Master-at-Arms (MA): Navy Reserve (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those considering to enlist in the Navy Reserve as a Master-at-Arms (MA) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

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Want to serve in the Navy without giving up your civilian life? The Master-at-Arms (MA) in the Navy Reserve lets you do exactly that.

You’ll enforce military law, provide security, and protect Navy assets—all while maintaining your career and personal life.

Think law enforcement meets military readiness. Whether securing a base, guarding high-value personnel, or running anti-terrorism operations, MAs keep the Navy safe.

This guide covers everything: responsibilities, training, career growth, pay, and more.

Let’s break it down.

Job Role and Responsibilities

Job Description

Master-at-Arms (MA) personnel in the Navy Reserve perform law enforcement duties while executing security operations and safeguarding both personnel and assets. Their responsibilities match civilian law enforcement operations yet they serve within military environments throughout both domestic and international locations.

Daily Tasks

• Conduct base security patrols and access control.
• Enforce laws, regulations, and military policies.
• Investigate security breaches and apprehend suspects.
• Train and deploy for anti-terrorism and force protection missions.
• Provide protective services for high-ranking officials.
• Operate security technology, including surveillance systems.

Specific Roles

MAs specialize in various security functions, including:

Specialty	Responsibilities
Installation Security	Base security, gate control, and patrols.
Expeditionary Security	Deployed force protection and high-risk security missions.
NCIS Support	Assist in criminal investigations and counterintelligence.
K-9 Unit	Work with military working dogs for drug/explosive detection.
Harbor Security	Patrol naval installations using security watercraft.

Mission Contribution

MAs safeguard Navy personnel, facilities, and operations. They prevent threats, enforce discipline, and maintain operational security—directly supporting mission readiness and national defense.

Technology and Equipment

MAs receive training in various security technologies and tools such as:

• Weapons: Security training for MAs teaches handling M4 rifles and M9 pistols and operating non-lethal equipment such as batons and tasers.
• Surveillance: CCTV, biometric access systems, motion sensors.
• Vehicles: Patrol boats, tactical vehicles, armored transport.
• Communication: Secure radios, encrypted data systems.

Work Environment

Setting and Schedule

This job isn’t just standing at a gate. It’s fast-paced and unpredictable. One day, you’re checking IDs. The next, you’re tracking a security threat.

Most of the time, though? You train, patrol, and enforce regulations.

Reservists work one weekend a month, two weeks a year. But if the Navy needs you: You go. Natural disasters. Deployments. High-threat missions. If something happens, you’re on call. That’s the job.

Where You’ll Work

• Naval bases – Patrolling, responding to incidents, controlling access.
• Harbor security – Guarding ships, operating security boats, watching the water.
• Embassy protection – Overseas assignments securing diplomats and classified intel.
• Expeditionary missions – High-threat zones, force protection, counterterrorism.
• Detention centers – Handling military detainees, enforcing regulations.

Daily Schedule

• Drill weekends – Tactical training, law enforcement exercises, mission prep.
• Annual training – Two weeks of full-time work in the field or on base.
• Activations – If you’re called up, expect deployments stateside or overseas.

Leadership and Communication

You’re part of a chain. Follow orders. Give orders. Keep the mission tight.

• Senior enlisted leaders run operations. They train you, correct you, push you.
• Officers handle security strategy. If an asset needs protection, they plan it.
• NCIS agents work cases. They bring you in for support, evidence collection, and enforcement.

Every move you make is documented. Incident reports. Radio logs. Daily briefs. One mistake can cost lives, so communication is everything.

Teamwork vs. Working Alone

• Group missions: You move as one. Large-scale security details, patrols, and emergency response teams.
• Solo duty: You handle access points, guard stations, and investigative work.

Expect long hours. Expect unpredictability. Sometimes, you’ll work under pressure with no backup. That’s why you train constantly.

Training and Skill Development

Initial Training

All training begins at Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Lackland in San Antonio, Texas. This is Master-at-Arms “A” School. It lasts nine weeks. Recruits learn the core skills of military law enforcement.

