Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on12, Pacific Street, Yerington, Lyon County, Nevada, 89447, United States
About the Role
Master-at-Arms (MA) Sailors form the backbone of the Navy's security, antiterrorism, and law enforcement capabilities. Their mission is to protect people, installations, ships, and strategic assets both at home and abroad. From conducting force protection patrols on piers to managing corrections and investigations, MAs operate in diverse environments ranging from aircraft carriers and expeditionary units to secure facilities overseas. The role offers a dynamic career path where Sailors can specialize in areas such as military working dogs, harbor security, or protective services, evolving from entry-level watchstanders to specialized supervisors and investigators.
What to Expect
Life as a Master-at-Arms takes place in a fast-paced, armed, and safety-critical environment where attention to detail and professional judgment are paramount. You will work in rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure 24/7 security coverage. The role demands the ability to remain calm and make decisive choices during stressful situations involving emergencies, accidents, or criminal activity. As you progress, you will take on increasing responsibility, qualifying for specialized billets such as patrol supervisor, watch commander, or kennel master while maintaining rigorous standards in weapons handling, tactical skills, and physical fitness.
Work Environment
Assignments vary widely, taking you to Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers, and with expeditionary security units. Your daily work may occur on bases, piers, flight lines, in harbor security boats, or within security operations centers. The role often involves close integration with other security forces, Marine units, NCIS, and joint or host-nation partners. Opportunities for overseas, forward-deployed, and dependent-restricted tours are common, counting as sea duty for rotation purposes.
Training & Career Path
The journey begins with Recruit Training followed by Master-at-Arms Class "A" School at Lackland AFB, where you will learn the fundamentals of law enforcement, weapons handling, antiterrorism, and security operations. Career development is driven by progressive on-the-job qualification through Personnel Qualification Standards and unit training. Advanced opportunities allow for specialized training in areas like Military Working Dog Handling, Harbor Security, Corrections, and Criminal Investigation. Throughout your career, you will pursue leadership courses and warfare qualifications to advance as a senior enlisted leader.
Equal Opportunity
The U.S. Navy is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive force that reflects the nation it serves.
How to Apply
To join the Master-at-Arms community, you must meet general enlistment standards, including U.S. citizenship or legal residency, a high school diploma, and eligibility for a security clearance. Interested candidates should contact an official Navy recruiter to discuss current incentives, specific billet requirements, and the application process. Reserve opportunities may also exist for qualified prior-service members or SELRES applicants.
Work location
Work model: On-site
12, Pacific Street, Yerington, Lyon County, Nevada, 89447, United States
Yerington, Nevada
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleConduct antiterrorism and force protection patrols on installations and piers
- check_circleStand sentry and access control posts to control entry to secure areas
- check_circlePerform vehicle, personnel, and baggage inspections to detect weapons and contraband
- check_circleEnforce traffic and parking regulations and investigate incidents and accidents
- check_circleCollect and preserve evidence and prepare reports and case files
- check_circleProvide law enforcement presence and crowd control during special events and emergencies
- check_circleOperate and maintain small arms, crew-served weapons, and security vehicles or boats
- check_circleSupport harbor and waterside security, high-value unit escorts, and expeditionary security missions
- check_circleSupervise and train junior security force personnel in watchstanding and security procedures
Requirements
- verifiedUnited States citizenship or other legal residency and work status
- verifiedHigh school diploma or equivalent
- verifiedEligibility for a security clearance
- verifiedAbility to meet Navy medical and physical fitness standards
- verifiedAbility to qualify with small arms and other weapons
Nice to Have
Prior-service Sailors from other ratings may be able to convert into MA based on community needs and screening; Reserve opportunities may exist for qualified prior-service or SELRES applicants, often requiring completion of MA 'A' School or equivalent training and, for some billets, specific NECs or follow-on schools.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleTuition Assistance and Post-9/11 GI Billcheck_circleACE-recommended college credit for Navy trainingcheck_circleNavy COOL-funded certificationscheck_circleUSMAP apprenticeshipscheck_circleNavy College Program opportunitiescheck_circleHealth coveragecheck_circleRetirement options
Similar Job Opportunities
Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)
US Navy • Concord, New Hampshire
Not Disclosedarrow_forward
Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)
US Navy • Firestone Park, California
Not Disclosedarrow_forward
Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)
US Navy • Tucson, Arizona
Not Disclosedarrow_forward