Military Corrections Specialists: Roles, Training, and Responsibilities

A specialized segment within the Military Police (MPs) corps, military corrections specialists—designated as 31E in the U.S. Army—play a critical role in maintaining order and security within the military justice system. These Soldiers are responsible for the custody, control, and rehabilitation of military personnel accused or convicted of offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Although representing a relatively minor percentage of all MPs, their expertise is essential for handling detainees both domestically and in deployed environments.

The Role of the 31E Specialist

Corrections/Detention Specialists oversee the day-to-day operations of military correctional facilities. Their duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including supervising detainees, enforcing rules and regulations, conducting searches for contraband, and responding to emergencies such as riots or escape attempts. They are also responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of both the detainees and the staff within the facility. According to the U.S. Army, these Soldiers are uniquely qualified to work with detainees in deployed environments .

Training and Certification

Prospective 31E specialists undergo Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The seven-week course focuses on developing the skills necessary to manage a correctional facility effectively. Key components of the training include:

• Communication Techniques: Learning to interact with detainees in a manner that promotes order and de-escalates potentially volatile situations.
• Restraint Procedures: Mastering safe and effective methods for controlling and restraining inmates.
• Contraband Detection: Developing skills in searching for and identifying prohibited items within the facility.
• Unarmed Self-Defense: Acquiring techniques for protecting oneself and others in physical confrontations.
• Riot Control: Learning strategies for managing and suppressing large-scale disturbances.

Upon completion of the AIT program, trainees must pass a “facility exam” to grow certified in operating a prison. The training also includes practical exercises where trainees simulate running a jail, alternating between the roles of inmates and guards .

Eligibility and Requirements

Individuals interested in becoming a Corrections/Detention Specialist must meet the eligibility requirements for joining the U.S. Army. The Army offers a waiver process for those who may not initially meet all requirements, allowing them to demonstrate they have overcome disqualifying issues . There are no specific physical fitness requirements to meet *before* enlisting, though all Soldiers must pass the Army Fitness Test (AFT) after completing initial training . All recruits must also complete Basic Combat Training (BCT) before beginning their specialized training as a 31E specialist .

Compensation and Benefits

Army salaries are competitive and include a variety of benefits beyond base pay. While civilian jobs may offer higher starting salaries, the Army provides a starting salary above the federal minimum wage, along with benefits such as healthcare, housing allowances, and educational opportunities .

The Importance of 31E Specialists

Although 31E specialists represent only 8-10% of all Military Police personnel, their role is vital to the functioning of the military justice system. They ensure the safe and secure confinement of those accused or convicted of crimes, and their specialized training is crucial in handling detainees, particularly in deployed environments .