(MA) Master-At-Arms

Rating Badge MA.jpg Master-at-Arms MA
Masters-at-Arms uphold law and order aboard ships, shore stations, control access to naval installations, and deploy overseas with expeditionary forces and squadrons performing Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) duties. The basic duty of an MA is to enforce rules and regulations, maintain good order and discipline, and protect life and property. Some other duties include conducting criminal investigations, personal protective services, take part in correctional and rehabilitative programs, Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers, small arms instruction, lethal and non-lethal weapons training, and organize and train sailors assigned to Shore Patrol police duty. Their equivalents in the civilian world are detectives, security guards, and policemen.

 

(MA) Master-at-Arms

The MA rating provides the Navy with security specialists who perform antiterrorism, force protection, physical security, and law enforcement duties on land and at sea. MA’s are the Navy’s security and force protection professionals. An MA may operate a force protection watercraft, direct an investigation, control a base access point, or supervise a K-9 asset.

Some specific MA duties are listed below:

 

  • Conduct waterborne security patrols and interdiction.
  • Conduct Customs operations.
  • Conduct base security patrols.
  • Conduct base access and entry control operations.
  • Conduct aircraft and flightline security operations.
  • Conduct law enforcement operations.
  • Conduct Oil Platform protection.
  • Conduct river security operations.
  • Provide protective service to high ranking dignitaries and government officials.
  • Conduct K-9 explosive and narcotics detection operations/missions.
  • Perform physical security inspections.
  • Conduct preliminary investigations into UCMJ violations.
  • Organize and train security force personnel.
  • Conduct crime prevention programs.
  • Operate brigs (jails).
  • Perform weapons and funds escorts.

 

Working Environment

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 widely with individual assignments. MAs are currently serving in expeditionary security locations worldwide and providing landward and seaward security in support of Joint Service operations.

 

A-School (Job School) Information

Lackland AFB, TX -- 40 calendar days
Hampton Roads, VA -- 50 calendar days
Kings Ba, GA -- 50 calendar days

 

Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating

  • First Sea Tour: 48 months
  • First Shore Tour: 48 months
  • Second Sea Tour: 42 months
  • Second Shore Tour: 48 months
  • Third Sea Tour: 36 months
  • Third Shore Tour: 48 months
  • Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
  • Forth Shore Tour: 48 months

 

Note: Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement.

MA is classified as an INUS/OUTUS (in the U.S./Outside the U.S.) community, which means that instead of being assigned to ships, many of their overseas assignments are classified as sea tour duty for sea/show flow purposes.

 

110124-N-4332C-386 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 24, 2011) Master-at-Arms Seaman Kyle Chapleau, assigned to Commander, Naval Region Southwest, Harbor Patrol Unit, patrols the San Diego Harbor. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Martin L. Carey/Released)

 

 

 

 

101213-N-1722W-019 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 13, 2010) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Derek Ledoux fires a .50-caliber Browning machine gun under the supervision of Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Joseph Cude during a qualification exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer, as part of the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group, and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) are underway off the coast of Southern California participating in a certification exercise in preparation for deployment in early 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Welsh/Released)

 

Also Visit These Helpful Links

Master at Arms Group

Navy Enlisted Ratings

 

 

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