Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/17/2009

Question
I am in the Army Reserve as Military police and i just turned 18 yrs old. Since I am only going once a month I was wondering on how I should start going about that.

Answer
Hello Joshua,
First, let me congratulate you for your military service, which is appreciated.

You might want to check to see if there are any special ops units in the Army, that reserve MP troops can attend.
Try to get training materials, and study any attendant skill sets.
For an MOS or secondary duty focus, I don't know. I would assume that any special ops are just a sub-division of existing primary duties.
I would also doubt that you can get up to speed, and sustain the essential ksa's (knowledge-skills-abilities) when only meeting once a month.
For now, I think you would do well by focusing on your primary job designation, and dedicate your energy to that end.
I don't know of a SWAT or Special Ops Commander who would be interested in a team member that did not first distinguish him or her self at their primary duty functions.
At your age, you have plenty of time to enhance your skill sets. Try for any and all schools and training that you can get. Down the road, the candidates who can pony up the most/best ksa's, will tend to do better. Maturity, discipline and professional character are attributes to strive for.
And, you can take up hobbies that will also help prepare you for other interests later in your career or area of interests.
Marksmanship (all shoulder, hand and chemical weaponry) Fitness, endurance, stamina, hand and upper body strength, martial arts, ALL your first aid certs, communications options, etc.
Again, focus on your entry level and primary duty designation. You need to excel and develop there first, prior to being viewed as an attractive candidate.
Meet with some of the Special Ops folks, and pick their brains on preparation issues, consult with a local police agency with a special ops unit, and ask them for in-put as well. There are an abundance of sources for you to engage.
Good Luck, I hope this is helpful to you.
Regards,
loren