What can I expect when trying to transition to private security and not being fomer Special Forces?

PFC Juyius Jackson — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 11:59:27 -0400

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 24 at 2015 12:11 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 12:11:50 -0400

It almost seems as if everyone is out for themselves. Not to much team work. I got lucky and got into a company that has mostly prior military, so we work together as a team. Good luck!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 24 at 2015 12:15 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 12:15:33 -0400

PFC Juyius Jackson - I keep reading over your question trying to formula a good response but I'm left a little confused. What does being or not being part of SF (which I'm assuming means Special Forces) has to do with your rate of success throughout your transition?

Please provide more thought to aid in the discussion.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 12:17 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 12:17:10 -0400

Depends on your background and what you're trying to transition to. Make sure to use the resources the Army provides to help you transition.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Aug 24 at 2015 12:44 PM

SGT James Elphick — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 12:44:12 -0400

If you don't already have a job lined up the odds of you getting one are pretty slim at this point, even if you had been in Special Forces. The jobs that will be available to you though not being SF are likely to start out as static security positions, most likely in theater but not in country (i.e. Qatar). It is possible to move up from there but it can be difficult, the PMC community is pretty tight.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 1:29 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 13:29:19 -0400

Im guessing you are soon to be done with your term of service by the way this question was done? And, you are FA, so what does not being SF have to do with FA and civilian world? As for what you can expect...you wont have to wake up early and be required to do PT. You wont have mandatory formations. But, regardless of the job you get, you will be expected to perform to the best of your abilities.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 1:38 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 13:38:02 -0400

PFC Juyius Jackson, I don't understand the SF part. Are you assuming there are no options in the civilian that are not combat or protective service related? What is your MOS? What type of skills, training or certs did you obtain? Do you have a mentor? Have you already started your transitioned process (Soldier for Life)? What are your goals both educationally and professionally?

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Aug 24 at 2015 3:42 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 15:42:33 -0400

PFC Juyius Jackson - There are thousands of private security companies. Each has its own hiring criteria and they run the gamut from simply having a drivers license all the way to several years of prior service in the military, to include certification/assignment to special operations units. It all depends on what you are trying to do.

It sounds like you are looking for a position in a government contractor that provides support to the US Department of State (embassy security/personal security details, etc.) or Department of Defense (support to military installations/operations). Personnel qualifications depend on the contracts the firms have with the Government. Having been involved in this business for several years, most of those type positions do not require "Special Forces", however, they do require military service and the more training and certifications you have, the better chance you have at getting hired.

Most companies get many more applicants than they have slots for and have to come up with a methodology to pick the best qualified applicants (especially if they are Government contractors and subject to official review of their hiring practices). We came up with a very detailed matrix with which to select the best qualified. For example, we assigned points to every conceivable factor: branch of service; military occupational specialty; rank/leadership experience; special training; weapons qualifications; awards; etc., etc. That resulted, for example, in an Army Ranger being selected over an Air Force Personnel Specialist, a Marine Infantryman, an Army truck driver, or a Navy Boatswain mate.

The longer you stay in and the more training you get, the more apt you are to be able to successfully compete for that type security position.

Having said that, there are a great many other opportunities with private security firms where your basic military service will put you ahead of most applicants. Typically, reputable security companies seek out former military and former police as more desirable candidates for employment.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 4:39 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 16:39:59 -0400

PFC Jackson-When I first transitioned, I looked into several flavors of "security contracting"; from the well-known and glamorous, to the more "cop without a gun" variety. Ultimately, I found that the applicants far exceed the available spots, and the "choice" billets are exclusively former Special Forces, SEALs, CCT, etc. Toss in the various other nationalities including French, British and Russian, and competition is STEEP!

I eventually applied for and was offered employment with local PD, but chose another path...very glad I did in retrospect.

Still, I found that military personnel have excellent chances of high scores in the selection process for metro-police departments and come equipped with the required attitude and competencies. You may find law enforcement to be a better option, or an excellent way of gaining experience towards more challenging work such as the Marshals or FBI.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 7:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 19:11:46 -0400

I work in the the Security Sector stateside. It depends on what you want to do. Of course you are going to hire those in combat arms. It would only make sense. Preferably those with combat experience. I provide security at a Nuclear Power Plant at my civilian job. It pays much better than being a cop and we train often. As soon they saw I was an infantry officer they knew I would be a good fit. But it is an industry that shows favor to shooters. I am not trying to be anything of professional but if I had a security position open I wouldn't even really consider anyone that wasn't already combat arms with a strong background and combat experience. It is not a field you can just break into like many others.