How does one go about getting into civilian security contracting overseas, when one didn't hold a combat MOS or deploy?

LCpl Channing Stoltenberg — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 21:29:05 -0500

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Nov 25 at 2015 9:54 PM

MSgt John Carroll — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 21:54:38 -0500

That is going to be tough for you. Depending on the contract/company, you will not be qualified. If you are qualified you are going to be competing against some tough competition. There are a lot of big d#$k pipe hitters with a lot more trigger time also seeking employment. I must ask though, why are you wanting to do this? Is it the money? Is it the thrill or rush? One thing to keep in mind is if you get hurt there is no VA check or medical retirement. You are on your own. If you are still interested after a long hard thought, look around the internet. shooterjobs.com is a start. They are not all inclusive though. Another one is Constellis Group. You probably wont fit their requirements though. Constellis is a group of smaller companies. Acadami (formerly Blackwater) is the one most people not in the industry know.

Response by SSgt Derek S. made Nov 25 at 2015 10:58 PM

SSgt Derek S. — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 22:58:22 -0500

You start by becoming a security officer then apply. You then have to apply realizing that if you do get hired (with no proven history or abilities) that you will most likely be doing support work and not "real Security" work.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 11:46 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 23:46:01 -0500

I agree with all that is said. I have done several letters of recommendations for a few of my 0351's and an 0311 and only 2 of them got in and they were trigger pullers for over 4 years. The best way to get in is to attend one of the training groups classes that will prepare you for contracting and to allow you to beef up your resume. Then you have to get vetted by the State Department to be approved for overseas contracting work.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 11:58 PM

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 23:58:22 -0500

You don't.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Nov 26 at 2015 2:12 PM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 14:12:28 -0500

Living here in SpecOps country and seeing the number of well qualified soldiers retiring and looking for similar work, I think you have a long hard road to hoe. However, not to pxxx on your dream, why not look at non-security contracting overseas work? A neighbor works in aviation, a trade he had in the Air Force. I see many logistic folks coming and going overseas as well.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Nov 26 at 2015 6:14 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 18:14:34 -0500

From what I've been able to find out, you don't.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Nov 28 at 2015 9:23 AM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 09:23:45 -0500

the same way civilians get into it...

Response by GySgt Joe Ehart made Nov 30 at 2015 11:32 AM

GySgt Joe Ehart — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 11:32:50 -0500

If you have PSD experience or hold anadditional skill it's easier. Skill being Medic / Sniper school (actual with annotation on dd-214). Check the companies websites and talk to their recruiters, they can give you the finer points.

Response by PVT William Bresch made Dec 29 at 2015 9:00 AM

PVT William Bresch — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 09:00:58 -0500

Have friends, who work in Ghost Ops like me...I got a friend of mine into S-3, he works makes 100k, flies in Afghanistan and is a Security Operator ...and no, I have never been overseas, I protect my country inside the house, not in the street or roaming the neighborhood...