Active Duty vs. Guard or Reserves

[cp325]

I'm nearing the point where I need to make my decision as whether to go active duty or into the guard or reserves. I'm having a difficult time making my decision, so I'm someone on here with more experience/knowledge can provide some insight.

I currently have a 3.9 GPA, 300 PT score, ranger challenge, CULP, and air assault. I don't think getting active duty will be an issue, but I'm not sure if that's what I want. I would like to get into Federal Law Enforcement, and although I understand having military experience helps, I am not sure if that's the route I want to take. I am thinking instead of going into the guard and applying to local police departments. While working as a police officer, I would also like to get an MBA online and then apply for Federal Law Enforcement jobs when I have some experience and a Master's Degree. Other factors play into my decision, such as my girlfriend and family but I won't get into that.

If I were to go active duty, I'd like to go Military Intelligence and serve for 4 years and and then transition into the guard or reserves. My biggest issue is that I do not think I will enjoy my time in active duty. I spent a decent amount of time around the active army this summer and although I know I did not get the full experience, there were many aspects I absolutely hated. If I could get anyone's insight or advice that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Frankie]

Not to sound too nosy but what aspects of active duty did you hate?

 

[armyjag]

It sounds like you already are making your decision as far as Active duty or Reserve Component. If your goal is to be in Law Enforcement the. The Reserve/Guard is the way to go. In addition if you want to be I. military Intelligence, the Army Reserve have units with this specialty in it. Therefore, you would possibly have the best of both worlds.

Another consideration is to look at what is happening to the Armed Forces lately as far personnel draw downs etc. it will get more and more competitive to move your way up on Active Duty.

I hope this gives you some advice within the response.

SGM(R) Becker


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[k2rider]

I'm not sure where you live or if you've done any research at the local departments you're interested in working for but I might be able to add a little advice as I've recently retired from 31 years in the law enforcement field. I worked for (2) years for a department in Orange County, CA with unlimited amounts of $$ and the pay to go with it and worked for the 2nd largest PD in California for 29 years so I've seen both worlds. My son also wants to go in the law enforcement field and after what I've seen, I'm steering him towards the Feds as well. My son is a huge gun nut and is very skilled in their operation. I think he would love working for the ATF.

Anyway, I can't speak for your area but can tell you that most smaller agencies in Southern California hire very few "recruits" and prefer to hire laterals from other departments who already have 3-4 years of experience. That way they can avoid paying for you to attend the academy and they also are hiring a "known quantity" as they will be able to read your evaluations you have been receiving. The law enforcement field is definitely getting tougher to break into and even the larger department I worked for is getting so many candidates that they can be very choosy. I've been told about 1 out of 100 actually gets hired and since I worked in a position that funneled folks thru to Recruiting, I saw most of the candidates. Even the average recruit nowadays is 25+ and has been on their own (college life doesn't count) in the real world for a few years. Bottom line, it may not easy as you expect to get hired....depending on the area you want to work. Keep in mind that the hiring process is 6-8 months if they are fast and up to (2) years if they area slow.

I'm not going to tell you want YOU should do but as I tell my son...having a college degree along with (4) years of AD as an officer is pure gold. Become fluent is Spanish and you have the Holy Grail.