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.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork 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
Related Military Careers
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.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Investigations Officers in the Military
2,901
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
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
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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High school 32%
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Associate's degree 19%
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Post-secondary certificate 19%
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Some college 17%
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Bachelor's degree 10%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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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
Read MoreSkills 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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