Torn between Active and Reserve after AROTC

3

34KING18

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Apr 15, 2015
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I know both sides have their benefits and downsides but I'm kind of torn between either doing active or reserves after AROTC. I want to do criminal/police work when I am done. Now saying that, I know Army has MP's. My thing is, do I want to do active and be an MP or do I want to do civilian law enforcement and then just drill? I want the full army experience but I also want to do civilian law enforcement. I'm guessing my best bet is active with MP? Maybe you can help me out. Thanks
 
I think you have three plus years before you have to make that decision. You may change your mind once or twice between now and then.
 
34KING18 said:
I know both sides have their benefits and downsides but I'm kind of torn between either doing active or reserves after AROTC. I want to do criminal/police work when I am done. Now saying that, I know Army has MP's. My thing is, do I want to do active and be an MP or do I want to do civilian law enforcement and then just drill? I want the full army experience but I also want to do civilian law enforcement. I'm guessing my best bet is active with MP? Maybe you can help me out. Thanks
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What type of police work do you want to do? Do you want to patrol and do what the average officer does, because if you become an MP officer you won't be doing any of that.

On the other side, the guard or reserves is not anything close to the full army experience so you need to really think about what you want to do. Also, seeking a commission might not be the best route for you.
 
If you are looking for the TV law enforcement it simply does not exist. This is what I have found in 20+ years of law enforcement. 95% boredom, 4% excitement, 1% absolute sheer terror. When I was in the Marine Corps I never interacted with the MP's but from what I saw it was a lot of building security checks, and traffic stops. If you want what most know as law enforcement then get your degree and go work for a big city like NY, Chicago, Miami, etc.... I promise you will see and be in the s@!t. Be careful what you wish for...it might come true. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the replies. I really want to get the full army experience so I'll choose active
 
As somebody who retired with retired with 29 years in law enforcement in the 2nd largest city in California, my advice is to go Active. *Generally* speaking, at least in California and probably most places in the US in the next few years, the best qualifications to list on your resume will be:
1. College Degree
2. Spanish Speaker
3. Military Service
 
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