Need Advice/Help

[USAirmen89]

It has been a life long dream of my mine to be a police officer, I am currently serving in the United States Air Force ( active duty ). I have about one year and ten months left in my term. As of right now I am not happy in my current situation in the Air Force. I am really torn between leaving the military behind me and trying to attain my life long goal. But I am worried that I would not be accepted into the police department I am currently looking at ( Houston TX, and Indianpolis IN ). Would it be easier for me being ex military plus an AA degree ( its not in criminal justice ). Or would I just be waisting my time and taking a big risk. Thanks

-Ryan

[nonickname69]

There is more than one PD out there and you will probably like them. Just because one of them will say "No" doesn't mean another won't be "Hell yes!". Having been an MP in the Marines and now serving as a deputy I honestly believe having the military background is a plus (certainly not mandatory) but it helps with the mindset of LE.

I have a folder in my desk of the rejection letters I've received from other LE agencies. Some times you're the top dog other times you're the least qualified according to them. Don't get discouraged if you get turned down the first from your target agency just apply the next to the next one. I've heard plenty of stories of how people have applied to the same agency more than once before they got hired so don't get discouraged. GET THAT DEGREE! Its doesn't have to be criminal justice, get it in something you know you will enjoy learning about. Use that GI Bill to its full advantage.

Anything you can do make yourself a more desirable candidate the better. Lots of agencies are requiring some college now-in-days. But volunteering in the community and maintaining a good work history is also nice to put on a resume.

[mikeymedic]

I shread those rejection letters.

As for your question. Are you willing to take the risk? If your not happy you have to make a decision. Go to school on the GI bill while your still active duty and get your BA. Most guys on here will tell you not to get a CJ degree anyways. Who knows what the economy will be like when you get out.

[SgtCHP]

It has been a life long dream of my mine to be a police officer, I am currently serving in the United States Air Force ( active duty ). I have about one year and ten months left in my term. As of right now I am not happy in my current situation in the Air Force. I am really torn between leaving the military behind me and trying to attain my life long goal. But I am worried that I would not be accepted into the police department I am currently looking at ( Houston TX, and Indianpolis IN ). Would it be easier for me being ex military plus an AA degree ( its not in criminal justice ). Or would I just be waisting my time and taking a big risk. Thanks

-Ryan

You have listed nothing that would readily disqualify you from attaining your goal. Test with all agencies of interest. Your success will depend on how high you place in the testing process. Many larger agencies have special testing available for military personnel who are in their last six months of active duty. Look into your agency of desire to see if they participate in a similar program.

The agencies are not going to seek you out, you have to do the leg work and paperwork. Go online an see what there is to offer.