Army MOS · Support
31E Corrections and Detention Specialist
Overview
Corrections and Detention Specialists control, supervise, and counsel internees while managing detention, confinement, and corrections treatment operations. They provide detention and correctional support for military prisoners, host nation corrections development, and detainee operations.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- facility security and access control
- incident response and reporting
- policy and SOP enforcement
- risk assessment and mitigation at facility level
- documentation and log management
- interviewing and counseling skills
- conflict de-escalation and negotiation
- team supervision and shift leadership
- compliance with legal and regulatory standards
- use of security management and monitoring systems
Civilian Software & Tools
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Civilian Career Paths
- Corrections
- Law Enforcement
- Physical Security
- Private Security
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Certified Corrections Officer (CCO)
- Certified Jail Officer (CJO)
Career Growth
- Certified Corrections Supervisor (CCS)
Also Common
- Certified Manager (CM)
What the Work Involves
- Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.
- Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.
- Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
- Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.
- Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.
Related Occupations
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Bailiffs
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 31E. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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