Subjects include:

• Military law – Rules, jurisdiction, and enforcement procedures.
• Weapons training – M4 rifles, M9 pistols, and non-lethal force options.
• Defensive tactics – Hand-to-hand combat, suspect restraint, and takedown techniques.
• Emergency response – Crisis intervention, active shooter drills, and threat neutralization.
• Patrolling and investigations – Surveillance, evidence collection, and suspect apprehension.

Graduation certifies each recruit in military law enforcement.

Advanced Training

Reservists can specialize in high-demand security fields.

• K-9 Handlers Course – Military working dog training for explosives and narcotics detection.
• Expeditionary Security Operations – High-risk force protection and combat security.
• Naval Corrections Academy – Detention facility management and prisoner security.
• Protective Service Detail (PSD) Training – Close protection for officers and high-value assets.
• Harbor Patrol Unit (HPU) Training – Waterborne security and anti-terrorism operations.

Ongoing Skill Development

Training never stops. Skills must stay sharp.

• Drill weekends – Monthly weapons qualifications and law enforcement drills.
• Annual training – Two weeks of live exercises, either stateside or overseas.
• Civilian crossover skills – Many techniques apply directly to federal, state, and local police work.

Every drill, every course, every repetition builds readiness.

Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations

Physical Requirements

This job is physically demanding. Positions in security and law enforcement demand physical strength along with endurance and swift reaction capabilities.

All reservists need to achieve passing scores on the Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT).

Standards vary by age and gender. The test includes:

• Push-ups – Minimum required within two minutes.
• Plank hold – Core strength endurance.
• 1.5-mile run – Timed event measuring cardiovascular fitness.

Regular fitness tests ensure operational readiness. Failure can result in remedial training or administrative action.

Daily Physical Demands

Some days are slow. Others push the body to its limit. Duties include:

• Standing for long periods at access points or patrol routes.
• Running or sprinting in response to security incidents.
• Physical confrontations when detaining suspects.
• Heavy lifting while handling gear, barricades, or detainees.

Medical Evaluations

A full medical screening is required before enlistment. This includes:

• Hearing and vision tests – Must meet minimum military standards.
• Cardiovascular assessment – Ensures the ability to handle stress under physical exertion.
• Drug screening – Zero tolerance for illegal substances.
• Psychological evaluation – Determines mental fitness for law enforcement duties.

Reservists must maintain medical readiness. Periodic health assessments are mandatory. Any condition that affects duty performance must be reported.

Deployment and Duty Stations

Deployment Details

Reservists deploy when needed. Some stay stateside. Others go overseas. It depends on the mission.

• Short-term activations – Emergency response, homeland security, or special events.
• Extended deployments – Overseas assignments lasting 6 to 12 months.
• Combat zone assignments – Security and force protection in high-threat areas.

Some deployments are voluntary. Others are mandatory. If the Navy calls, you go.

Location Flexibility

Reservists train close to home at a Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) or a joint military installation. When activated, duty stations vary.

Common locations:

• Naval bases: Enforcing security at U.S. and overseas installations.
• Combat zones: Securing military personnel and infrastructure.
• Ports and harbors: The main focus at important maritime locations involves anti-terrorism activities together with force protection measures.
• Embassies and consulates: Protecting diplomats and classified materials.

Reservists can request duty preferences, but assignments follow mission needs first.

Career Progression and Advancement

Career Path

Every promotion means more responsibility. More pay. More leadership.

• E-1 to E-3 – Learning the job. Handling basic security and law enforcement.
• E-4 to E-6 – Leading small teams. Specializing in advanced security roles.
• E-7 to E-9 – Managing operations. Running security missions. Training the next generation.

Time in service matters. So does training. But performance—That’s what separates leaders from everyone else.

Promotion and Growth

Getting promoted isn’t automatic. It’s competitive. The best advance. Others don’t.

