Which is better, the Army National Guard military police or the Air National Guard security forces?

Harley Jones — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 13:40:24 -0500

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2017 3:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 15:01:07 -0500

Both have the ability to be great or not, depending on the leadership and climate of the unit. If you're thinking of a career, look a few moves down the road - does the state you're considering serving in have a large Air Guard? Large Army Guard? Within the state, is the Army MP unit a company with no upward mobility, or does the state have a MP Brigade where you can make E-9 or O-6? Don't just look at the near term job, look at your overall goal and pick the best fit.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2017 1:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 13:15:16 -0500

LTC Magee makes good points, for example I didn't know this at the time but good chance is I can only top out at E6/E7 where I am unless I go Warrant and since Warrant slots are available and we only have one Chief that's something I may consider.

In my State we have an MP Battalion and 3 MP Companies so there's room for advancement for them. We also have two 2 major Air Force Bases. So you need to find out what's in your State and what level are the units, are the Brigade level elements or lower?

Now that's not to say I couldn't make E8 or E9 but I wouldn't be doing my MOS anymore at that point or leading Soldiers of my MOS. I would be a Company First Sergeant, or SFC acting as one, or I would be a Battalion Sergeant Major. Doing work for the Company or the Battalion. Granted my MOS makes part of that what it is, specialized MOS with few people in it.

Response by Kryptic Studios made Mar 6 at 2018 8:58 AM

Kryptic Studios — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 08:58:20 -0500

I'm in Clarksville TN right by Fort Campbell which is Army but I'm pretty sure the guard drills there as well. It's a large base and I think one of the better ones in the nation. Does anyone know how many brigades they have?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 11:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 11:01:44 -0500

In my experience as an Army NG MP, you can count on being activated quite a bit at the state level. I guess that depends on where you live and how heavily that state uses their NG for things though.

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Dec 29 at 2018 2:53 PM

1stSgt Jeff Blovat — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 14:53:10 -0500

There’s one way to find out. And that is the “Thunder Dome”.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 3 at 2020 2:11 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sun, 03 May 2020 02:11:22 -0400

The Security Forces are primarily used for base security - access control and perimeter patrol. MPs have a wider range of functions - they do, yes, base security but also law enforcement, traffic control (more than just directing traffic), area security, detainee operations, convoy escorts and counter insurgency. If you like staying on a base and keeping it safe - go Air Guard. If you want a wide range of experiences and missions - go Army.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 3:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 03:57:31 -0400

In what way