Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onVÉLO, 115, North 2nd Street, North Loop, Central, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, 55401, United States
About the Role
Master-at-Arms (MA) Sailors serve as the Navy's core security, antiterrorism, and law enforcement capability. They are responsible for protecting 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 bases and aircraft carriers to expeditionary units and strategic weapons facilities.
This role exists to ensure the safety and security of Navy operations through a combination of policing, physical security, and specialized tactical skills. MAs may specialize in areas such as military working dogs, harbor security, protective services, or criminal investigations, adapting their duties to the specific needs of their assignment.
What to Expect
You will work in a fast-paced, armed, and safety-critical environment where attention to detail, sound judgment, and professionalism are essential. The role demands 24/7 coverage, meaning you will frequently work rotating shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays. You will face stressful situations involving emergencies, accidents, or criminal activity, requiring calm decision-making and strong communication skills.
Career progression involves increasing responsibility as you qualify for specialized billets such as patrol supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. You will engage in ongoing qualification and requalification for weapons, use of force, tactical skills, and physical fitness. Your work will often involve close integration with other security forces, Marine units, NCIS, and joint or host-nation partners.
Training & Advancement
The journey begins with Recruit Training, followed by Master-at-Arms Class "A" School at Lackland AFB. Here, you will learn the fundamentals of law enforcement, weapons handling, antiterrorism, patrol procedures, and security operations. Following "A" School, you will report to an operational security force billet at an installation, ship, or expeditionary unit.
Advancement is driven by progressive on-the-job qualification through Personnel Qualification Standards and unit training. Opportunities exist for advanced schools that award Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs) in specialized fields like Military Working Dog Handler, Harbor Security Coxswain, Corrections Specialist, and Criminal Investigator. Career-long development is supported by leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, or NWS), and senior enlisted leader programs.
Application & Hiring Process
To join the Master-at-Arms community, you must meet general enlistment standards, including U.S. citizenship or eligible residency, a high school diploma, and specific age, medical, and character requirements. Most billets require eligibility for a security clearance and a clean legal history suitable for armed law enforcement duties.
Interested candidates should contact an official Navy recruiter to discuss current incentives, eligibility, and the specific screening process. Prior-service Sailors from other ratings may be able to convert into MA based on community needs. Reserve opportunities may also exist for qualified applicants, often requiring completion of MA "A" School or equivalent training.
Equal Opportunity & Culture
The Navy is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability status. Our culture values integrity, discipline, and the courage to protect the mission in any environment.
Work location
Work model: On-site
VÉLO, 115, North 2nd Street, North Loop, Central, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, 55401, United States
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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_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 missions
- check_circleSupervise and train junior security force personnel in watchstanding and security procedures
- check_circleCollect and preserve evidence while preparing reports and case files
Requirements
- verifiedUnited States citizenship or legal residency
- verifiedHigh school diploma or equivalent
- verifiedEligibility for a security clearance
- verifiedAbility to meet Navy medical and physical fitness standards
- verifiedClean legal history suitable for armed law enforcement duties
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
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