• Specialized training – K-9, NCIS support, protective services. More skills mean more opportunities.
• Advancement exams – E-4 to E-7 require passing the Navy-wide test. Study hard or stay behind.
• Leadership roles – Team leaders move up faster. Taking charge gets noticed.

Specialization Options

Some stay generalists. Others master a specialty and carve out a career.

• K-9 Handler – Train military dogs for drug and bomb detection.
• Expeditionary Security Forces – Deploy into high-threat zones.
• NCIS Support – Investigate crimes. Work intelligence. Handle forensic analysis.
• Protective Services – Guard top officials. Close security in high-risk areas.
• Corrections – Manage detainees. Oversee military prisons.

Role Flexibility and Transfers

Reservists can change roles, cross-train, or transfer into other Navy security jobs. Some move into civilian law enforcement. Others go federal—FBI, Secret Service, Homeland Security.

A career is what you make it.

Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle

Financial Benefits

Pay depends on rank and time in service. Reservists earn drill pay for weekend training and active-duty pay when deployed.

Rank	Monthly Drill Pay (4 Drills)	Annual Training Pay (2 Weeks Active Duty)
E-3	$279 – $314	$1,117 – $1,258
E-4	$307 – $433	$1,226 – $1,734
E-5	$357 – $571	$1,430 – $2,283
E-6	$390 – $694	$1,560 – $2,776

Bonuses and Allowances:

• Enlistment bonuses – Available for certain contracts.
• Hazard pay – Extra pay for high-risk assignments.
• Housing allowance – Paid during extended activations.

Additional Benefits

Reservists receive many of the same benefits as active duty, including:

• Healthcare – Low-cost medical and dental coverage through TRICARE Reserve Select.
• Education – Tuition assistance, GI Bill benefits, and credentialing programs.
• Retirement – Pension eligibility after 20 years of qualifying service.
• VA Home Loans – No down payment required for eligible veterans.

Work-Life Balance

Most of the time, life is predictable. One weekend a month. Two weeks a year. Then activation happens.

Reservists balance military duty with civilian jobs. Some work law enforcement. Others run businesses. Some deploy. Others never do. The balance depends on mission needs, career goals, and personal choices.

Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations

Job Hazards

This job is dangerous. Risk comes with the uniform.

• Physical altercations – Subduing aggressive suspects, breaking up fights, handling non-compliant individuals.
• Weapons exposure – Firearms, non-lethal force, potential live combat situations.
• High-stress operations – Quick decisions under pressure. No room for mistakes.
• Deployments – Assignments to unstable regions, combat zones, or high-threat areas.

Safety Protocols

Every action is trained. Every risk is calculated.

• Weapons training – Routine firearm qualifications. Live-fire exercises.
• Defensive tactics – Close-quarters combat, suspect restraint, controlled takedowns.
• Protective equipment – Body armor, riot shields, ballistic helmets.
• Emergency response drills – Active shooter scenarios, counterterrorism training, crisis simulations.

Security and Legal Requirements

Law enforcement comes with rules. Every reservist is held to the highest standard.

• Security clearances – Required for classified assignments and sensitive operations.
• Legal authority – Enforces military law under strict rules of engagement.
• Code of Conduct – Misconduct results in disciplinary action, court-martial, or separation.

The stakes are high. Training, judgment, and discipline decide success or failure.

Impact on Family and Personal Life

Family Considerations

Military service affects everyone, not just the reservist. Drill weekends, annual training, and deployments take time away from home. Some families adjust well. Others struggle.

• Time commitment – One weekend a month. Two weeks a year. More if activated.
• Deployments – Some serve stateside. Others go overseas. Time away varies.
• Job unpredictability – Activations happen fast. Family plans change.

Support is available. The Navy provides resources for families dealing with separations, stress, and unexpected orders.

Relocation and Flexibility

Reservists usually train close to home. But activations change everything.

• Drill locations – Most train at a NOSC near their home.
• Temporary duty – Some assignments require short-term travel.
• Deployment orders – Long-term activations send reservists where they’re needed.

