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Ten Steps to Joining the Force for Military Service Members

Ten Steps to Joining the Force for Military Service Members

PoliceLink and Military.com

As the competition for coveted law enforcement positions increases throughout the country, police and federal recruiters have the luxury of picking and choosing the absolute best and brightest individuals. More often than not, police chiefs, sheriffs, and recruiters are turning to military veterans to fill these positions as they staff the next wave of warriors in the war on crime.

PoliceLink and Military.com have joined forces to provide our members – both active duty and veterans alike – with this exclusive, comprehensive guide to prepare you for a transition from your military background to your new and exciting career as a civilian law enforcement officer.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Law Enforcement Career

Step 2: Transition Made Easy: Timeline & Checklist

Step 3: GI Bill

Step 4: Picking a Department

Step 5: Meeting a Recruiter

Step 6: Applying for the Job

Step 7: Exams

Step 8: Background Check

Step 9: Fitness

Step 10: Common Hurdles Faced by Veterans


Due to popular demand, the 10 Steps to Joining the Force – A Guide For Military Service Members is also available in this FREE downloadable ebook.


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  • 1stlar_logo_max50

    okc_marine

    12 days ago

    377 comments

    Wow. Good stuff. Just in time for me to put in apps.
  • Badge_pinning_by_willis_max50

    TrojanSkyCop

    26 days ago

    162 comments

    Hey, that looks like it could be Minot AFB! Aaahhh, the fond memories flooding back . . . :-) Thebig_d_58 pretty much hit the nail on the head for those guys' tactical errors; as far as "the enemy seeing where you are for the most part," at the very least they should have the suspect turn his head to the right. That said, I'd say my own experiences as a USAF Security Forces troop (HOOAH!) benefitted me tremendously in prepping me for a civilian L.E. career. Don't get me wrong, I know many fine LEOs who were NOT prior military, but all the same, I couldn't help but notice that veterans adjust to the discipline and rigor of both the training academies and post-Academy OJT (On-the-Job Training) much more quickly and readily than the non-vets.
  • Police_car_small_square_max50

    thebig_d_58

    about 1 month ago

    119 comments

    yeah a little bit of cross fire, plus the enemy seeing where you are for the most part, lol.......i need this book though, i'm out in a little over 2 years
  • _dsc0093_max50

    thatguy20

    about 1 month ago

    10 comments

    Anybody notice anything wrong with the SF guys in that picture? Crossfire anyone?
  • 188th_fw_nose_art_a-10_max50

    Tdunnell

    2 months ago

    488 comments

    Miltary can give you a good boost in getting into law enforcement.
  • The_gang_max50

    gymbumm

    2 months ago

    13 comments

    You're leaving out the new personal history questionaire that is given in california and las vegas before you take your wirtten and phsyical agility. This consists of a series of questions similiar to whats found in your background and if you don't pass you don;t test any further. SFC FRYAR INFANTRY US ARMY 18 YEARS
  • Bike_60_1__max50

    larryt700

    3 months ago

    66 comments

    This is great information.... I served 12 years Navy and am actively serving LAPD and think that the transtion was far easier for me than non-miitary due to the fact that the training and procedures were so much similar. As far as the combat Vet goes, I hear it both ways. They don't want combat Vets due to liability reasons and then I hear that they want combat vets because they want someone aclimated to that type of environment. Either way, non-combatants are still coming on the job as well. So, not sure what the problem is with other branches or non-combat experienced.
  • L_d0348f70f25e890bd55890f67699f74f_max50

    Joey68

    3 months ago

    3 comments

    This is was great to read. I am currently on Terminal Leave from the USN after serving 5.6yr.'s as a FMF Corpsman out of 3rd Mar Div. I've applied to 2 departments, but the state's local PD's aren't pushing for Combat Vet's and are taking a long time to even respond to myself. Anyone have any tips? This has been my Goal to become an LEO.
  • Usmcdogtag_max50

    nikkochey

    3 months ago

    249 comments

    Outstanding source of information for veterans and anyone else interested in a LEO career. I am retired USMC and Retired LEO. Not by choice am I retired. Repetitive back injuries helped do that.
  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Gideon

    3 months ago

    1 comment

    I want to join
  • Pict0004_max50

    msp1728

    4 months ago

    251 comments

    All good information. I was active duty as Security Police/Forces for six years. Left active duty and went into the AF Reserves. While in the Reserves, I applied to the State Police and was hired. I enjoy the two. I have my AF Reserve pension (only have 5 years left till retired) and I am working on my State Police career and pension too. I think it is the best of both worlds. Plus the State is very supportive of my military commitment.
  • Amp_normal_max50

    larkinforce

    4 months ago

    25 comments

    As a retired Air force Security Policeman this article spells things out very well.

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