Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

About the Team

Master-at-Arms (MA) Sailors form the backbone of the Navy's security, antiterrorism, and law enforcement capabilities. They are dedicated to protecting people, installations, ships, and strategic assets both at home and abroad. This community operates in a fast-paced, armed, and safety-critical environment where attention to detail, sound judgment, and unwavering professionalism are essential.

About the Role

As a Master-at-Arms, you will serve as the Navy's primary security force, conducting patrols, standing sentry, and controlling access to secure areas. Your day-to-day responsibilities include enforcing traffic regulations, investigating incidents, and maintaining a visible law enforcement presence during special events and emergencies. You will operate and maintain small arms, crew-served weapons, and security vehicles, while supporting harbor security and expeditionary missions.

The role offers a dynamic career path with increasing responsibility. As you qualify for specialized billets, you may advance to roles such as patrol supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or criminal investigator. You will work closely with other security forces, Marine units, NCIS, and joint or host-nation partners, often in diverse environments ranging from bases and piers to aircraft carriers and forward-deployed units.

Hiring Process & Training

Recruits begin with Navy Recruit Training, followed by Master-at-Arms Class "A" School at Lackland AFB. There, you will learn the fundamentals of law enforcement, weapons handling, antiterrorism, and security operations. Upon completion, you will report to an operational security force billet at an installation, ship, or expeditionary unit.

Career development is continuous, featuring progressive on-the-job qualification through Personnel Qualification Standards and unit training. Opportunities exist for advanced schools to earn Navy Enlisted Classifications such as Military Working Dog Handler, Harbor Security Coxswain, and Corrections Specialist. Reserve opportunities may also be available for qualified prior-service applicants.

Equal Opportunity & Culture

The Navy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We seek individuals with strong moral character and a clean legal history suitable for armed law enforcement duties. The culture values calm decision-making under stress and the ability to work effectively in rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to provide 24/7 coverage.