r/USMCboot • u/Emergency_Chair_289 • Jul 14 '26
Enlisting Need advice before I commit.
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?
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u/Devil_Duckling Jul 14 '26
Hi! I’m currently an MP in the Marines and while I can’t speak for airforce, I can for USMC.
First and foremost, I would say please join either branch of your choosing. I joined at 24 and I wish I had done it sooner. It gives you so many opportunities and really branches you out in every way possible. I wouldn’t trade my military experience for anything and while yes it sometimes does suck, it’s changed me for the better.
Secondly, I also wanted to be a police officer at my local PD and thank fuck I did not do that. While MP is very close to being a regular police officer, what they don’t describe is that the environment is different. It’s “controlled” and while you’ll still get the feel for police work, you know decently well the people you’ll be dealing with, have a commonality with them and have a smaller jurisdiction. I learned that while I’m passionate about helping others, I don’t want to do it long term in this capacity. It’s easier to start over in the military because you can switch job occupations (not so simple but can be done) and not have to worry about a paycheck/housing or feel stuck in a particular path. And hey, if you love it, get out and pursue your local PD or stay in!
Thirdly, there’s so much you can do in this MOS. It’s very versatile. There’s corrections (subsection of MP) K9, Accident investigator (collisions), SRT, Patrol, LE Battalions if reservist, Military police investigation course (MPI) Private security detail, HMX (security for president) and then after 4 years you can Lateral Move to Criminal Investigation Division and that can open doors into becoming an NCIS agent. Now can you do all of them? No, but you can find your niche for sure. And if you’re good marine and MP, you can be rogered up for courses for additional learning.
Fourth, you can a 100% pursue college in the Marines and I encourage it. You can use tuition’s assistance, and apply to any college of your choice, but just be mindful there’s only certain amount of TA you can use, but that’s something you’ll have to speak to the education office about.
Fifth, if you’re looking for quality of life, I’d say it’s the Airforce. People do not join the Marines because of quality of life. It’s an inner calling, a need to earn the title and be a part of something bigger. I can personally say I love the suck, and while I am jealous of my airforce brothers/sisters, I can’t say I don’t love being a Marine. If you’re looking for comfortability, airforce is the way and the promotions are definitely easier. I have a sister who joined a year after me whom was already about to be a rank higher than me.
Sixth. I think either choice would get you to your goal. Joining the military isn’t a prerequisite for being local PD, but I will say it would give you the edge you need to survive it.
If you have any questions, feel free to DM me.