The MA Rating
The Master at Arms' rating was one of the original Navy ratings when it was first established in 1797. The rating was disestablished in 1921 and the responsibilities of the rating were delved out as collateral duties to other ratings. Established in 1942, the Specialists (S) Shore Patrol and Security, and then changed to Shore Patrolman in 1948 once again took on some of the official functions of the Master-at Arms rating, only to be disestablished in 1953. The Master at Arms rating, re-established in 1973, would only draw its members from Sailors of other ratings at the Second Class Petty Officer level and above, until 2003, when Navy Recruiting Command was assigned a new contract mission for entry level applicants for the rating.
The Master at Arms' rating is the Navy's military police force. Master-at-Arms make sure the regulations are enforced. They provide the United States Navy with security specialists who perform force protection, antiterrorism, physical security, and law enforcement duties on land and at sea. All training and experience can directly transfer to homeland security or other government and civilian law enforcement agencies.
Master At Arms (MA)
Master At Arms provide waterborne and land security, aircraft and flight line security, strategic weapons and cargo security, maritime security and platform protection. They conduct customs operations, corrections operations, detainee operations, and protective service operations.
MAs perform force protection, physical security and law enforcement, and organize and train personnel in force protection, physical security, law enforcement, and weapons proficiency. They develop plans for physical security and force protection enhancement of Navy bases, installations, property, and personnel, and assist commands in conducting terrorist threat analysis and implementing defensive measures.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Those personnel who want to qualify for the MA rating should be people oriented, dedicated, resourceful, and versatile. No NJP or civil involvement within past 36 months (except minor traffic). No drug or alcohol use waivers above NAVCRUITDIST CO level. Adversely adjudicated drug abuse offenses will not receive waiver consideration. Although program waivers for minor criminal offenses are possible, they are difficult to receive. Due to the unique functions of the MA, strict adherence to eligibility criteria must be maintained.
Applicants should possess strong writing and speaking skills, a good memory, and the ability to conduct detailed work while maintaining accurate records.
Prospective MA's should possess physical strength, manual dexterity, and competence with tools, equipment and machines. MA's may expect to be assigned to duty at shore stations in the United States and overseas; aboard ships as either ship's company or embarked security team; or as part of a maritime expeditionary security squadron.
The work environment varies as widely as do the various individual assignment opportunities. MAs are currently serving in expeditionary security locations worldwide and providing landward and seaward security in support of Joint Service operations. MA ASVAB Test requirements.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate and lower-division bachelor/associate degree categories for courses taken in this rating on criminal investigation, criminal law, report writing, human relations/applied psychology, corrections procedures and instructor training techniques.