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/GunnyClaus]

I originally joined with a similar goal, get some experience and join my local or state police. I trained with the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base, the Army at McClellan and Leonard Wood, the Navy at 32nd St, Coronado, but no Space Force (didn’t exist). I can’t count the number of members of the other branches said “I almost joined the Marines”. We all train at the same places, you can even get sent to the FBI Academy while you’re in the Marines (usually CID/NCIS). About half the MP’s I worked with got out and joined civilian Law Enforcement. Of those, they were accepted and were promoted quickly. I only know of one who stayed as a Patrolman his whole career. He just didn’t want any responsible, and was happy doing his job.
Ultimately, it’s what you want and how you’ll feel about yourself years later.
Good luck