MILITARY POLICEMAN/WOMAN

The Job

As a Military Policeman/woman you form part of the Army’s police force. A fully trained soldier, you will also be responsible for maintaining order and military discipline, both in barracks and on operations. You could be deployed anywhere in the world, supporting military units and undertaking security patrols, detecting and preventing crime, and investigating incidents.

The Right Job For Me?

To join RMP you must have a mature, determined and self-confident attitude. Investigating and detecting crime demands an inquisitive but open mind, as well as a genuine interest in police work. RMP have the ability to work unsupervised, as well as to think and act independently. Of course, an honest nature is vital and you should have no civil convictions.

What Skills Will I Learn?

Training will be given in preventing and detecting crime, as well as the procedures for investigating crimes and incidents while supporting other military units on operations.Responding to enquiries in Military Police Stations is a large part of the role, and you will learn how to deal with soldiers and officers of all ranks.You will be taught general police duties in barracks and on operations.You will learn to conduct security patrols in vehicles and on foot.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial trainingEvery AGC soldier is first and foremost a fighting soldier. Your career will start at an Army Training Regiment (ATR). During your 14-week basic training course you will learn military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open and how to tackle an assault course, as well as developing your stamina and fitness. You will be stretched further than you thought possible and toughen up physically and mentally. Having successfully mastered these basic military skills, you will take your place in the Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives and friends.Further trainingAfter basic training you will begin 22 weeks of Phase 2 training at the Defence College of Policing and Guarding (DCPG) at Southwick Park near Fareham, Hampshire. Here, highly experienced instructors use their expertise to teach you every aspect of military policing. Phase 2 training is highly demanding, but its thoroughness will fully prepare you for the reality of your new job. The course will give you high standards of motivation and leadership, because there are times when Royal Military Police personnel are expected to carry out their duties under tough and testing conditions. These are the subjects covered:Civilian and military lawLearning about the law and how it affects operations.Physical trainingMaintaining and improving on the high level of fitness you gained in basic training.Crime investigation How police officers investigate, detect and report crimes.DrivingVehicle training will get you licences for cars and Land Rovers.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

Full driving licence.

Future Prospects

After initial training, the step up from Private to Lance Corporal involves a pay rise and a posting to your first RMP unit, where further prospects are excellent – promotion to Corporal normally happens after two years. There are also opportunities to apply for a commission if you demonstrate the right qualities. After six months of General Policing Duties you may specialise in roles including Covert Operations (undercover policing operations) and Close Protection (the Army’s bodyguards). On reaching Class 1 Corporal (4-5 years approximately but sometimes earlier) you may specialise in the Special Investigation Branch (the Army’s equivalent of CID).