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Military Corrections Officers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Corrections officers are responsible for the security and safety of prisoners and operation of the brig. They are responsible for the overall security of facilities housing prisoners. They manage the receipt, custody, and release of prisoners. Additionally, they establish a system of incentives and privileges, and impose punitive and administrative disciplinary measures.

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Work Environment

Corrections 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

Related Military Careers

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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

Corrections Officers in the Military

1,245

No Information for this section

Salary

Average Salary

$59,543

What makes up a military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 58%
  • Associate's degree 22%
  • Bachelor's degree 10%
  • Post-secondary certificate 5%
  • Some college 2%
  • 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 corrections 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 reporting

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Military training

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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 corrections 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 law
  • Law enforcement administration
  • Management of security problems
  • Investigation procedures and reporting

Knowledge

  • Public Safety and Security
  • Psychology
  • Education and Training
  • Law and Government
  • Computers and Electronics

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
No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.