Last Updated on November 16, 2023
This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Master-at-Arms (MA) during the Fiscal Year 2024.
Law enforcement and security play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of sizable communities like the Navy.
The Navy’s military police handle crime prevention and anti-terrorism measures. These professionals offer security services on ships, bases, and military installations around the globe.
Sailors have the option of receiving training as K9 dog handlers and safeguard shipboard weapons in the armory. Their responsibility is to provide defense and protection to the Navy Fleet.
Job Description
Master-At-Arms (MA) are Navy enlisted Sailors who conducts Force Protection (FP) operations to defeat threats in various environments. FP comprises Antiterrorism (AT), physical security, and law enforcement. MA provides layered defense for assets and infrastructure worldwide.
MA Sailors operate in a sea/coastal/landward security environment, conducting mobile and fixed defensive operations. They train personnel in AT, physical security, law enforcement, and weapons proficiency.
These tasks support base defense, combat operations, asset security, and special events with other services, host nation partners, and civil authorities.
Enlisted Sailors in law enforcement work in various environments. They may work at a desk or interact with the community in a law enforcement capacity.
Assignments can be at shore stations in the US or overseas, on ships, or in a maritime security squadron. Ultimately, they can be stationed anywhere globally.
The advancement of an MA in the enlisted or officer ranks during a 20- to 30-year career is determined by individual motivation, ability, and work ethic.
MAs are deployed to various expeditionary security locations worldwide.
The primary role of these Sailors is to ensure security to support Joint Service operations on both land and at sea.
The Navy MA typically operates in a team-oriented environment, performing duties such as physical security, cargo security, flight line security, and land security.
Working with both enlisted personnel and officers of the military police corps, they enforce laws through investigations and patrols while protecting naval bases and other facilities.
Specific Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an MA include providing protection enhancement measures on board ships and platforms; maintaining a high level of physical condition; providing law enforcement duties when needed; conducting customs operations; and providing detainee operations.
MAs specialize in security reaction forces and serve as part of a security team when assisting with protective service operations.
They also serve in corrections operations and may be called upon to handle situations involving mental impairment or suicidal behavior.
As a Master-at-Arms, you may have various responsibilities, which include:
- Offering security and ensuring the physical protection of military personnel.
- Conducting training sessions for fellow Sailors on security protocols and responsibilities related to shore patrol duties.
- Assuming the role of a security advisor within your squadron.
- Providing support in managing crowds and preventing riots.
- Managing military prisons, known as brigs, both on naval vessels and on land.
- Nurturing and training canines specialized in detecting narcotics and explosives.
- Undertaking security patrol and interdiction operations on bodies of water.
- Providing protective services to dignitaries and government officials of high rank.
- Performing initial investigations regarding violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
- Organizing and implementing programs focused on crime prevention.
Different Roles
Afloat Security Specialist
Afloat Security Specialists perform operations and stay prepared to address and mitigate criminal and terrorist activities.
They handle various security operations, such as personnel security, physical security, access control, and shipboard security equipment.
These Sailors maintain order, discipline, and a safe operating environment while safeguarding life, property, and information.
These professionals serve as members of a Shipboard Security Department or as Independent Duty Master-at-Arms (IDMA) assigned to a ship.
They must be knowledgeable about the use of firearms and other small arms, as well as a variety of non-lethal weapons.
Afloat Security Specialists also oversee the Ship’s Self Defense Force (SSDF) and provide tactical training to maintain proficiency in their job.
Expeditionary Security Specialist
Expeditionary Security Specialists perform a wide range of security duties in various operational contexts, including combat operations and counter-insurgency operations.
In a combat environment, Expeditionary Security Specialists develop and implement security plans for sensitive areas, assessing threats to personnel and material assets, providing protective services to high-profile individuals, conducting searches and inspections of personnel and vehicles, controlling access points, and managing security operations.
In a counterinsurgency setting, these professionals are tasked with gathering intelligence on hostile forces and insurgents , and may be required to engage in direct combat operations.
These Sailors also provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response, theater cooperation, aircraft protection, law enforcement operations, maritime interdiction operations, and reconstruction operations.
Installation Security Specialist
Installation Security Specialists are trained and equipped personnel who maintain readiness and support safety and order on installations.
These Sailors protect resources, facilities, assets, infrastructure, and personnel, and provide access control based on directives and current threat levels.
Installation Security Specialists inspect and determine the security posture of a Navy installation, as well as developing and implementing security plans.
