be an option. best of luck to you on your journey and semper fi.


-matt