Skip to main content

Military and Veteran Career Opportunities

An MDOC officer jogging and wearing camouflage tactile pants with a t-shirt.

Military and Veteran Career Opportunities

Continue Your Career as a Corrections Officer

  • Apply for Veterans Preference

  • Apply for the Lower Peninsula Academy

  • Apply for the Upper Peninsula Academy

Learn More on MDOC's Corrections Officer Program

The MDOC is an excellent fit for veterans and service members who want to apply their military training and values in a new mission serving the state. Our value‑based culture emphasizes integrity, teamwork, leadership, excellence, respect, and loyalty—principles that closely align with military service. This shared foundation is why nearly 1,400 veterans and service members have chosen to build their careers with the MDOC.

The MDOC offers benefits exclusive to our Military and Veteran Employees:

  • Veterans’ Preference during the selection process for eligible candidates
  • Special credit for annual leave and longevity. Employees can count up to five years of honorable service towards the computation of these compensation benefits
  • Up to 15 days of supplemental pay for Military Training Duty, if applicable
  • Supplemental pay and retaining medical benefits for the duration of an Emergency Duty Activation (mobilizations and deployments), if applicable
  • E-6 Experience Waiver instead of bachelor’s degree requirement for select positions
  • Guaranteed job interviews for Regular Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve Soldiers who participate in the Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program. Sign up for the program.

Learn more about MDOC’s Military and Veterans compensation rules

Veteran Liaison and Recruitment Contacts

Michael Ulch
Veteran Liaison Specialist
Cell Phone: 517-582-4587
UlchM@michigan.gov

Darrick Alvarez
Recruitment Analyst
Office Phone: 517-335-1863
Cell Phone: 517-927-2556
AlvarezD4@michigan.gov

Male and female military officers walking on a grass field with their backs to the camera.

Education Substitution with Joint Services Transcripts (JST)

MDOC recognizes the value of military training and experience. Veterans and service members who have completed basic training or boot camp may substitute that achievement for the corrections officer education requirement.

Learn more on Credit for Service
Stack of papers with the title "Military Benefits" printed on them as a pen lays on the papers and a badge of the American flag rest on top.

GI Bill Benefits for Vocational Training

Use your earned GI Bill benefits while launching your career with MDOC. During your probationary year, you may be eligible to receive a monthly VA stipend while completing the eight-week Corrections Officer Academy and eight weeks of paid on-the-job training.

Learn how VA benefits help you train while you earn
A corrections officer holding a form.

More MDOC Career Opportunities

Looking to apply the skills and experience you gained through military service in a career beyond a corrections officer? With more than 10,000 employees serving in prisons and parole offices across Michigan, MDOC offers careers in public safety, skilled trades, education, administration, and more.

Explore current openings
Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency Gold-level Veteran-friendly badge for 2026.

Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has recognized the MDOC as one of only a few Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Employers in the state. This designation reflects the department’s completion of key initiatives such as veteran-specific onboarding, retention programs, differential pay, and a comprehensive benefits package.