MAY 8, 2015, by Lizzie Weakley – After serving four years in the military, veterans often find themselves trying to determine what type of job is best for them. While many continue to serve their country beyond the initial four year requirement and often complete a four year college degree during that time period, veterans who are dishonorably discharged right away seek employment in fields in which they can utilize their military experience.
Some veterans may even go on to complete a masters in criminal justice degree in hopes that it will land them a better career allowing them to use their education and experience. The field of criminal justice has a positive outlook for the foreseeable future, and there are a variety of criminal justice related careers that are perfect for military veterans.
Police Officer
The police officer position is one of the most popular criminal justice positions currently available to military veterans. Police departments across the United States often seek out military veterans for employment and even offer incentives for prior military experience. The physical demand of military training effectively prepares veterans for the police academy, while use of firearms and the ability to perform specific job duties during stressful situations makes them viable candidates for police work.
FBI Agent
Agents employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation work as investigators in a variety of different specialty fields, including drugs, international money laundering, terrorism, financial crime and more. Military veterans are always looked at favorably for FBI positions because of their unique military skill set. Similar to police officers, FBI agents must perform a variety of job duties while experiencing high levels of stress.
They also investigate and apprehend high value international targets, often as part of a large and dangerous operation which might involve the use of firearms and various military tactics. Military veterans who wish to join the FBI must possess a college degree and complete the required 18 week training course.
Crime Scene Investigator
The primary task of a crime scene investigator is to collect evidence at a crime scene, analyze both the evidence and crime scene itself, and make a detailed report of his or her findings that can be used in a court of law.
Military veterans who primarily worked as criminal investigations special agents will find that their training and experience will directly benefit them when they transfer into civilian life and begin seeking careers as crime scene investigators with local police departments around the country.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist attorneys, organizations and government agencies with research, paperwork, court filings and more.
Military branches, such as the Air Force, offers a paralegal position to current military members. Once a veteran has completed his or her required four years of service, the experience gained as a paralegal within the military can help them obtain civilian employment within many different types of organizations. The college credit earned from the military can also be transferred to a paralegal degree at a later date.
Whether you spend four years in the military or decide to continue your service beyond that, a career in criminal justice is always a great choice for veterans, regardless of their expertise or rank.
Author Bio: My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3 year old husky Snowball.>/i>