What Is Naval Military Police? Career Guide

The naval military police, also known as the Masters-at-Arms (MA), are a specialized group of law enforcement professionals who serve in the United States Navy. Their primary role is to maintain law and order, prevent and investigate crimes, and provide security services to naval personnel, facilities, and assets. The naval military police play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the Navy’s personnel, equipment, and operations.

History of Naval Military Police

The history of the naval military police dates back to the American Revolution, when the Continental Congress established the Continental Navy. During this time, naval officers and sailors were responsible for maintaining law and order on board ships. However, it wasn’t until World War II that the Navy established a formal military police force, known as the Shore Patrol. The Shore Patrol was responsible for maintaining law and order in naval ports and bases, as well as providing security services to naval personnel and facilities.

In the 1970s, the Navy merged the Shore Patrol with the Marine Corps’ Military Police to form the Masters-at-Arms (MA) rating. Today, the MA rating is a highly respected and specialized group of law enforcement professionals who serve in the Navy’s military police force.

Roles and Responsibilities

The naval military police have a wide range of roles and responsibilities, including:

1. Law Enforcement: Naval military police are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations on naval bases, ships, and other facilities. They conduct patrols, respond to emergencies, and investigate crimes.
2. Security: Naval military police provide security services to naval personnel, facilities, and assets. They conduct access control, inspect vehicles and personnel, and respond to security breaches.
3. Investigations: Naval military police conduct investigations into crimes and incidents, such as theft, vandalism, and assaults. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and apprehend suspects.
4. Counterintelligence: Naval military police conduct counterintelligence operations to detect and prevent espionage, sabotage, and terrorism.
5. Force Protection: Naval military police provide force protection services to naval personnel and facilities, including conducting risk assessments and developing security plans.

Career Path

To become a naval military police officer, you must first enlist in the United States Navy and complete basic training. After basic training, you will attend the Naval Military Police Academy, where you will receive training in law enforcement, security, and investigations.

Once you have completed your training, you will be assigned to a naval base or ship, where you will work as a naval military police officer. As you gain experience and advance in rank, you may be eligible for specialized training and assignments, such as:

1. K-9 Handling: Naval military police officers may be trained to handle working dogs, which are used for patrols, searches, and detecting narcotics and explosives.
2. Special Operations: Naval military police officers may be assigned to special operations units, such as the Navy’s Special Warfare Command, where they will conduct high-risk missions and operations.
3. Intelligence: Naval military police officers may be assigned to intelligence units, where they will conduct investigations and gather intelligence on terrorist organizations and other threats.

Requirements

To become a naval military police officer, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: You must be between the ages of 17 and 35.
2. Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
3. Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
4. Physical Fitness: You must meet the Navy’s physical fitness standards.
5. Security Clearance: You must be eligible for a security clearance.

Salary and Benefits

Naval military police officers are paid according to the Navy’s pay scale, which is based on rank and time in service. The starting salary for a naval military police officer is around 40,000 per year, although this can increase to over 80,000 per year with experience and advanced training.

Naval military police officers also receive a range of benefits, including:

1. Health Insurance: Naval military police officers and their families are eligible for health insurance through the Navy’s medical program.
2. Retirement Benefits: Naval military police officers are eligible for retirement benefits after 20 years of service.
3. Education Benefits: Naval military police officers are eligible for education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Navy’s tuition assistance program.
4. Housing Allowance: Naval military police officers are eligible for a housing allowance, which helps to offset the cost of living in naval bases and other areas.

Conclusion

The naval military police are a highly respected and specialized group of law enforcement professionals who serve in the United States Navy. As a naval military police officer, you will have the opportunity to serve your country, protect your fellow sailors, and advance your career in a challenging and rewarding field.

If you are interested in becoming a naval military police officer, you should start by researching the Navy’s requirements and application process. You should also consider speaking with a Navy recruiter or a current naval military police officer to learn more about the job and the benefits it offers.

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