They work closely with local, state, and other federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all personnel.
Installation Security Specialists also provide patrols, posts, and access control points on an installation to detect unauthorized persons or activities.
They use physical surveillance, radio communication systems, anti-intrusion measures, and other security equipment to protect personnel.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service Operations Specialist
Naval Criminal Investigative Service Operations Specialists perform specific duties to support the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
These duties include investigating military offenses, protecting personnel in high-risk positions, providing antiterrorism training, and conducting inspections and assessments for vulnerability and readiness.
NCIS Operations Specialists can be found in many types of settings, including law enforcement offices, security centers, and other government agencies.
Operations Specialists are expected to be detail-oriented and have a comprehensive understanding of military regulations. They must also be able to work independently and in a team environment.
They may also be asked to travel overseas for investigation or training duties.
Naval Security Forces Trainer-Planner
Naval Security Forces Trainer-Planners provide training and planning for all operational readiness, effectiveness, and performance functions of the Naval Security Force (NSP).
This includes training plans and certifications, material and equipment management, operational readiness inspections (ORIs), security surveys, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
They accomplish this through instruction, evaluation, analysis, and improvement within the unit’s capabilities.
They lead or assist in the development, management, and execution of all Force Protection (FP) program plans.
Naval Security Forces Trainer-Planners are expected to provide technical guidance for exercise scenarios, evaluate personnel performance during exercises, ensure proper maintenance of all security equipment, and assess the effectiveness of methods employed.
Strategic Asset Security Specialist
Strategic Asset Security Specialists protect the nation’s nuclear forces and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) TACAMO aircraft.
These Sailors perform duties such as conducting physical security checks of nuclear weapons facilities, patrolling secure areas, conducting surveillance operations, operating advanced security systems, responding to alarms and other emergency situations, providing protection services for personnel assigned to the facility.
Therefore, they must be physically fit and have a solid background in security, good judgment, and the ability to work independently.
These professionals work at Strategic Weapons Facilities (SWF) as part of Marine Corps Security Force Battalions (MCSFBn), performing Nuclear Weapons Security (NWS) operations.
They also perform TACAMO operations as members of Strategic Communications Wing One, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons, and U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Airborne Command Post.
SWF and VQ activities are given CNO Priority 1 by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and Manning Control Authorities (MCA) for personnel assignment.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
After completing initial Recruit Training (Boot Camp), individuals pursuing a Law Enforcement & Security role will be assigned to San Antonio, TX for formal Navy training at Class “A” Technical School, which lasts approximately 10 weeks.
During this time, they will be instructed in antiterrorism techniques, armed sentry/post-standing techniques, crime prevention, military and civil law, communications, first aid, firearms deployment, and physical restraint techniques.
The training program prepares Sailors for Navy-specific roles such as Security Patrolman, Anti-piracy Force Protection, Shore Patrol, Security Watchstanders, and Military Police.
Upon completion of the 10-week course in San Antonio, they will be assigned to their permanent duty stations and will continue to receive on-the-job training.
At their duty station, they may be called upon to serve as team leaders, instructors, or supervisors. Promotion opportunities are excellent and highly competitive.
Sailors must meet a variety of qualifications, such as physical condition, mental impairment, weapons proficiency, and security awareness training.
Promotion opportunities are regularly offered, but they are competitive and based on performance.
Post-Service Opportunities
It should be noted that specialized training and work experience obtained during service can lead to valuable credentials and job opportunities in law enforcement fields in the civilian sector.
Serving in the Navy provides members with a wealth of job skills and experiences that can secure civilian employment upon leaving the service.
While serving, members receive specialized training and work experience that can transfer into valuable credentials and job opportunities in law enforcement fields once they separate from the military.
For instance, a Navy veteran who has obtained certifications or qualifications for jobs such as correctional officer, security officer, or police officer can find employment in these fields with relative ease.
Qualifications to Join
To become an Enlisted Sailor in law enforcement and security, you need a high-school diploma or equivalent. If you’re interested in a Master-at-Arms position, you should be people-oriented, dedicated, resourceful, and versatile. Citizenship requirements may differ.
You should have physical strength, manual dexterity, and competence with tools and equipment.
General qualifications may vary based on your current service status or prior service experience.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as a Master-at-Arms.
ASVAB for MA:
VE+AR+MK+MC = 196
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2024, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.
So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming a Master-at-Arms (MA), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
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