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That is Army MOS 31B. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Served as Desk Sergeant managing all MP operations during 12-hour shifts across a 15,000-person installation
How a hiring manager reads it
Managed shift operations for a 24/7 security operation, coordinating 15+ team members across multiple sites serving a population of 15,000
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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The Army 31B Military Police is responsible for law enforcement, security operations, and battlefield circulation control across all Army installations and operational environments. 31Bs conduct criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, physical security, detainee operations, and force protection. They are the Army's primary law enforcement and security force.
Training begins with a 20-week OSUT program at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, covering military police operations, law enforcement procedures, evidence collection, use of force, traffic accident investigation, defensive tactics, and weapons qualification. Many 31Bs pursue additional training in criminal investigations (CID), K-9 operations, special reaction teams (SRT), and protective services (dignitary protection). Assignments range from installation law enforcement to combat zone security operations.
31Bs bring a law enforcement skillset that civilian agencies actively seek: documented patrol experience, arrest and detention procedures, report writing, evidence handling, use-of-force training, and the ability to make rapid decisions in high-pressure situations. A 31B with 4+ years of service has more patrol hours and incident response experience than many civilian police academy graduates.
31Bs land in federal law enforcement — DoD police, VA, DHS, ATF, US Marshals — at very strong rates. From the federal hiring side I'll tell you the 0083 Police series and 1811 Criminal Investigator series exist for backgrounds like yours. The military LE-equivalent training plus deployments is a credible foundation, but the resume has to translate it as such. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Army mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Military Police
$38K to $86K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
13 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Military Polices lands in the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
Private security is the fastest entry point for 31Bs, and the salary range is wide depending on specialization. According to BLS May 2024 data, security guards earn a median of $38,370, but protective service supervisors earn $74,960 — and executive protection, corporate security management, and cleared facility security roles pay significantly more. The private security industry is projected to grow steadily as corporate and facility security spending increases.
Law enforcement is the most natural career path. Police and sheriff's patrol officers earn a median of $76,290 (BLS May 2024), with federal law enforcement typically paying higher. Many municipal and state agencies give preference to applicants with military police experience and may waive portions of their academy training. Private investigation (median $52,370) and compliance roles (median $78,420) are adjacent fields that value 31B investigative skills.
Beyond security and law enforcement, 31Bs transition into corporate loss prevention, risk management consulting, and security technology sales. Companies like Securitas, Allied Universal, and Pinkerton hire military police veterans for supervisory positions. Defense contractors (CACI, DynCorp, Triple Canopy) recruit 31Bs for overseas security contracts and cleared facility security management.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police OfficerO*NET 33-3051.00 | Law Enforcement | $76,290 | Not listed | strong |
| Protective Service SupervisorO*NET 33-1090.00 | Security | $74,960 | Not listed | strong |
| Correctional OfficerO*NET 33-3012.00 | Law Enforcement | $57,970 | Not listed | strong |
| Compliance OfficerO*NET 13-1041.00 | Corporate | $78,420 | Not listed | moderate |
| Private Detective / InvestigatorO*NET 33-9021.00 | Investigation | $52,370 | Not listed | moderate |
| Security GuardO*NET 33-9032.00 | Security | $38,370 | Not listed | entry |
| Loss Prevention ManagerO*NET 33-1090.00 | Retail/Corporate | $74,960 | Not listed | moderate |
| Emergency Management SpecialistO*NET 11-9161.00 | Government | $86,130 | Not listed | moderate |
Largest security services company in North America with corporate, government, and event security contracts
Global security company with guarding, monitoring, and consulting services
Corporate risk management and security consulting for Fortune 500 companies
Defense and intelligence contractor with security, law enforcement support, and force protection contracts
Protective services and security consulting for government and commercial clients worldwide
Largest federal law enforcement agency — CBP Officers and Border Patrol Agents
Protective and investigative missions including financial crimes and presidential protection
Federal fugitive operations, judicial security, witness protection, and prisoner transport
Protects federal facilities and their occupants — hires extensively from military police backgrounds
Federal correctional officer and investigator positions across the national prison system
Global security operations, loss prevention, and workplace safety across fulfillment network
Assets Protection team with investigative and analytical roles across 1,900+ stores
BMR rewrites your 31B experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
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“With your assistance on my resume I got offered a 239.5K a year job today. Thanks so much Brad, you changed my way of life tremendously. God bless you”
Anthony · Veteran · Army · Program Management / Logistics · $239,500 offer
Federal law enforcement agencies are the most direct federal career path for 31Bs — and the pipeline is well-established. CBP, ICE, U.S. Marshals, Secret Service, Federal Protective Service, Bureau of Prisons, and VA Police all actively recruit former military police. Physical fitness standards and law enforcement training requirements that screen out civilian applicants are baseline qualifications for any 31B.
