Collegiate Officer Program

[curtisk882002]

Hello everyone,

Does anyone have any insight on this program? I'm coming out of the Marines in July and I'm trying to figure out whether I want to continue on with school, or start looking for a job. Don't know much about this program, so any information would be appreciated.

[stangfather]

Hello everyone,

Does anyone have any insight on this program? I'm coming out of the Marines in July and I'm trying to figure out whether I want to continue on with school, or start looking for a job. Don't know much about this program, so any information would be appreciated.

im in it, its a good program, get Cleet certed and a 2 yr AS. at the same time.

the instructors are all retired or current officers, it basically 2 years worth of academy, then a assessment period, then you take the cleet exam and graduate.

my plan is to finish uyp next year, test around everywhere and if i dont get picked up in about a year or so, go back and do the bachelors thing, shop myself for about a year or two, and if i STILL dont get hired...find a another career.

im not going to spend 3-4 yrs trying to get hired for a 35k a year job (average) ill just go do something else.

ill be to old to go back in the Army, maybe ill teach, same crappy pay less chance of death LOL

[curtisk882002]

Sounds like a pretty good deal! I have already transfered over to East Central for the fall, but I'm thinking about just finishing up my AS at Seminole State and doing the C.O.P.S deal. I'm not sure, but it will take me 3 years at East Central to finish with a BA and maybe a year to a year in a half at Seminole State. I'm just ready to start a career!

[Dawg]

Try checking out eastern oklahoma state in wilburton,ok. When I was going to CLEET down there we had a COPS class come thru the Dorm and stay on the other side of it. Not sure if they were from there or just passing thru. Hope this helps you out and best of luck to you.

[flhtbill]

Hello everyone,

Does anyone have any insight on this program? I'm coming out of the Marines in July and I'm trying to figure out whether I want to continue on with school, or start looking for a job. Don't know much about this program, so any information would be appreciated.

I'm in the program through Rose State. After your first actual CJ class, you are given the opportunity to enroll in the C.O.P.S. program. I have not taken any of the "hands-on" classes yet like firearms, driving, etc. The bookwork classes like report writing, investigation, etc. are offered through the internet. It seems to be a very good way to complete some college hours and work towards a LEO job. The degree part is easy, but you don't get certified unless you are going to get an agency to hire you.

This program really works out for me having 2yrs. of active duty (Air Force)left until retirement.

[curtisk882002]

I just talked to the Criminal Justice Director at the school and it looks like I'm going to be starting the program this fall, so I'm very excited. As much as I want to start applying everywhere, I know I should get my education first! Thanks for all the information guys, it really helped me make my decision about this one. One step closer!

[curtisk882002]

flhtbill,

Since I'm getting out of the Marines in July, would you advise me to join the Air National Guard as a Security Forces member? I would like to continue my service part-time, plus it would pay for my school along with the GI Bill. Since your Air Force, I thought you might be able to give me some insight on this matter. Thanks in advance!

[flhtbill]

flhtbill,

Since I'm getting out of the Marines in July, would you advise me to join the Air National Guard as a Security Forces member? I would like to continue my service part-time, plus it would pay for my school along with the GI Bill. Since your Air Force, I thought you might be able to give me some insight on this matter. Thanks in advance!

I would say the Air National Guard is a good way to go. I am pretty sure they are still offering GI Bill Kickers and probably a bonus for the Security Forces career field. Don't forget, get anything in writing FIRST. I have been in the aircraft maintenance career field my whole time in. A lot of co-workers and friends have asked why I never cross-trained into Security Forces knowing my desire to be a police officer after I am out. Most of the SF members I've seen guard aircraft and missles and I knew that was not for me. A small portion actually perform law enforcement duties similar to what goes on off base. Just know that the SF do everything from guarding the flightline, performing LE duties, to even escorting those convoys "OVER THERE". I don't know if you are a grunt right now, but there could be a lot of other jobs you may be interested in through the Air National Guard other than SF. Then again, it all depends on what careers are open at the Air National Guard Unit you are looking into. Letting that active duty time add into your reserve or ANG time in service definately will benefit you as far as a military pension goes in the future. Also, last ANG SF people I talked to, they had a 9month deploy commitment.

[curtisk882002]

flhtbill,

Thanks for the info! I haven't fully decided what field to try and go into yet. I will figure all that out when I start talking to the recruiter. My main focus is school and LE right now. I want to continue my service, but base my focus on education and a civilian career. I don't know about the 9 month deployment, that would sure put a dent in things. Then again, I could be recalled to the Marines for 18 months and end up over there anyways! Oh well, I'd rather deploy from home and return back to home! Once again thanks for the info and I'm looking forward to the COPS program!