Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

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 ensure safety in diverse environments ranging from expeditionary units to high-value unit escorts.

What to Expect

You will work in a fast-paced, armed, and safety-critical environment where attention to detail, judgment, and professionalism are essential. The role demands frequent duty in rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to provide 24/7 coverage. You will face stressful situations involving emergencies or criminal activity, requiring calm decision-making and strong communication skills.

Over time, you will see increasing responsibility as you qualify for specialized billets such as patrol supervisor, watch commander, kennel master, or investigator. The career path involves ongoing qualification and requalification in weapons, use of force, tactical skills, and physical fitness.

Work Environment

Assignments take you to Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers and other ships, and with expeditionary security units. You will work primarily on bases, piers, flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security operations centers. Opportunities include overseas, forward-deployed, and dependent-restricted tours that count as sea duty for rotation. You will work in close integration with other security forces, Marine units, NCIS, and joint or host-nation partners depending on your billet.

Training & Advancement

Your journey begins with Recruit Training followed by Master-at-Arms Class "A" School at Lackland AFB, where you will learn basic law enforcement, weapons handling, antiterrorism, patrol procedures, and security operations. You will then report to an operational security force billet at an installation, ship, or expeditionary unit.

Career development is progressive, featuring on-the-job qualification through Personnel Qualification Standards and unit training. Opportunities exist for advanced schools awarding Navy Enlisted Classifications such as Military Working Dog Handler, Harbor Security Coxswain, Corrections Specialist, and Criminal Investigator. Career-long development includes leadership courses, warfare qualifications (such as ESWS, EAWS, EXW, FMF, or NWS), and senior enlisted leader programs.

Equal Opportunity

The United States Navy is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the nation we serve.