31B MOS Military Police — Civilian Career Guide
Military Police enforce laws, maintain order, and provide security. Direct path to civilian law enforcement, federal agencies, and security management.
CAREER PATHS
6
TOP SALARY
$98,770.00
AVG SALARY
$71,358.00
Civilian Career Matches
Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Salaries are national medians — your area may vary.
Police Officer
SOC 33-3051
$77,270.00
median/yr
CBP Border Patrol Agent
SOC 33-3051
$77,270.00
median/yr
Federal Law Enforcement (DEA/ICE/USMS)
SOC 33-3021
$98,770.00
median/yr
Corporate Security Manager
SOC 33-1099
$65,850.00
median/yr
Corrections Officer
SOC 33-3012
$49,610.00
median/yr
Private Investigator
SOC 33-9021
$59,380.00
median/yr
What's your next step?
You've got the civilian career picture. Now: pick what to tackle next. Most 31B Military Police veterans separating in the next 12 months should start here.
Do this first
Start your VA disability claim
File before separation. Every day = back-pay you can't recover. Free claims tracker covers 110+ conditions.
Where to settle
Compare 50 states for veterans
Property tax exemptions, no-state-income-tax states, healthcare access. Side-by-side comparisons.
12-month roadmap
Build your transition timeline
TAP class, VA enrollment, terminal leave, TSP, SkillBridge — all the deadlines no one tells you.
Quick calculator
Estimate your VA combined rating
The VA doesn't add ratings — they use a specific formula. See your combined rating in 30 seconds.
Skills That Transfer
Recommended Certifications
These certifications can increase your salary by 10-25% and make you more competitive for civilian roles.
How to pay for these — you likely don't pay out of pocket
- GI Bill: the Post-9/11 GI Bill reimburses licensing & certification test fees up to $2,000 per exam— and it doesn't use a full month of entitlement.
- While you're still in:your branch's Credentialing Assistance program can cover the full cost of many of these certs (often several thousand dollars a year) — check Army COOL / Credentialing Assistance ↗ for what's funded and current amounts.
- Tip: start certs before you separate — Credentialing Assistance is only for currently-serving members; after separation you shift to the GI Bill.
VA conditions commonly associated with 31B service
The documented noise, physical demands, and exposures of a Military Police role are commonly linked to the conditions below. This is awareness of what this job can lead to, not a promise of a rating. The VA decides every claim on your own diagnosis and evidence. If you deal with any of these, here is how each is rated.
Rucking, lifting, and body armor load the spine for years.
See how it is rated →Rucks, jumps, and repetitive impact wear the knees.
See how it is rated →Weapons, engines, and flightline noise are the #1 driver of ringing in the ears.
See how it is rated →Repeated noise exposure without perfect hearing protection is extremely common.
See how it is rated →Combat, trauma, or high-stress duty can cause lasting symptoms.
See how it is rated →Long hours on your feet in boots inflame the heel/arch.
See how it is rated →A free accredited VSO can help you file any of these at no cost. Never pay a fee or a percentage of your back pay for claim help.
Translate Your 31B Experience to a Civilian Resume
Use our free resume builder to convert your Military Police skills and experience into language civilian employers understand. Built specifically for Army veterans.
31B Military Police: Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 31B Military Police do?
Military Police enforce laws, maintain order, and provide security. Direct path to civilian law enforcement, federal agencies, and security management.
What civilian jobs can a 31B Military Police transition into?
Common civilian careers for a 31B (Army MOS) Military Police include Police Officer, CBP Border Patrol Agent, Federal Law Enforcement (DEA/ICE/USMS), Corporate Security Manager, and Corrections Officer. These roles draw on the same skills and experience you built in service — see the full skill-to-career mapping above.
How much does a 31B Military Police make in civilian work?
Civilian roles that match a 31B Military Police have median salaries ranging from about $49,610 to $98,770 per year, depending on the role, location, and your certifications and clearance. Figures are BLS median wage data for the matched occupations.
What certifications help a 31B Military Police land a civilian job?
Certifications that strengthen a 31B Military Police resume include State Law Enforcement Academy, CPP, and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner). Many can be started before you separate, and several are covered by VA education benefits or credentialing programs.
What skills does a 31B Military Police bring to civilian employers?
Employers value the transferable skills a 31B Military Police develops, including Law enforcement, Crime scene investigation, Report writing, De-escalation, and Physical security. Translating these into civilian terms on your resume is what turns military experience into interviews.
More Army Career Guides
31B Jobs by State
Explore 31B Military Police career opportunities by state.