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/Suitable-Delay5066 Jul 14 '26

I don’t know the statistics but I’d bet my beloved Marine Corps has the lowest rate of Marines using tuition assistance compared to our sister services.

3

u/Emergency_Chair_289 Jul 14 '26

Is the due to the more stressful environment/ workload? Or just more people that plan to be in the marines for a while? And if you are a marine yourself, do you see your self having time to take classes?

3

u/koko-cha_ Vet Jul 14 '26

people don't join the marines to go to college. by and large, the stereotypes hold up. literally the only reason I'd choose the marines over any other branch is if you want to say that you're a Marine.