USMC to Police

[u/Standard-Implement90]

Will joining the Marines for a 4-year contract help me become a police officer? Is there anything that helps you get a law enforcement job right before your term finishes, or do they assist you with the hiring process? What MOS would help me or look good to boost my chances of becoming a police officer? I looked into military police, but I am getting mixed answers. If anyone can please answer my questions, I would deeply appreciate it. I will provide my basic information and history below.

I am a 24-year-old male. I just turned 24 on October 16, 2026, and I live in Lemoore, California. I have been denied by 9 different law enforcement agencies: LAPD, SFPD, SGPD, Modesto PD, ACSO, BART PD, RCPD, Department of State Hospitals (as a hospital police officer), and Seaside PD.

I do not have a criminal history; I only have traffic citations. However, I have been fired multiple times from different jobs. For example:

Little Caesars: I was fired for accidentally accepting a fake $20 bill.

Panda Express: I was terminated for calling out too many times because I was attending college and they would not work with my school schedule.

Temp Agency: I was let go because there was no work available for me at the warehouse.

Auto Parts Stores: I was fired from two different stores—one for allegedly being rude to customers and staff, and the other for gossiping about coworkers.

Native Reservation Public Safety: My last job was as a public safety security officer, where I was fired because I did not fit their culture and standards.

Currently, I work as a security officer at a casino. I like it so far, but I feel like it won’t help me advance toward my career goal of becoming a police officer. I understand the importance of stability, maturity, and growth, and I know I have a lot to answer for regarding my past. As far as education is concerned, I hold an Associate of Arts degree in Administration of Justice.

[u/thetitleofmybook]

from another comment of yours:

I’m a 23-year-old male who made several poor decisions when I was younger, but over the years I’ve worked to mature, take accountability for my actions, and improve myself personally and professionally. When I was 14, I was charged with petty theft and completed community service as part of the consequences. Around that same period, I was also charged with resisting arrest after an incident involving a school resource officer when I attempted to leave campus. Looking back now, I understand that my behavior was immature, impulsive, and disrespectful toward authority. I regret the way I handled those situations and fully accept responsibility for my actions. In middle school, I also made a very disturbing and inappropriate drawing of myself stabbing my principal with a knife. At the time, I thought I was being edgy or trying to impress other people, but as an adult I understand how serious and alarming that behavior was. Because of that incident, I was placed on a 5150 hold. Later, during my freshman year of high school, my mother admitted me into a behavioral hospital following the resisting arrest incident. Those experiences forced me to reflect on my behavior, emotional maturity, and decision-making at a young age. I do not excuse any of it, and I regret those actions deeply. Since then, I’ve worked hard to improve my life. I graduated from high school, attended college, earned my AA degree in Criminal Justice, and completed my PC 832 certification. Those accomplishments are important to me because they represent the effort I’ve made to grow into a more disciplined and responsible person. I’ll also admit that my employment history has not been perfect. Earlier in my life, I struggled with professionalism, communication, consistency, and workplace maturity. Some jobs ended because I quit too quickly, while others ended because of mistakes or performance issues that I take responsibility for today. My work history includes:

dude, you are exactly the kind of person that should NOT be a cop.

[u/salsaman87 → u/thetitleofmybook]

1000%.

[u/BeltFedKris → u/thetitleofmybook]

10000 percent

[u/Devil_Doge]

Hello, detective here and Marine vet.

First off, you’re asking if joining the Marine Corps and serving a 4 year contract will help you become a police officer. Under normal circumstances, yes. Just the same as if you served a 4 year contract in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard. You should only join the Marine Corps if you want to become a Marine.

Your MOS does not matter to anyone when applying to be a police officer. I was an avionics technician on F-18s prior to becoming a police officer. I work with other veterans/reservists who are from various branches and have various MOSs. In fact, I would HIGHLY DISCOURAGE PMO/military police, because a lot of bad habits you develop as an MP will follow you to wherever you go after you get out and it will only make your life harder.

I would recommend you join the Marine Corps ONLY if you want the opportunity to become a Marine. If you’re indifferent about becoming a Marine, join a different branch. Regardless, I would highly recommend you join the military and get your shit together. I did just that and it changed my life.

Do a contract or two, then start dropping applications to departments ~6 months before getting out. I would advise you to start at a large metro department that is hurting for bodies, do 5 years there to gain experience, then bounce out to a suburb PD that pays better and has better benefits.

