I was in the Army for 5 1/2 years. Go anywhere but Army. hahahaha
I have not read every single reply but my advice is to find a Police Dept you want to work for, and learn everything you can about it first. Then ask them what the best way in can be. Some Police Dept's frown on people who where in any branch and where MPs because the training can be radically different. Recruiters will also tell you anything to get you to sing up. If your top goal is to be a civilian cop, go to them and them first.
Army bases, like Ft Hood where I was at, use a majority of federal employees who are more like rent-a-pigs while MPs are now used widely on deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. MPs are suppose to to help train Iraq and Afghan security forces but really their job is like most everyone else; try not to get blown up. They do very little, if any, Police work in today's combat environment.
I have a good friend who was an Air Force MP and he didn't like it much. He has his own story to tell, but I can tell you it was not because he was a dirtbag or something along those lines. He has a family and makes great money. Although his job today has nothing to do with his Air Force MP job.
I can tell you that once you sign up and even get your job training, they can throw you into any other job they want. I was a Tank Mechanic, but I did combat patrols, foot patrol with Infantry, worked on just about everything with wheels and tracks, and a host of other things. Not complaining, just letting you know that they can do that.
I can tell you however that since getting out getting my benefits has been a fight every step of the way. Not because I'm lazy, but because the VA is such a nightmare to work with. Some people have no problems, but I can line up friend after friend who have to go through hell to get their benefits. Just this past month, with the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which give you a housing allowance, they accidentally turned mine off. They took full responsibility but told me it would take up to five months to turn it back on. I called them twice a day everyday for a week to get them back on and it is fine now. But that's what you have to do, and you shouldn't.
Here are some pics of me and my friend in Iraq...