Flexibility is key. Plans shift. Orders change. Military service always comes first.

Post-Service Opportunities

Transition to Civilian Life

This job builds real-world skills. Law enforcement. Security. Crisis response. Every skill translates. Some stay in uniform. Others move on.

Reservists leave with:

• Law enforcement training – Patrol operations, investigations, security enforcement.
• Weapons proficiency – Tactical shooting, defensive tactics, firearms certifications.
• Leadership experience – Command presence, decision-making under stress.

Career Paths After Service

Some reservists go straight into civilian law enforcement. Others shift to federal agencies or private security. The career pipeline is strong.

• Police officer – City, state, or federal law enforcement.
• Federal agent – NCIS, FBI, Homeland Security, Secret Service.
• Private security – Corporate security, risk management, executive protection.
• Corrections officer – Prison security, detainee management.
• Emergency management – Crisis response, disaster coordination, security planning.

Military Transition Programs

The Navy helps reservists land civilian jobs. Training, funding, and job placement programs exist.

• SkillBridge – Hands-on civilian job training before separation.
• Credentialing programs – Certifications in security, investigations, and law enforcement.
• GI Bill benefits – Tuition for college, trade schools, or technical programs.

The skills are there. The opportunities are waiting. Success depends on how you use them.

Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process

Basic Qualifications

• Age – 17 to 39 years old.
• Citizenship – U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
• Education – High school diploma or GED.
• Aptitude – ASVAB score requirement: AR + VE + MK + MC = 196
• Legal history – No felony convictions. Some misdemeanors require waivers.
• Medical fitness – Must pass a full physical exam.

Application Process

Joining the Navy Reserve takes several steps. Each phase determines eligibility.

1. Speak with a recruiter – Verify qualifications and contract options.
2. Take the ASVAB test – Determines job eligibility.
3. Complete MEPS processing – Full medical exam, background check, and security clearance screening.
4. Sign enlistment contract – Officially commit to service.
5. Attend Recruit Training (Boot Camp) – Nine weeks of basic military training.
6. Master-at-Arms “A” School – Nine weeks of law enforcement training at NTTC Lackland.

Selection Criteria and Competitiveness

Master-at-Arms positions are selective. High ASVAB scores and clean records improve chances.

• Competitive applicants – Strong fitness, leadership potential, and no disqualifying history.
• Waivers – Possible for medical conditions, minor legal issues, or ASVAB retakes.
• Prior service members – May qualify for direct enlistment at higher ranks.

Every step matters. Preparation increases success.

Is This a Good Job for You?

Ideal Candidate Profile

Some thrive in this role. Others don’t. It depends on mindset, discipline, and adaptability.

• Strong decision-making – Split-second choices matter in law enforcement.
• Physical and mental toughness – Handling confrontations, staying calm under stress.
• Attention to detail – Security work means spotting threats before they happen.
• Desire for structure – The Navy runs on rules, discipline, and protocol.
• Interest in law enforcement – Many reservists use this role as a stepping stone to civilian police work.

Potential Challenges

This job isn’t for everyone. Some struggle with:

• Irregular schedules – Weekend drills, activations, and sudden deployments.
• High-risk situations – Physical altercations, weapons training, and real-world threats.
• Authority and discipline – Strict chain of command, no room for shortcuts.
• Emotional stress – Handling difficult people, making tough calls, staying sharp at all times.

Career and Lifestyle Alignment

The best fit: People who like responsibility, structure, and law enforcement.

• Good for – Those planning a career in security, military police, or federal law enforcement.
• Not ideal for – Those who want a predictable, low-risk job with minimal commitment.

It’s a demanding role. The rewards come from skill mastery, leadership, and real-world experience.

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming an Master-at-Arms (MA) in the Navy Reserve, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following related Navy Reserve Enlisted jobs:

• Hospital Corpsman (HM)
• Navy Builder (BU)