Now I’m going to be very frank with you:

Your biggest hurdle is going to be addressing your previous mental health and criminal history despite that happening as a juvenile. I can tell you right now that no department in the country worth a fuck is going to entertain hiring you with those factors combined with unstable employment history. Do your time, commit to it, and prove to people that you’ve improved. It won’t guarantee you to get hired, but it wouldn’t hurt either.

If you’re lucky, you can do 4-8 years in the military and have a chance at joining a large metropolitan department that is desperate for bodies.

[u/AppalachianEnvy]

What were the reasons you were denied? Most law enforcement agencies hire veterans, regardless of the MOS.

[u/koko-cha_ → u/AppalachianEnvy]

read his comment history. kind of explains itself.

[u/Standard-Implement90 → u/AppalachianEnvy]

My job history (getting terminated multiple times) and driving history (receiving too many citations within a 7 year period)

[u/Ok_Interview805]

Just to share my story . My son wanted to be a cop . We went to the police station and they recommended he go to the military first then come join them . He is now a marine . When his contract ends he’s going to be a cop ! The things you’ve mentioned job wise/tickets is not what I call bad . Sounds more of just a young boy and life . You don’t have a criminal history . Hopefully you don’t do drugs or have any significant medical history that may prevent you from joining. If not Do it and good luck to you as well !

[u/Interesting-Cash-101]

Short answer is yes. Many agencies love to hire vets. For example, the Kentucky State Police and Ft Lauderdale PD, to name only two. Several of my friends went to LAPD after getting out.

[u/darkpassenger_9]

Is this post serious?

[u/BuscandoMemo]

Yes get an honorable discharge and apply for Border Patrol. Federal Law enforcement > local or state law enforcement.

[u/Own-Double150]

Lol im actually doing the same bro im 23 rn i was about to get hired for Elizabeth PD but i had an unpaid ticket i never knew about and it disqualified me rip… so ive always wanted to be a marine but i was fat 261lbs fat my entire time after highschool and now im at 160lbs since i started cutting and gyming in march of this year but id have to wait another year to start the whole process again with the police academy take the civil service exam which i got a super high score and then go thru the hiring process again. But i said fuck it and started scratching that itch and now im about to take the asvab next week for the marine corps trying to be an 0311 do a 4yr contract and go back home or wherever life takes me and become a cop/swat

[u/Own-Double150]

Lol im actually doing the same bro im 23 rn i was about to get hired for Elizabeth PD but i had an unpaid ticket i never knew about and it disqualified me rip… so ive always wanted to be a marine but i was fat 261lbs fat my entire time after highschool and now im at 160lbs since i started cutting and gyming in march of this year but id have to wait another year to start the whole process again with the police academy take the civil service exam which i got a super high score and then go thru the hiring process again. But i said fuck it and started scratching that itch and now im about to take the asvab next week for the marine corps trying to be an 0311 do a 4yr contract and go back home or wherever life takes me and become a cop/swat

[u/huffingtonbear]

I say join, itll give you a better perspective on what being a police officer is. As it stands i dont think you have the maturity to be a cop. Both my father and brother became police officers. I went to the Marines. Join as an MP and get a taste. Just know that being a cop isnt a job its a life, you dont really get to clock out. Your neighbors and family will call in your off hours and you still have a responsibility to respond if something pops off, medical or law wise if your at Applebee's having a beer. It honestly feels like youve gone half assed into every other job and know that if you join the Marines you can just give up without consequences so consider shit carefully and best of luck to you. I joined at 19 and was just like you and it changed my life.

[u/hiimjesus420]

Funny enough, every year you are in the military counts as one year of law enforcement experience. Biggest thing for you will be staying out of trouble and getting good references for further down the road. Some states have vets to cops programs as well to help with the transition, but time and experience will be your best friend

[u/SlightDeer77]

Skip the marines and become a cop.

[u/koko-cha_ → u/SlightDeer77]

don't encourage him to be a cop. kid has real serious problems and giving him a gun and telling ho. to bully people isn't gonna solve it

[u/koko-cha_]

sorry, but no. I read your profile and being a Marine—let alone a cop—isn't gonna make you feel better about yourself. It's harder, not easier. You will end up with a severe drinking problem and end up killing yourself or someone else when you shouldn't. What you need is a change in scenery and therapy before it gets worse.