Hello all,
I have been a cop for three years and am now considering a career change. For as long as I can remember I have longed to join the military. In fact while I was in college I planned to join after graduation however I married and my wife wasnt thrilled about the possibility of life in the military. Several years later I still feel an immense desire to join in some capacity and serve in the armed forces. I have examined everything from the Army National Guard to the Coast Guard however research can provide only so much information. I would like to continue with a Law Enforcement type job with an emphasis placed on Combat/Tactical training. I have looked at Units such as the Coast Guard MSST or Port Security, Marine Corps Security Forces, etc. Additionally, I have considered possibly joining the Army National Guard as an Officer and hopefully am assigned to the Infantry or Military police. The Coast Guard is extremely intriguing since they place an emphasis on law enforcement and providing security for the Nation's coasts and ports. Problem is with little information about the MSST and Port Security on the internet I am not sure what it would take to join and if the units are legitimately tactically sound. Additionally, I dont want to join an organization like the Coast Guard and not get a law enforcement related job, then spend 6 months on a boat each year performing a job I hate. Would my law enforcement background, SWAT experience and a Bachelors degree guarrantee me a job in law enforcement? I really dont want to sound like such a juvenile and I am not asking anyone to tell me what I should do, but I have no military experience and would like some input from those that have served. Thanks in advance for the input.

I am currently at an MSST and have been in the Coast Guard for 9 years now. I have been on law enforcement cutters, Coast Guard Police Depts. (MP's) and now an MSST although I am now being stationed on a Construction River Tender on the Mississippi River in Iowa. So to answer your question there is no guarantee that you will be in all Law Enforcement units. It is all about needs of the service. As for your police background, the CG will try to utilize your experience but it will not be taken into consideration for unit placement. Hope this helps, it's a great job with diversity and many career options. Good luck.

Hello;
With your type of background and experience you may want to look into our plan clothes law enforcement career path. We have in the Coast Guard the Investigative Service. Although its only available for E-6 and above on the active duty side, you might want to consider it as a reserve member option. Post your questions on the IV forum for more feedback. Sad to say the CG does not have a full Law Enforcement type rate. You can try to get placed to those types of jobs based on your rate, (BM,MK,MST or GM, ect.) but it’s not always advantageous for advancement or locality. The USCG has a broad range of jobs that enforce many laws and regulations to include drug interdiction, migrants, fisheries, environmental, ports and waterways and boating safety to name a few. Good luck in your search.