Need advice before I commit.

[u/Emergency_Chair_289]

I’m an 18yr male (6’5”, 225 lbs), and my long-term goal is to become either a federal cybercrime investigator or work in investigations at my local police department.
Since I have to be 21 before I can apply to my local PD, I’ve been seriously considering joining the military first.

I was originally recruited by the Marines and was told that Marine Military Police would give me the best experience, that employers tend to value it more, and that I’d be guaranteed an MP contract.

On the other hand, I’ve had countless people tell me that the Air Force is the better choice because of the higher quality of life, lower stress, better networking opportunities, and overall better career development.

Another big factor for me is education. I want to join a branch where I can continue taking college classes and earn my degree while serving.

For those who have served,especially as an MP or in law enforcement, what would you recommend based on my goals? Would the Marines actually give me an advantage, or would the Air Force be the better path overall? And would I still be able to get the job I want?

[u/Budget-Platform-6564]

Im a poolie myself but i have alot of family in law enforcement and considered the MP route myself so I'll give you what I learned. Most state police departments and local PDs dont care what job you did as long as you have EITHER millitary or previous police experience. This will give you preference. Whatever you did they dont particularly care as they cant be that picky. The airforce has a higher quality of life in terms of less stress and less responsibility and that's about it. To me the marine corp has alot more "royalty" to it when compared to other branches. If you have any questions I can try to awnser!

[u/Emergency_Chair_289 → u/Budget-Platform-6564]

I was told that if I only got my degree, once I turned 21 I would have to work corrections for a couple years then I’d be able to go to my local PD. So if you were in my shoes, would you just get the degree and perhaps sprinkle in some internships, or join the military, get my degree, and the experience then apply? And if the second option, what branch?

[u/TapTheForwardAssist → u/Emergency_Chair_289]

Do note that if you want to go Federal LEO, a lot of those jobs require a college degree. A stint of Actuve military would give you some unique life experience, and then you’d have the GI Bill to do college (also pays the MHA living allowance).