31Bs qualify for GS-0083 (Police) and GS-0085 (Security Guard) positions at GS-5 to GS-9 entry levels on military installations and federal facilities. With investigative experience, GS-1811 (Criminal Investigator) and GS-1810 (General Investigator) positions are accessible. Beyond law enforcement, 31Bs qualify for GS-0080 (Security Specialist), GS-0018 (Safety Management), and GS-0340 (Program Management) positions across multiple agencies.
Veterans' Preference adds 5 or 10 points to federal hiring assessments. Many federal law enforcement positions use the GS-GL pay scale with Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), which adds 25% to base salary — making federal LE one of the highest-compensated career paths for 31Bs.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0082 | United States Marshal | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0083 | Police | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1816 | Immigration Inspection | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0085 | Security Guard | GS-5, GS-6, GS-7 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0084 | Nuclear Materials Courier | GS-7, GS-8, GS-9 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1801 | General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0080 | Security Administration | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1810 | General Investigating | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1896 | Border Patrol Agent | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1811 | Criminal Investigator | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1881 | Customs and Border Protection Officer | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
MPs spend shifts talking volatile, intoxicated, and distressed people down without force. That crisis-intervention and de-escalation instinct is the core of behavioral-health counseling, where calming someone in crisis is the whole job.
Transfers: De-escalating people in crisis, Verbal conflict intervention with hostile individuals, Building rapport under stress, Documenting incidents objectively, Reading behavioral and emotional cues.
How to get there: Certification as a substance-abuse counselor (state-issued, often CADC/LADC) plus supervised clinical hours. Many states allow an associate-level entry credential while completing coursework; a bachelor degree opens licensed roles.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7%+ (Much faster than average)
MPs investigate vehicle accidents, document scenes, interview parties, and assign fault every shift. Auto and property insurers need exactly that scene-reconstruction and liability-assessment skill set to settle claims.
Transfers: Traffic-accident scene reconstruction, Evidence collection and documentation, Witness and party interviewing, Writing detailed factual reports, Assessing liability from physical evidence.
How to get there: Entry-level adjuster roles train on the job; a state adjuster license (exam-based, weeks not years) is the main gate. Accident-investigation experience is a direct selling point with auto carriers.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Decline of 1% or lower
MPs build evidence-based reports that hold up in legal proceedings and understand chain of custody and procedure. Law firms need that same disciplined case-file building and factual-writing ability to support attorneys.
Transfers: Building case files and evidence chains, Writing precise factual reports, Interviewing witnesses and recording statements, Applying rules and procedures consistently, Preparing documentation for review.
How to get there: Paralegal certificate (3-12 months) or associate degree. Veterans with military-justice exposure often find the procedural side familiar; an ABA-approved program plus GI Bill funding is the common route.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Little or no change
MPs investigate incidents, identify what went wrong, and enforce standards. Industrial and construction employers need that incident-investigation and standards-enforcement mindset to run workplace safety programs.
Transfers: Incident and accident investigation, Identifying hazards and root causes, Enforcing standards and procedures, Writing inspection and compliance reports, Briefing leadership on risk findings.
How to get there: OSHA 30-hour plus the CSP or ASP credential (BCSP). A safety associate or bachelor degree accelerates hiring; many start as a safety coordinator and certify on the job.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7%+ (Much faster than average)
MPs control crowds, handle disruptive people, and execute emergency procedures while staying calm and authoritative. Airlines hire for exactly that ability to manage a cabin, defuse conflict, and run safety procedures.
