Q. I am ex-military. I would really like to get into private security, specifically in the area of protection more than anything else. I need to be pointed in the right direction so that I can actually apply the skills I have gained and know something about.
A. At the present time there are a number of opportunities for individuals in the area of employee or executive protection. You need to think about the following questions to help guide your path as you make plans for your future career in private security:
1. When you were in the military, what was your specialty and what branch of the service were you in?
2. How old are you now?
3. Are you willing to work anywhere in the world?
4. How much travel are you willing to do...25%, 50%, 75%?
5. Since leaving the military what defensive/offensive martial arts skills, weapons qualifications, and evasive driving or other skills have you acquired?
6. Have you passed any evasive driving or protective detail training programs similar to those found at the following web sites: < www.safehouse.com > or < www.rloatman.com > and if so what was the most recent course you attended?
The above questions may seem like a lot, but in the field of executive or employee protection they are the criteria organizations look at as part of their screening process. One of the most difficult challenges is dealing not only with the travel, but also the amount of time away from family.
As you do your research, make sure you do due diligence when checking web sites, schools, and other opportunities in this exciting field. I would caution you NOT to send any money or subscribe to any "service" until you have checked them out and are satisfied they are legit! In this area of employment there are lots of scams just like everywhere else.
If you have broader interests in transitioning into the security area you may want to take a look at my new book, From One Winning Career to the Next, which deals specifically with issues moving from the public sector (law enforcement, military, or intelligence fields) to the private sector of business and service organizations.
I hope the above helps to point you in some new and positive directions.
Answer provided by J. David Quilter, Security Executive Council Faculty Emeritus. David’s new book, "From One Winning Career to the Next," is available for purchase at https://www.securityexecutivecouncil.com/secstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=77_65&products_id=320
