How is criminal justice incorporated in the different branches of the military?

Hi there! I'm really interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice and I've been considering joining the military to gain some experience (plus, it would help with tuition costs for college). Can anyone help me understand how criminal justice is handled in the different branches of the U.S. military? Which branch might be the best fit for this career path?

Each branch of the U.S. military has its own method of dealing with legal matters and criminal justice. Here's a brief look at each.

1. Army: The U.S. Army employs individuals in criminal justice roles within their Military Police Corps. They deal with law enforcement both domestically and internationally at Army installations.

2. Navy: The Navy has their own law enforcement, the Navy Police, also known as Master at Arms. Additionally, the Navy has the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) which investigates and combats criminal activity in the Navy and Marine Corps.

3. Air Force: The primary law enforcement for the Air Force is the Air Force Office of Special investigations (AFOSI). They handle a wide range of criminal, fraud, and counterintelligence investigations.

4. Marines: Law enforcement for the Marine Corps is mainly handled by the Marine Corps Military Police (MP). Sometimes, they may work with NCIS on certain cases.

5. Space Force: Given the Space Force is primarily a cyber operations group, it does not have a direct criminal justice component in the traditional sense.

6. Coast Guard: The Coast Guard, while smaller than the other branches, also has their own law enforcement branch known as the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS).

It’s also worth mentioning the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, a branch within every major military service that handles legal matters, including court-martials and military tribunals. The JAG Corps can provide a fascinating career for those interested in the intersection of military operations and legal matters.

As to which would be the best, it largely depends on what sort of law enforcement you're interested in. The Army and Marine Corps, for example, offer a bit more "boots on the ground" sort of law enforcement with their Military Police. Navy and Air Force, however, may provide more investigative opportunities.

Please note, this is just a basic overview, and the specifics can vary greatly. It would be beneficial to speak with a recruiter from the branches you're interested in to get more specific insights. They can provide you with an in-depth understanding of the roles and responsibilities associated with military criminal justice.