What’s it like being a 31B?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 22:32:33 -0500

I have 15 months left of my active duty contract and am looking to transition to the reserves and reclass to a 31B.

Response by SPC William Carter made Jan 14 at 2020 10:33 PM

SPC William Carter — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 22:33:45 -0500

Exciting

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2020 10:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 22:34:27 -0500

Private message me!

Response by SFC David Dean made Jan 14 at 2020 10:56 PM

SFC David Dean — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 22:56:02 -0500

From a personal perspective, I would not trade my 20 years as an active duty MP for any other career field. It can be tedious and boring with respect to much of the associated responsibilities. On the other side of the coin, it is both interesting and rewarding. I operated with an axiom that as in all law enforcement, you will likely go through a proverbial 100 incidents whereby 99 will suck the life out of you and then the one incident will recharge you because somebody will tell you that they are so appreciative for what you did for them. The job will challenge you mentally, physically and emotionally, but it will as well reward you when you make honest efforts to do it well. Serve and protect.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 1:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 01:57:43 -0500

Not for everyone, but as mentioned by SFC Dean it can be very rewarding.

Response by SPC William Carter made Jan 15 at 2020 5:34 AM

SPC William Carter — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:34:46 -0500

Honestly, I liked being an MP, you never knew what you are going to be dealing with from one day to the next. However, it’s no fun dealing with drunks and hurt people all the time. Remember, the only time you are going to be called most of the time is when bad things happen. Not to mention, the 20 pages reports you have to do on traffic accidents and DUI’s! You definitely have to take the good with the bad with this MOS.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 6:07 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 06:07:15 -0500

Depends it has it days. Just like any other job it can be stressful at times and fun

Response by PV2 Aj Veal made Jan 15 at 2020 7:23 AM

PV2 Aj Veal — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 07:23:31 -0500

If I could go back, I would have chose a job that would set me up for success as a civilian. It was much harder transitioning because I did not have a transferable skill. 100% of the police departments I spoke to were going to make me re-do 100% of my training. If your not already if a 24/7, 365 role, it could be a big change. We were in the field then on the road, then back in the field, etc. Leave was limited to 14 days because we have to have man power for training and garrison duties. Also, your co MP's will snitch at the drop of a dime. If you enjoy regular sleep, choose a different job. Find a job that will lead you to a successful civilian life.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 11:18 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 11:18:10 -0500

remember this is the Reserves. be prepared for tons of mandatory admin training (ie sharp, eo, tarp, suicide prevention, etc) at least half of our battle assemblies are eaten up with that crap. Personally, I did not like being an MP. I started as ADA in the guard and we got converted to MPs. I did 2 company commands and then I went and got 90A (logistics) qualified. Just be forewarned that being an MP in the guard/reserves is a lot different from being an MP on active duty. My only deployment as an MP, my troops did nothing but route security and manning check points. And, as has been mentioned, being a 31B doesn't really set you up for a civilian career because most police departments are going to make you attend their academy/training anyway. The experience might help a little getting your foot in the door but unless it's something you are sure you'd love doing, I'd consider other MOS before making a final decision.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 12:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 12:17:24 -0500

It was not my first pick of Branch but i enjoyed it. A big benefit to me now is the Federal Law Enforcement Credential that MPs now qualify for.

Response by SFC Ocie Conner made Jan 15 at 2020 6:15 PM

SFC Ocie Conner — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 18:15:05 -0500

Most have provide comments that will be reiterated over and over whether positive or negative. I offer you this! Job satisfaction. I have been an MP for 23 years and have truly loved it. Though there are times that have wanted to love elsewhere. I could just for the live of the job. Not only could I affect my Soldiers but the community (Installation). I’ve had a split mixture of garrison duties and combat. You have to do what you feels is best for you and your family if applicable) we will all bring different opinions and experiences. Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2020 10:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 22:55:22 -0500

Reserve side is as expected, first it depends if your unit is guard or combat support. This specifies their mission set and what you’ll be training on. If your a guard unit you will focus more on detainee ops. If your combat support then that speaks for its self. Annual training are usually good, and a drill weekend is paperwork, details and training.

Response by SPC Westly Burgos made Jan 25 at 2020 11:01 AM

SPC Westly Burgos — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 11:01:09 -0500

It can be fun, and painfully boring. Kiss all the weekends and holidays good bye. Can be very rewarding when things go well. Plenty of options for work other than the road work, MPI, Traffic, SR, K9 and whatnot. The more you do the better you will be set up for after service.

Response by SGT Sean Copper made May 20 at 2020 11:29 PM

SGT Sean Copper — Wed, 20 May 2020 23:29:54 -0400

Depends on what 31B you actually get to do. Some of us do the police stuff while others simply train like infantry with little to know police stuff involved. Depends on where you get stationed. Sometimes you may even be stuck as a gate guard. In the 6 years I was in I did about 6 months of actual police work. The rest was deployments and training for deployments.