Which is better, the Air Force Security Forces or Marine Military Police?

Fahim Khan — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 21:27:58 -0500

So I've been looking at Marines for a while now and wanted to join as an MP. I just now learned about the Airforce security forces and that looks nice too. I was wondering what is better or are they just the same? I also heard about the Airforce automatic e3 rank if you sign up for 6 years. That's seems like a good contract.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Feb 8 at 2019 9:31 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 21:31:31 -0500

It depends on which branch of service you ask. I would say Marine MP or 5811 is good...plus you are a Marine.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 8 at 2019 9:48 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 21:48:43 -0500

Fahim Khan provided you don't step on your crank, you'll be an E3 fairly quickly anyway. 6 years before you can Reenlist or ETS is limiting. If you do a four year contract, you can reenlist and possibly be offered something or move on. Otherwise they've got you wherever for 6 years. Not a big deal if you like it. If you are unhappy with duty, location, or AFSC you're kind of stuck.

The Marine Corps appears to move E1-E3 faster than the USAF.

What certification comes with each? If one or the other gets you POST certified, that could be a tie breaker

Here's what it boils down to: what do you want to be when you grow up? Either pursuit is worthy. If you enlisted in the Marine Corps first, you could enlist in the USAF later without going through basic training. It doesn't work the other way around.

SMSgt Thor Merich can you weigh in on this?

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 10:11 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 22:11:08 -0500

You keep asking similar questions. Are you expecting different responses?

Response by GySgt Mike Grow made Feb 9 at 2019 12:02 AM

GySgt Mike Grow — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 00:02:29 -0500

If you are just looking to be a police officer than go through an academy and become one. You have to want to become a Marine before deciding what MOS you want to be. I have never served in the Air Force; however, I have served with top quality Airmen.
Speaking as a former Marine Corps Recruiter, I would send you packing once you mentioned what you want as we are interested in people who want to become Marines first. The MOS alone will not define who or what you can aspire to be once your time in uniform is up.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2019 7:15 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 07:15:58 -0500

Keep your e-3 pay grade. The top of the class for 5811's are usually offered follow on school to become dog handlers. Be the best Marine possible get promoted to Sgt and when your initial contract is completed you can Lat move to CID. Find somewhere that you may have a chance to be the equivalent of a detective in under 5 years. Or go be a senior airman standing gate guard for 6 years.