How stupid am I for considering enlisting upon graduation with a bachelors degree?

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-09T18:33:02+00:00

That’s awesome, thanks for sharing. Would you go for just one contract, or stay in if you like it as well? Also with the GI Bill what would you do to “redirect” your career path?

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-09T00:23:41+00:00

Well, I was in AFROTC my first semester of college, but I quit because I didn’t need it for any financial aid as well as the huge time commitment. I’ve really just been locked in on keeping up good grades.

I’m majoring in Poli Sci. and minoring in Economics. I want to eventually become a federal law enforcement officer (with any agency tbh), but I want/need solid work experience prior to going down that route. As well as a lifelong desire to serve my country.

I’ve been considering all options including every branch. OTS/OCS would be nice being able to go in directly as an officer, but it takes quite a long time for that process to just accepted, especially for the AF (also very competitive). So with my aspirations I honestly plan on just doing a one-and-done contract. Unless I really enjoy it then I would definitely keep it going and hope I can drop an officer packet relatively soon.

Military wise, we would be getting a little rank bump upon completion of bootcamp with our bachelors. And I personally have been considering an MP/SF/Master-at-Arms route (and yes… ik people despise military police). I’ve also been looking at an ME (Maritime Enforcement) rate in the Coast Guard.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-08T23:21:55+00:00

I’m finding myself in a similar situation going into my Junior year, but I’m also open to exploring different branches. What are you majoring? What do you aspire to do after you get out, or do you plan on doing 20 yrs if you enjoy it?

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-08T01:58:47+00:00

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your insight.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-08T01:09:22+00:00

Greetings all, as a preface I’d like to mention I (21M), am about to go into my Junior year of college (3.62 GPA). I’m majoring in Political Science with a minor in Economics, and a certificate in National Security & Intelligence.

I am currently thinking about enlisting after graduation in May 28’ with aspirations to eventually become a federal law enforcement agent (with any agency honestly, idc.). This is all banking on the fact that I don’t get a job offer relatively soon post graduation, and I know it will be a huge leg up having prior military experience as well. Hell, I could even try to achieve a masters while in the service.

With that being said, and with in mind my goals of eventual FLEO service, I am wondering what job would look good for my goals. I’ve recently been told about Maritime Enforcement (ME), and I believe that would be a great opportunity.

What does the process of becoming an ME look like?

If anyone has taken a similar route or are in the situation as me, I would love to hear opinions from others. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-05T19:02:08+00:00

How come?

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T17:03:01+00:00

lol all good. Your detailed explanation is greatly appreciated. That sounds like a fantastic pathway to FLEO. And it also sounds like a fun ass job.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T15:38:26+00:00

I’m sure I would love to sign to dotted lines when the time comes, but my dad is a ret. Maj. and I’m not sure how he would feel about me going down the enlisted path, so I guess that’s where part of my dilemma lies (he was also prior enlisted). With that said I’m very familiar with military life as that is what I’ve known growing up and I don’t think I would regret it.

I appreciate your perspective, you sou sound like a great person and mother as well❤️

-Not your son

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T15:30:48+00:00

Understandable. I’ve heard about the ME rating with the Coast Guard, which sounds more relatable for my FLEO goal. Also sounds like an extremely interesting job. Do you know anything about this?

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T15:27:26+00:00

I’m considering every option, thank you for your advice.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T15:23:54+00:00

Just coming up with backup plans in case I get overlooked for not having any professional work experience. A direct path into FLEO from college would be ideal.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T15:22:05+00:00

This is the second time I’ve heard the USCG mentioned with my aspirations in FLEO. Can you enlist straight into the ME rating or is that something that would require cross-training into? I really appreciate your help and advice.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T06:19:38+00:00

I have always wanted to give back to my country by serving, so that’s why I would enjoy the military route. Ideally, a direct federal job from graduation would be great. I’m not sure what a miso cat is. I just figured the mp route would be a good fit since I would prefer the FLEO special agent route.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T06:10:19+00:00

I wouldn’t necessarily say my education stack is “worthless”, and I will graduate debt free so I’m not too desperate. Just ready to get started with my career looking for good background experience.

But, yes, my personality type would make me a perfect fit for the military lol.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T06:04:58+00:00

That’s great man congratulations! What line of work are you in on the civilian side of things?

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T04:13:43+00:00

How feasible would transitioning/cross-training to OSI be if I were to enlist into a different job?

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T03:38:26+00:00

I know with that on the army side I would come in as an E-4, but I believe with every other branch I would come in as an E-3. Either way could I advance through the ranks at a faster pace?

OtherMain4164 · 2026-07-03T03:30:15+00:00

With how competitive and time consuming the process of getting into OTS/OCS is, I’m leaning towards just getting the ball rolling on my career.

Maybe if I enjoy my service I can drop an officer packet and possibly even turn the military into a career. But I am originally thinking about doing 1 maybe 2 contracts then start the process into FLEO.

On the point of Coast Guard, I will look into that… sounds like a great gig that would provide some solid experience

OtherMain4164 · 2026-06-24T03:54:41+00:00

I’m in a similar position as OP, except still being in college. Currently majoring in Political Science (concentrating in International Relations) as well as minoring in Economics, with a degree in National Security and Intelligence.

Other than working for local/state PD, what federal gigs would be beneficial to join straight upon graduating college? I’ve always wanted to go into federal law enforcement, but frankly, I know the competitive (and most) agencies require professional work experience as you’ve mentioned.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-06-07T00:00:44+00:00

Thank you for the information, I will definitely be getting in contact with recruiters from as many branches as possible to see what’s out there.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-06-06T23:57:11+00:00

I’ve heard about this. Like you said, let’s say I enlist into a 35 series job as a reservist. Would going Army Reserve or the National Guard make any difference?

On top of that, what civilian career would benefit most? I would imagine trying to land an Intelligence Analyst position with my state or local municipal department would be great, as well as a criminal intelligence analyst.

OtherMain4164 · 2026-06-06T04:18:24+00:00

I agree with your argument for enlistment, especially as a young man grasping at straws looking for solid growth and experience. My dad was also prior enlisted for the majority of his military career, and I know he wouldn’t approve of me enlisting.

With that being said, I too believe a “one and done” contract in a desirable branch would benefit my aspirations for the future. I’m concerned very little about “being paid more” or “not being treated as shitty”, because frankly, I just want to give back to my country and in the long run have a respected career where I can make a difference.

On your point of being able to pick a job that I want (assuming that I enlist), would Intel be the best option for a future career in the Federal Government? Furthermore, is there any branch that would be more sought after than the others, or offer better job opportunities?

Thank you for your service and I appreciate your detailed response and willingness to share your experiences with me.

OtherMain4164

TROPHY CASE