Expert: Loren Stevens - 8/25/2008

Question
Hello, my name is Nick Wessels and i am now a senior at Rowlett high school.I just joined the Air force in the delayed entry program as a SF (the same as the Army MP) and when i have finished my 6 years i want to apply to be a patrol officer and later a SWAT member. i was just wondering if there were anything else i would have to do, such as for FBI you would have to be para rescue for a bit. or could i just spend 6 years as a sf. Thank you for your help. ill keep and eye on my email for your response.
Nick

Answer
Hello Nick,
Sounds to me that you have a decent plan in the works.
Thank you for your military service. I always have a higher regard for those who pony up some national service along the way.
You'll need to do some research to ascertain what the entry requirements are for what ever agencies you are interested in.
The FBI tends to favor those with a law or accounting degree, although there are other disciplines they also have an interest in.
Clearly, the more training certifications you can get while in the service, the more marketable you will be for your post military considerations.
Some times, military police are allowed to attend a civilian police academy. That would be great if you can swing that. And, to get as many POST (police officers standards training) certificates as you can. This includes: basic, intermediate, advanced, supervisory, mgt. etc.
Also, there are several relevant free on-line courses you can explore from FEMA and maybe Osha.
For openers, you would be wise, to focus all your attention on the training you'll be getting from the AF. They will have a variety of training schools available for you, after basic.
Focus on learning that which is more relevant to you during your enlistment.
Volunteer for anything that comes up, that will enhance your KSA's (knowledge, skill and ability)and/or present you to superiors as an extraordinary employee....you'll derive favorable yield from that profile.
You'll need to concentrate on the UCMJ (uniform code of military justice) as an MP. But, it's wise to also study the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, + 14th amendment.
Know to memory the 4th Amendment, Use of force/deadly force legal parameters, i.e., Tenn. v. Garner etc.
Study legal process. You will be able to access a mountain of solid material from JAG when you get in.
The first year you are in, focus your attention on the basic training, field training from seasoned personnel, and all the rules and regs that apply to you, or those you are to police.
After a while, it would be smart to make friends with folks in OSI, and learn some investigative techniques.
During the course and scope of these next 6 years, you'll be more able to be more focused on what/where you want to go after your enlistment.
For now, it's really too early to dwell much on it. You have way to much other stuff to concentrate on.
The Air Rescue teams in the AF are quite formidable in their KSA's.
Stay in good shape, work on your proficiency in required areas, and you will do well.
Hope this is helpful.
Good Luck,
loren