Master-At-Arms; MA

A Navy Master-at-Arms is a Sailor trained as a security specialist. They perform operations in the areas of law enforcement, force protection, physical security, and anti‑terrorism. Most people have heard of MPs, better known as Military Police, and the Navy equivalent to an MP is an MA. Masters-at-Arms can find themselves filling pivotal security roles at land and sea commands all over the world.

Anywhere on the planet where there is a Navy asset, there is an MA there to protect it. Trained in the latest, most effective law enforcement techniques available, the primary duty of the Navy Master-at-Arms is to protect and secure the Navy’s physical and personnel assets stationed around the globe.

A Master-at-Arms has responsibilities ranging from uniform inspections to guarding nuclear warheads. Because of the wide variety of duties, there may be specific qualifications for certain MA sub‑specialties.

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a combined ASVAB line score of WK+AR+MK+MC ≥ 196
• Must be a U.S. citizen and all immediate family members U.S. citizens or from a low-threat country
• Cannot have any Non‑Judicial Punishment (NJP) or civilian convictions within three years prior to rating application
• Must have a valid state‑issued driver’s license
• Must be eligible for a Secret security clearance
• Must have the ability to communicate fluently in the English language
• Cannot have a speech impediment
• Must have a negative result on a drug‑screening test within 30 days previous to rating application
• No prescriptions for mental impairment or disorder within the last 36 months
• Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a security clearance

• Any drug-related conviction
• No history of drug use, marijuana excepted
• Repeated offenses involving alcohol
• Serious indebtedness
• Any criminal offense that is sexual in nature

The first step in your Master-at-Arms training will be attending Recruit Training, more commonly referred to as boot camp. Navy Recruit Training takes place at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in Great Lakes, Illinois. While at RTC Great Lakes, you will learn basic Navy ship handling, small arms usage, firefighting, and Naval heritage. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this training normally lasts about 7‑9 weeks.

Once you graduate from Recruit Training, you will report to Joint Base San Antonio Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, where you will attend Master-at-Arms Accession training, also known as MA “A” School.

By the time you graduate from MA A School, you will have received specialized training in:

• M9/M17 service pistol
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray
• Patrol vehicles
• Patrolling techniques and procedures
• Interview and interrogation techniques
• Use of force and rules of engagement
• Military law

As a Master-at-Arms, you can receive orders to any Navy command in the world, and some commands outside the Navy as well. This means you could receive orders to a variety of duty assignments and locations. Because of this, the following sections outline the different types of MA duty assignments and their daily duties.

A shore-based Master-at-Arms conducts law enforcement operations on Navy bases worldwide. You will conduct security patrols, investigate petty crimes, enforce base rules and regulations, and maintain good order and discipline among all military members and their families. You will also be conducting security measures at all entry control points, verifying that only authorized personnel enter the facility, searching vehicles, and keeping watch for any suspicious activity.

A shipboard Master-at-Arms is responsible for the security of the ship. You will develop and implement shipboard security plans and ensure personnel are keeping the ship and its perimeter secure at all times during security watches. You will be responsible for ensuring all security operations meet prescribed standards, and anti‑terrorism measures are properly implemented. You will also be responsible for conducting small investigations and assisting with major ones, maintaining…