Transfers: Managing disruptive individuals calmly, Enforcing rules with the public, Emergency response and evacuation procedures, Maintaining authority under pressure, Customer-facing conflict resolution.
How to get there: Airline-provided training (3-6 weeks) after hire; no degree required. FAA certification is earned during training. Public-facing composure and emergency-procedure discipline are what carriers screen for.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7%+ (Much faster than average)
MPs train units on law-and-order procedures, defensive tactics, and scenario response so others perform correctly under pressure. Companies need that ability to design and deliver hands-on training programs.
Transfers: Instructing on use-of-force and procedures, Running scenario-based training, Certifying others to standard, Writing clear procedural guides, Evaluating performance objectively.
How to get there: Entry as a corporate trainer or instructional designer. A CPTD credential (ATD) or instructional-design certificate strengthens candidacy; scenario-based training experience is the differentiator.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7%+ (Much faster than average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you're applying to civilian law enforcement agencies, your terminology needs minimal translation — recruiters at police departments and security firms know what patrol operations, use of force, and evidence handling mean. This section is for veterans targeting careers outside of law enforcement and security.
Before, in service
Served as Desk Sergeant managing all MP operations during 12-hour shifts across a 15,000-person installation
After, on the resume
Managed shift operations for a 24/7 security operation, coordinating 15+ team members across multiple sites serving a population of 15,000
Before, in service
Supported Provost Marshal Office operations including crime prevention, traffic enforcement, and physical security programs
After, on the resume
Supported executive-level law enforcement program management including crime prevention initiatives, traffic safety programs, and comprehensive physical security operations
Before, in service
Conducted apprehensions and processed subjects under UCMJ authority, maintaining chain of custody for evidence
After, on the resume
Executed regulatory enforcement actions, processing violations through established legal frameworks while maintaining evidence integrity and chain of custody documentation
Before, in service
Implemented Force Protection measures at FPCON Bravo including vehicle inspections, barrier emplacement, and access control procedures
After, on the resume
Implemented tiered facility security protocols including vehicle screening, physical barrier systems, and multi-layer access control procedures based on current threat assessments
Before, in service
Maintained MP Blotter documenting all incidents, arrests, and significant activities across a 24-hour operational period
After, on the resume
Managed incident tracking database, documenting all security events, enforcement actions, and operational activities for a 24-hour operational period with full audit trail
Before, in service
Established and operated TCPs during large-scale events, managing vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow for 5,000+ personnel
After, on the resume
Designed and managed traffic control and access management operations for large-scale events with 5,000+ attendees, coordinating flow patterns and safety protocols
Before, in service
Trained as MWD handler conducting patrol, detection, and area search operations in support of installation security
After, on the resume
Certified K-9 handler conducting detection sweeps, patrol operations, and area searches in support of facility security programs
Before, in service
Conducted customs inspections and border security operations at military ports of entry, processing personnel and cargo
After, on the resume
Conducted trade compliance inspections and security screenings at designated ports of entry, processing personnel and cargo against regulatory requirements
BMR turns your 31B duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
Required for claimsCost $200-500 exam + courseTime 1-2 weeksRequired for insurance adjuster roles. State-specific licensing — study time is minimal. Combined with investigation experience, opens door to SIU positions.
RecommendedCost $404 examTime 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleFor MPs with security clearances targeting cybersecurity or information security. Meets DoD 8570 IAT Level II. Physical security MPs can bridge to information security through this cert.
RecommendedCost $250-400Time 6-12 months prepGI Bill eligibleGold standard for emergency management careers. Requires documented EM experience — MPs emergency response roles count. Combine with FEMA Independent Study courses.
RecommendedCost $300-475 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleFor MPs pivoting to HR. Investigation, conflict resolution, and equal opportunity experience provide a strong foundation for employee relations roles.
RecommendedCost $300-500 examTime 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleFor MPs targeting investigation careers. Covers case management, evidence collection, and surveillance — skills developed in MP investigations.
RecommendedCost $450-600 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleFor MPs targeting insurance fraud, corporate investigations, or financial compliance. Investigation and interview skills transfer directly.
RequiredCost $0 (academy-funded) to $5,000+Time 16-26 weeks academyRequired for sworn law enforcement in most states. MP experience may qualify for abbreviated academy or lateral transfer in some states. Check your target state POST requirements — reciprocity varies significantly.
