Military, Going Into Civilian LE

[RPike]

Hi, I'm a long time reader, first time poster, and I had twi questions about military experience and joining a civilian LE agency. First, I was wondering if you were, let's say, an E-6 or above in the military, would you still have to be a patrol officer when you graduated the academy, or could you start as a corporal or sergeant? Ok, my second question is, what if you were an officer?
Do ex military officers who join LE have to start over at the bottom? I mean, I wouldn't expect they would be made deputy chief or something, but....

Anyway, any info would be greatly appreciated.

[avalon42]

Yes, everyone starts at the bottom regardless of previous rank in the military.

[AWarr]

I had twi questions about military experience


The following statement I am about to make is in no way insulting you, but....

For some reason, when you wrote "I had twi questions," It reminded me of twitty bird.
Oh, how I miss the old cartoons! Such classics....

:p

[0341]

would you still have to be a patrol officer when you graduated the academy, or could you start as a corporal or sergeant? Ok, my second question is, what if you were an officer?

Think about your questions a bit. How could any military person comprehend the duties and responsibilities of a civilian agency supervisory position without having served in the lower ranks? It's impossible. There isn't any "pass go" card issued to prior military folks. Like the military, you have to earn rank. I'm a former Sgt in the Marine Corps and I never even thought of that somehow making me better qualified for promotions in a LE agency. It may offer me a competitive advantage in many areas but I don't deserve anything special above what a non military person does. It's all based on what you do in the here and now, not what you've done in the past.

I'm trying to make LE a career so I'm not looking forward to being a peon in the Academy, then low man on the badge totem pole. My age and military rank are better than that, but they don't mean anything because LE is a different animal entirely. I have to earn the title all over again, and earn the rank all over again. Not looking forward to doing another boot camp, but it has to be done. I'll be sure to suck it up and get through it, then work my way up the chain of command in the years to come. No shortcuts in LE (some will debate that for sure).

[08duramax]

What they said. I do believe your prior service might count towards your retirement.

[beachcop05]

What they said. I do believe your prior service might count towards your retirement.

I don't even think it does that, if your department is on a city retirement system.

No, you start out at the bottom just like everyone else.

[hbliam]

PERS will let you buy time for prior military service.

I'm still laughing at the "start at corporal or sgt" question. No offense to the OP.

[avalon42]

In the military, newly commissioned Military Police officers start out as Lieutenants.

Yes, as 2nd Lieutenants (O-1). This is the first rank of a commissioned officer. What were you referring to?

[IE Copper]

I'm just noting that commissioned officers in military police start out as managers (Lieutenants), so I don't think the OP's question is as ridiculous as others make it out to be.


Actually, it is very rediculous. An O-1 in Security forces, or Military Police, starts out with administrative BS work. They don't have to the oportunity to go out and supervise a DV call, or authorize any type of law enforcement actions.

Of course you will start from the bottom. What could you do as a Corporal or a Sgt? You wouldn't know your a** from your elbow when it comes to civilian Police work. You would know even less when it comes to the roles of a Police supervisor. I keep thinking of things a watch commander has to do and decisions he has to make and laughing at the thought of an MP or SF trying to do them.

Sorry if I came off a bit harsh. I did not mean to belittle you, and I respect any fellow soldiers and ex-soldiers. Many of us here served in the military, and most of us were E-5 or above when we got out. You will have to do like all of us did and learn how to be a civilian Police Officer.

[IE Copper]

No, it's not ridiculous. The military is the only thing he knows. Don't belittle the man, who's new to the world of law enforcement, for asking a question. Belittling someone like that just shows your true colors -- insecurity.


Who are you to tell me what I can or can not do?

When I got out of the military I was the same as him. It is all I knew. I never dreamed of asking if I could be a civilian Police supervisor in any capacity.

You answer your way. I will answer my way. Don't presume to correct me on expressing my opinion, and expressing it in the way I deem appropriate.

[avalon42]

Calm yourself. Obviously, not everyone is as smart as you!

IE, listen to the hot police officer...she is trying to seduc...err..help you. :p

Seriously, switch, wth is up with your profile? I thought I accidentally clicked on a porno site for a second...

[rusty57]

I am just about to retire from a 20 year military career. I have earned every stripe in the service. I have a Master's degree and a BS in management. Leading and managing military troops can't prepare one to lead a workforce outside of their realm, specially in Law Enforcement. It can,however, give you the fundamentals and mentality to understand the para-military environment you are about to join. I have no clue about what is to come as I join LE, but I know I have seen a military career to the end and sometimes it was very difficult. I look forward to starting the climb again with the lessons I have learned in the military to guide me. Oh, yeah, the Border Patrol will consider you for a higher GS level based on your education and class standing, if that is a choice for you. Stay safe.