Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms)

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 access control posts and investigating incidents, MAs ensure safety in diverse environments ranging from bases and ships to expeditionary units.

This role offers a dynamic career path where you will start with basic law enforcement training and progressively take on increasing responsibility. As you qualify for specialized billets, you may advance to roles such as patrol supervisor, watch commander, military working dog handler, or criminal investigator. The position demands a high level of professionalism, judgment, and attention to detail in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.

What to Expect

You will work in a 24/7 security environment that often involves rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The job requires frequent exposure to stressful situations, from emergencies to criminal activity, necessitating calm decision-making and strong communication skills. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining small arms, crew-served weapons, and security vehicles, while also supervising and training junior personnel.

Assignments vary widely, taking you to Navy installations in the U.S. and overseas, aboard aircraft carriers, or with expeditionary security units. You will work closely with other security forces, Marine units, NCIS, and joint or host-nation partners. The role includes opportunities for forward-deployed tours and dependent-restricted assignments that count as sea duty.

Training and Advancement

Your 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, and antiterrorism. Career development is continuous, with opportunities to attend advanced schools for specialized skills like harbor security, corrections, or protective services. You will also pursue leadership courses and warfare qualifications as you advance through the ranks.

Equal Opportunity

The U.S. Navy is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. All applicants must meet strict character, conduct, and legal history standards suitable for armed law enforcement duties and eligibility for security clearances.

Application Instructions

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 specific medical and physical fitness requirements. For Reserve opportunities, prior-service experience may be considered. Because specific assignments, incentives, and training slots depend on current Navy needs and policy, interested candidates should contact an official Navy recruiter to discuss eligibility and current opportunities.