Join the Marine Corps Police | Civilian Federal Law Enforcement Careers

Join the Marine Corps Police (MCP)

One Team, One Mission

You don’t have to wear a military uniform to serve the Marine Corps.

As a Marine Corps Police Officer, you’ll protect Marines, their families, and their communities while building a federal career filled with purpose, pride, and balance.

Why Join the Marine Corps Police

Paid training at the Marine Corps Police Academy, a DOW POST and FLETA-accredited academy at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Competitive federal pay and benefits, including retirement, health, and life insurance
Opportunities for overtime, incentives, and career advancement
Serve a vital role protecting Marines and their families across installations nationwide
Gain valuable law enforcement experience and professional development in a respected federal program

As a Marine Corps Police Officer, you’ll help protect and secure Marine Corps installations across the United States, keeping Marines, their families, and mission-critical facilities safe.

In addition to providing installation security, you may also work in specialized units, including:

Where You’ll Serve

Serve at Marine Corps bases across the United States:

Arizona

Yuma

California

Barstow
Bridgeport
Oceanside
San Diego
Twentynine Palms

Florida

Jacksonville

Georgia

Albany

Hawaii

Honolulu

Louisiana

New Orleans

North Carolina

Jacksonville
Havelock

South Carolina

Beaufort

Virginia

Quantico

Training & Academy

The Marine Corps Police Academy, accredited by FLETA and located at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, is where your journey begins.
You’ll receive top-tier instruction through the Basic Police Officer Course, plus advanced and follow-on courses designed to help you grow throughout your career.
With new facilities, updated classrooms, and modern training environments, the Academy provides the skills, confidence, and leadership development needed to serve with professionalism and pride.
From day one, you’re part of a team that builds discipline, leadership, and lifelong professional skills.

Pay & Benefits

As a Marine Corps Police Officer, you’ll be a federal employee under the General Schedule (GS) pay system, with pay and advancement based on performance.

You’ll receive:

Competitive GS pay
Low-cost health, dental, and life insurance
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) — the federal 401(k)
Uniform allowance and paid training
Federal safeguards ensuring fair, merit-based advancement

Who We’re Looking For

We’re hiring driven, dependable, and disciplined individuals who want to make a difference. You
don’t need prior police experience; we’ll train you to succeed.

You may be a great fit if you:

Are a U.S. citizen, 18 or older
Have integrity, discipline, and teamwork
Can pass background, medical, and fitness screenings
Want to make a real impact by protecting others

Conditions for Employment

To join the Marine Corps Civilian Police, applicants must meet several key requirements.

These include:

Must be a U.S. citizen
Must pass all background checks (Police Applicant Suitability Review, National Agency Check, and eligibility for a Secret clearance)
Must pass all pre-employment screenings (drug test, physical exam, Body Mass Index compliance)
Must pass required Physical Agility Test (Marine Corps PFT/CFT, including ongoing re-tests)
Must be able to carry firearms and qualify on all weapons requirements
Must attend and graduate from the Marine Corps Police Academy (or receive a waiver)

FAQs

Am I joining the Marine Corps?

No. Marine Corps Police Officers are civilian federal employees who serve Marine Corps
installations. You’ll work alongside Marines, not as one.

Do I need prior police experience?

Not required. You’ll receive paid training through the Marine Corps Police Academy.

Will I have to deploy or relocate?

No. There’s no deployment or relocation requirement unless you request a transfer.

What about tattoos?

Tattoos are allowed within the Marine Corps tattoo policy. You’ll just need to meet grooming and
appearance standards.

The position is based on a 40-hour workweek, totaling 72 hours of actual work per pay period,
plus one 8-hour training day per pay period (two per month). Schedules may vary slightly by
installation.appearance standards.

Your Next Step

You’ve got the mindset. We’ve got the mission.

Choose your preferred location below and submit the quick application form. Our recruitment team will be in touch shortly to guide you through the next steps.

This is your chance to protect those who protect America.