RecommendedCost $405-555 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleFor MPs targeting management roles outside law enforcement. Military project leadership counts toward the 36 months experience requirement. Strong for operations management and corporate roles.
RecommendedCost $150-300Time 30 hoursGI Bill eligibleEntry-level credential for safety career pivot. MPs already understand inspection and compliance enforcement — this adds the OSHA regulatory framework.
RecommendedCost $300-400 examTime 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleStepping stone to CSP. MPs with safety inspection experience have a foundation — this formalizes it for civilian employers.
Highly RecommendedCost $400-600 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard for corporate security management. Requires experience in security management — MP leadership time counts. Covers physical security, personnel security, investigations, and crisis management.
RecommendedCost $300-500 examTime 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleFocused on physical security assessments, barriers, access control, and surveillance. Directly relevant to MP force protection experience. Good stepping stone before CPP.
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
SkillBridge Programs: Several law enforcement agencies and security firms participate in DOD SkillBridge. Search the SkillBridge database. Federal agencies including CBP and Secret Service have hosted military police through transition programs.
Police Academy Credit: Many state and municipal police academies give credit for military police training. Check with your target agency — some states (Texas, Florida, Virginia) have specific military-to-law-enforcement pathways that reduce or waive academy requirements.
ASIS International: ASIS International is the leading professional organization for security management. Their CPP (Certified Protection Professional) credential is the gold standard for corporate security leadership.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) opens doors to program and project management across any industry. Your experience managing shift operations, investigations, and security programs qualifies as project management.
Compliance & Risk: The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) from ACFE and Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) are valued in corporate compliance roles.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. ACP is legitimate and completely free for veterans.
Clearance Leverage: Your Secret clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and stays active up to 24 months after separation. ClearanceJobs.com is the go-to resource for cleared positions.
GI Bill Strategy: Criminal justice, homeland security, and public administration degrees are strong choices. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval.
Army Resume Guide: MOS Translation | Complete Military Resume Guide | Army ETS Checklist | Build Your Resume Free
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
The most direct paths are civilian law enforcement (police officers earn a median of $76,290 per BLS May 2024), private security, corporate security management, and federal law enforcement. Beyond security, 31Bs transition into compliance, risk management, loss prevention, and corporate investigations.
Many do. Several states (Texas, Florida, Virginia, and others) have military-to-law-enforcement pathways that reduce or waive portions of police academy training for veterans with MP experience. Check with your target agency — acceptance varies by jurisdiction.
CBP, ICE, U.S. Marshals, Secret Service, Federal Protective Service, Bureau of Prisons, VA Police, and the Federal Air Marshal Service all hire former military police. Many use expedited hiring for veterans with law enforcement experience and active clearances.
Many 31Bs transition into compliance (median $78,420), operations management (median $102,950), project management (median $100,750), or HR (median $79,730). Your investigative skills, report writing, and supervisory experience translate to corporate environments. See the Career Change Paths section for specific options.
The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) from ASIS International is the gold standard for corporate security management. It signals to employers that you can manage security programs at the enterprise level. For 31Bs targeting security director or VP of security roles, CPP is essential.
Federal LE positions use the GS pay scale with Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), which adds 25% to base salary. A GS-7 CBP Officer in a metro area can earn $55,000-$65,000+ starting, with GS-12/13 agents earning $90,000-$120,000+. Locality pay adjustments vary by region.
Yes. 31Bs with CID experience qualify directly for GS-1811 (Criminal Investigator) positions. Without CID, you can target GS-1810 (General Investigator) or municipal detective positions. Private investigation is also an option (median $52,370 per BLS May 2024).
You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. Veterans Preference adds 5 points (honorable discharge) or 10 points (disability rating). For competitive LE positions, these points can make the difference between selection and non-selection.
Extremely. Cleared security professionals are in high demand for defense contractor facility security, government building security management, and intelligence agency protective services. Your clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and stays active up to 24 months after separation.
Start 12-18 months before separation. Research your target agency requirements, complete any needed certifications, and apply for SkillBridge if available. Many federal LE agencies have long hiring timelines (6-12 months from application to start date), so apply early.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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