Is Security a Worthy Career Path After Military Service?

It might be difficult for a veteran to transition to civilian life, especially if they’ve been to several tours and haven’t taken up a job outside the armed forces.

The adjustment process is far from easy, considering that a veteran has to start from scratch by unlearning old skills and acquiring new ones that make them a good fit for most civilian roles. However, it doesn’t have to be difficult if we take into account the numerous career paths that are perfect for many ex-service members.

One of these roles is security,  which is an essential sector that’s always in demand, especially among public sector institutions, financial establishments, and other sectors where quality protection is needed. It won’t take long for any former military personnel to take up a job in security, but it’s still an area that’s perfect for many veterans.  If you count yourself among them, then the guide below should be the perfect companion to aid you throughout this period of change.

Security Jobs

It doesn’t take an expert to see a close correlation between security jobs and tenure in the armed forces. Both these sectors emphasize a need for physical endurance as well as mastery in certain skills, particularly hand-to-hand combat and firearm handling.  

There’s no doubt that anyone can take up a job as a bodyguard or personal protection personnel so long as they meet the standards and qualifications set by the agencies they’re applying for. Veterans are a cut above the rest as they are the perfect candidates for such roles. If you’re still in doubt, here are a few more advantages you have that will guarantee a spot in a high-paying security position:

1. You already possess the mindset

Much like in the military, your role as a security guard requires a great deal of discipline and composure. Especially if you’ve gone through some of the most rigorous training exercises in the branch you’re serving, you may already possess the mindset and attitude needed to succeed in the field.

2. You have tactical knowledge

Part of your training in the military is developing a sense of situational awareness and the ability to respond with discernment and tact when things go awry. Such skills are more critical in your potential security role, whether protecting precious cargo or assessing security risks for facilities like a nuclear power plant or a museum containing priceless masterpieces. 

3. You are a team player

If you’re assigned to a security detail, you will have to work well with members coming from diverse backgrounds. After all, your military training taught you to cooperate with other people in your unit regardless of who they are and where they came from.  You will experience the same level of camaraderie once you start working as a security guard.

4. You know the importance of obedience

You can never be a good security guard if you’re prone to fits of subversion, no matter how subtle. Being a part of the armed forces before, you know how important it is to follow the chain of command since you have a job to fulfill. You also know fully well that disobedience could only lead to a breach of that duty, thereby staining your integrity as a security guard and a veteran.

Considering your strengths as an ex-service member, you might as well transition to the security industry once you have exited the service. You just have to prepare for the process:

Making the Move: Tips for a Seamless Transition to Security Work

Even if you have the best possible path to a security career, it still matters to be prepared and undergo the same process as civilian candidates. The following tips should walk you through the process:

1. Know the type of security you provide

The security sector offers a wide range of career options, some of which could benefit from the type of specialization you had when you were in the service. If you were part of a special forces unit, you could do well in providing physical security services. In case you were assigned to a military unit focusing on cyberwarfare, then you could take up a job in cybersecurity for civilian institutions. Whichever the area, make sure it aligns with your prior experience and training.

2. Obtain the right documents

You can’t just apply for a job at a security firm, expecting that you will start working the next day. Even if you’ve undergone military training, it still matters to obtain licenses and certifications that enable you to qualify for most security jobs locally and abroad. 

If you’re based in Arizona and are looking to apply for a security role, you may have to obtain a license from the state’s Department of Public Safety and undergo training focusing on situations that are significantly different from when you were deployed. What’s more, you will need to undergo armed guard card training, which comprises advanced de-escalation tactics that may be unfamiliar to you.

3. Find roles in veteran-friendly institutions

To ease your transition to a security career, try looking up companies and institutions that advocate for veteran matters. These establishments put a premium on the skills and experience of ex-service members who may struggle with accepting civilian jobs they feel won’t make the most of their competencies. You can start your search on platforms like the American Veteran-Owned Business Association, which manages a registry of military-friendly employers worth considering.

Endnote

Don’t think you’re not fit for civilian life when there’s an entire industry that puts a premium on veterans wanting to contribute their skills and expertise to the protection of life and property. Use this guide and make your transition easier and worthwhile.