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Military Investigations Officers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Investigations officers oversee operations involved in investigating any criminal allegations and offenses that threaten the safety of military personnel, property, resources, or facilities. Investigations officers or their staff examine the scene of an incident and collect and submit all relevant physical evidence (fingerprints, blood stains, suspected narcotics, castings, documents) to a crime laboratory. They study and evaluate the evidence to determine motives and responsible individuals, develop investigative plans, prepare reports of investigations, and perform counterintelligence operations.

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Work Environment

Investigations officers in the Military usually work in offices while planning and directing law enforcement and security activities. They may work outdoors while directing investigations, observing prisoners, and inspecting security systems.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Investigations Officers in the Military

2,901

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$99,232

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$25,417 - $238,756

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 32%
  • Associate's degree 19%
  • Post-secondary certificate 19%
  • Some college 17%
  • Bachelor's degree 10%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving.   Job training for investigations officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments.  Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:   Military lawLaw enforcement administrationManagement of security problemsInvestigation procedures and reportingCrime scene processingTestimonial evidenceProtective servicesCrisis/Hostage negotiations

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Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Law and Government
  • Psychology
  • English Language

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