It is not really “higher” than police and it is not regular military. The gendarmerie in Turkey is responsible for policing outside cities, they are part of the military, but they are subordinate to the interior ministry during peace times (regular military answers to the defence ministry).
Gendarmerie is part of the military, higher than police. And he was a sergeant. He’s part of both the national team and the national army team.
It is not really “higher” than police and it is not regular military. The gendarmerie in Turkey is responsible for policing outside cities, they are part of the military, but they are subordinate to the interior ministry during peace times (regular military answers to the defence ministry).
Compared to what it takes to become a policeman in the US, it’s definitely a higher level of training. Hard to find a direct US equivalent.