A law enforcement Marine practices his marksmanship at a firing range as he fires a pistol at a target.

Marine Corps Military Police

The Role of Law Enforcement in the Marine Corps

The Marine Corps has its own law enforcement division: the United States Marine Corps Military Police. This military police force conducts law and order operations in expeditionary environments and fulfill duties like criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency call response, base access, and corrections.

In the United States and its territories, their responsibilities include enforcement of military law, orders and regulations on Marine Corps bases. Outside the U.S., military police authority is designated by the laws of the country, international agreements and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Marine Corps Law Enforcement Roles

Marines assigned to the Military Police and Corrections occupational field (58XX) serve in the following Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

MOS	Description
5811	Military Police
5821	Criminal Investigator (CID) Agent
5831	Correction and Detention Specialist

MOS	Description
5803	Military Police Officer
5804	Corrections Officer
5805	Criminal Investigation Officer

Three law enforcement Marines train with their firearms on the range. They have pistols drawn and carry rifles.

MILITARY POLICE OFFICERS VS. MILITARY POLICE

Military Police Officers (5803) and Military Police (5811) are two separate roles in the Marine Corps. Military Police Officers are commissioned officers who lead enlisted Marines and have administrative and command responsibilities.

Military Police (5811) are enlisted Marines who serve under the command of Military Police Officers. Military Police Officers hold more responsibility than Military Police and are charged with administering the law on Marine Corps bases while overseeing the enlisted Marine Police they are assigned.

Basic Requirements to Become a Military Police Marine

To become a military police Marine, applicants must meet the general requirements to become Marines. Additional criteria apply for the Military Police and Corrections occupational field:

• Must possess a GT score of 95 or higher

• Must have a valid state driver's license

• Must be a U.S. citizen

• Security requirement: secret security clearance eligibility

• Must possess clarity of speech

• Must have vision correctable to 20/20

• Must be 18 years old prior to completion of military police school

• Must have normal color vision. Waivers to this prerequisite will not be granted.

HOW THE MARINE CORPS TRAINS ITS MILITARY POLICE FORCE

The Marine Corps trains its military police by first having them complete standard recruit and combat training, followed by the 20-week Military Police Basic Course at the Marine Corps Police Academy at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Because Military Police Officers are Marine Officers, they must first prove they have the physical, mental and moral character to lead Marines. Candidates are screened and trained for these qualities at Officer Candidates School (OCS) and The Basic School (TBS) at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

Enlisted Military Police complete recruit training at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, or Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. After recruit training, they attend School of Infantry, Marine Combat Training Battalion, at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, or Camp Pendleton, California.

Here they train in law enforcement operations, use of lethal and non-lethal weapons, force protection and first aid. After successfully completing this course, Military Police Officers and Military Police are assigned to their first duty station where they receive additional on-the-job training.

A USMC canine and it's handler stand at the ready during a training in an outdoor dirt field.

HOW DO MARINE MILITARY POLICE GROW IN THEIR CAREERS?

Marine military police officers grow in their careers through advanced training, promotions based on performance, and specialized roles. Advanced training opportunities include:

Advanced Crime Scene Investigative Techniques
Criminal Investigation Division (CID)
Domestic Violence Intervention
Police Dog Handlers
Protective Services Training
Non-Lethal Warfare
Special Reaction Team

A Marine wears a protective vest that has a "Police" patch on it as well as a bright gold, metallic military police badge.

Talk to a Recruiter

Whether you're interested in military police, investigations, or security operations, a recruiter can guide you through the requirements, training, and paths available.