Also called: Army 31B, Air Force 3P0 Security Forces, Marine 5811
Enforces laws and protects people and property on military bases and in combat zones.
MPs patrol base neighborhoods, respond to calls, direct traffic, and guard gates. Deployed, they secure convoys and detention facilities. It's a direct path to civilian police jobs; many departments give hiring preference to veterans.
Regular military compensation (RMC = base pay + housing and food allowances + their tax advantage) for typical E-1 to E-6 ranks, 2026 estimate. Cash in hand is lower early on because junior troops often live in free barracks and eat in dining halls. Enlistment bonuses can add thousands.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0.4 years after high school. High school diploma, then ~20 weeks of training. Free-college benefits: Tuition Assistance (up to $4,500/yr) while serving, the Post-9/11 GI Bill (36 months of tuition + housing stipend) afterward, and SkillBridge internships before separating.
Ways in: Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Criminal Justice, Homeland Security.
Growing about average. Military specialties are not in BLS projections. The services recruit for this job every year and openings track force size and retention rather than market growth.
Low risk for 10 years. Gate scanners and cameras help; patrol, calls and convoy security stay human.
Classes: Psychology, PE / fitness, Government / Civics.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.