Hello everyone. Please let me clarfiy, the last thing I want to do is start a Branch War. I have nothing but respect for those brave people who serve our country, no matter the branch. However, I have to wonder. How is AF SF different from Army MPs or Marine Corps SF/Navy Master At Arms ? It would seem to me that in all the branches the MP related fields are kind of the same? Or atleast fighting similiar battles. The CG has their PSU Units which I imagine are pretty close to MPs as well.
I hear that Army and Marine Corp MPs go through the same training?
Im just curious as to the differences. Do any of the MPs get any more combat training then the others? I know Infantry types belive they have a monopoly on all Combat, but I think a well trained MP can be pretty effective. After all, Marine Corp Sniper Carlos Hathcock was orginally a MP who voluntered for the front.
It sounds about equal from talking to different people. I think maybe the AF would have a slight edge in flexablity, simply because of so many options like k9, catm, ravens, etc.
I know Army has Airborne MPs which is groovy. Im just trying to learn as much as possible about what MPs do in different branches. I hope I havn't offended anyone. Let me say again, I belive all branches are equal.
Thank you all for any and all responses. And God Bless those of you who serve, and thank you for your service.
Well if you're looking into getting to do "real Police work" then being an Air Force Security Forces member may or may not afford you that opportunity. As a matter of fact the other branches of service may not live up to what your expectations of a Military Lawmen either.
If you're looking to "get into the action and cracking skulls" then don't attempt to join any branch of service or in any type of Law Enforcement capacity.
If you're looking to gain valuable Military experience for a future endeavor of a civilian Law Enforcement career, then any branch of service should look quite nicely on your resume.
It has been many years since I was a US Air Force Security Police, as it was called back in my days, and it has been many years since I was in civilian Law Enforcement and I know a lot of things have happened since that time. I'm sure there will be others to come along soon that are active duty and give you more of a first hand account on how it really is theses days. But you're sure to hear both the good and the bad sides, it'll be up to you though to weigh through all the positive and negative comments and decide what is really best for you and your future.
Good luck!
"A wise man believes only in lies, trust only in the absurd, and learns to expect the unexpected."
Actually, if he's looking at LE, and wants to serve in the military, the Coast Guard might be his best bet. Unlike other branches, they are actually tasked with a lot of law enforcement missions.
Hey thanks for the replies guys. Ive looked at tons of info on all branches and im probally gonna stick with the USMC. Was just curious about AF SF as I have spoken with some decent folks on here who have told me about CATM and such. Hey it sounds great, but I get one positive reply for every 20 negative ones.
Im not really looking to get into something just like LE, maybe I came off the wrong way. Id like to do something atleast a little (or alot) different from civilian LE.
I can always do LE here, as my LEO cert is still good.
Just looking to serve my country, weighing the options, seeing where I may fit. Ya, im micro-managing this but 8 years is a commitment, just wanna be sure before I jump.
Why don't you try something completely different? Find slot for aircrew, or Infantry, or something else that you won't do as a civilian. Have some fun.
Thanks Gene! Thats exactly what I want to do. Im hoping to find something Armorer/Infantry related. Id love to go to civilian Gunsmithing school someday.
Originally posted by 16488446: Hello everyone. Please let me clarfiy, the last thing I want to do is start a Branch War. I have nothing but respect for those brave people who serve our country, no matter the branch. However, I have to wonder. How is AF SF different from Army MPs or Marine Corps SF/Navy Master At Arms ? It would seem to me that in all the branches the MP related fields are kind of the same? Or atleast fighting similiar battles. The CG has their PSU Units which I imagine are pretty close to MPs as well.
I hear that Army and Marine Corp MPs go through the same training?
Im just curious as to the differences. Do any of the MPs get any more combat training then the others? I know Infantry types belive they have a monopoly on all Combat, but I think a well trained MP can be pretty effective. After all, Marine Corp Sniper Carlos Hath**** was orginally a MP who voluntered for the front.
It sounds about equal from talking to different people. I think maybe the AF would have a slight edge in flexablity, simply because of so many options like k9, catm, ravens, etc.
I know Army has Airborne MPs which is groovy. Im just trying to learn as much as possible about what MPs do in different branches. I hope I havn't offended anyone. Let me say again, I belive all branches are equal.
Thank you all for any and all responses. And God Bless those of you who serve, and thank you for your service.
I guess to argue this point would be splitting hairss to a certain extent. Since I was one of the training cadre that trained the first Navy Master-at-Arms, I think the Navy reached out to all the services to refine what they currently do. and they do a mighty fine job too. That statement doesn't undercut the Army or the Marines or my alma mater (USAF Security Forces) either. There are subtlties and nuances in each branch of service that makess each one of "us" unique. No one is better. However, the Army has been doing their thing a little bit longer than all of us. Thus, they have longevity! I've read some of their old investigative manuals and man, the FBI, Interpol, and a few other federal and international enforcement agencies copied their stuff!! No lie!!! So let's not start a controversy over this. We all have our own schtick! And probably that's the way it is and should be! Ya tink?????
Navy MA school is co-located with AF Security Forces school but a separate school. The K9 school for all branches of the military is located at Lackland AFB, so you will find MAs, MPs, and SF types from all branches attend the K9 school at Lackland AFB.
Originally posted by Stonewall_11: Navy MA school is co-located with AF Security Forces school but a separate school. The K9 school for all branches of the military is located at Lackland AFB, so you will find MAs, MPs, and SF types from all branches attend the K9 school at Lackland AFB.
Correct.
Just to be clear, the MWD Handlers Course, the Kennel Masters/ Trainers Course, the Dog Training School, the newer Specialized Search Dog School etc. are all Department of Defense Schools, so it's not actually an AF School. It's simply located on an AF base. Some agencies like the TSA also receive their training from there.
Stonewall, I'm sure you already knew this, I was just making it a little clearer for anyone reading who may not know.
Originally posted by K9Jake: Stonewall, I'm sure you already knew this, I was just making it a little clearer for anyone reading who may not know.
No, I didn't fully realize it was a DOD school. I thought it was headed by the AF so yeah, I learned something new, again. I've learned a lot while here for CATM school. Some stuff I've learned just by opening my eyes and seeing what's going on here on Lackland. I see a lot of the Homeland Security trucks out there at the kennels. I get really bored in the evening so I go for walks out by the kennels.
No, I didn't fully realize it was a DOD school. I thought it was headed by the AF so yeah, I learned something new, again. I've learned a lot while here for CATM school. Some stuff I've learned just by opening my eyes and seeing what's going on here on Lackland. I see a lot of the Homeland Security trucks out there at the kennels. I get really bored in the evening so I go for walks out by the kennels.
Cool stuff, thanks for the info.
Don't get me wrong. The AF is the executive agency for the DoD program, and the actual training is done at the 341TRS which is in fact an AF squadron. I was just saying that it's actually a DoD joint service school, and most of my instructors down there were not Air Force. Probably kind of splitting hairs, I was just throwing it out there.
One of the guys I supervise just finished up CATM about a month ago. He really seemed to enjoy it. Hope you do the same.
