Here is how to become a private military contractor without military experience.

One thing that’s common with a lot of private security contractors is their military background or training. This gives them the edge to provide security solutions to a variety of clients.

While this may look like an exclusive playground for persons with military experience, it’s not always the case.

Private Military Contractor Jobs No Experience

In other words, there are exceptions or cases where private security contractors have little to no military background at all.

So, how does one go about getting into this line of business without the needed experience? Is military experience a must-have? You’ll want to stick around for answers.

About Private Security Contractors

The services of private security contractors also called private military contractors are mostly required for many security-related jobs.

Such jobs include protection for convoys, training for local authorities, protection for individuals, and also protection for bases just to name a few.

Now, becoming a private security contractor requires that certain steps be followed.

Due to perceptions of the role, it’s usually expected that private security contractors will have the military training necessary for the job.

While military training will be beneficial, persons without such training can still attain such goals.

The term “private” says a lot about the modus operandi of private security contractors. They’re private contractors whose services can be hired by anyone.

Most security contractors do business with private companies contracted by the government.

Requirements For Becoming a Private Security Contractor

Certain basic requirements are needed for becoming a private security contractor. These range from educational qualifications, licensure, prior experience, as well as skills.

Because security is a delicate area, these requirements are carefully assessed to determine whether or not one has what it takes to become a private security contractor.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics gives the basic requirements or benchmarks for becoming a private security contractor. With this said, it’s necessary to take a look at these requirements.

Such a detailed understanding gives you an idea of how to proceed.

  • Educational Qualifications

Private security contractors are expected to have the minimum of an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Any of these requirements will serve just fine in your quest to be a certified private security contractor.

There are other qualifications you’ll need to have as well (such as the other points discussed below).

  • Licensure

Licensure is crucial to launching a successful career in security contracting.

Becoming professionally licensed depends on your state’s requirements. In other words, the issuance of licenses isn’t handled centrally by a federal agency. It’s done on a state-by-state basis.

Depending on the extent or scope of your operations, you may be required to undergo some form of clearance from a federal agency. This is especially true when doing business with the government or its proxies.

  • Prior Experience

This is a vital area of our discussion.

We mentioned earlier that a lot of private security contractors have some military background. While that is true, it isn’t always the case. In other words, you don’t necessarily need to have military experience.

Persons with considerable experience in other arms of law enforcement such as the police etc can become licensed private security contractors.

Between 3 to 5 years of experience in any security-related field or law enforcement is required.

The exact requirements depend on your location and the scope of your operations. The finer details of these requirements will stipulate what needs to be done.

  • Skills

What security-related skills do you have? This is a crucial area that determines whether your application for licensure is approved or not.

Speaking of skills, they include critical reasoning & observational skills. Others include being calm under stressful situations, effective use of handguns, as well as handcuffs.

You also must be good at using nightsticks, as well as other forms of weaponry. The use of emergency medical equipment is also very essential to qualification requirements for private security contractors.

  • Passing Background and Drug Tests

The process of becoming a private security contractor includes passing certain background and drug tests. What more? Liability insurance may be required as part of the process.

Some states may go on to require liability insurance as part of the process of getting recognized and licensed as a private security contractor.

Becoming A Private Security Contractor

Having touched on the various requirements for starting your private security business, what’s next is how to proceed. The process of becoming a private security contractor aligns with the requirements mentioned above.

First off, you’ll have to obtain or earn your degree.

So, are there specific associate or bachelor’s degrees one must obtain to become a private security contractor? Not really. However, persons with security and law enforcement backgrounds tend to gravitate towards degrees in police science and criminal justice.

  • Gaining Experience

Your journey to becoming a private security contract includes gaining the necessary experience. Speaking of experience, you’re expected to work with any arm of law enforcement.

Typically, the military will be one of these, but since we’ve excluded the military from the beginning we’ll look at other law enforcement agencies.

The police or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will be a great place to start from. Apart from these, other places to get the required experience include the public safety academy, and becoming a peace officer.

  • Applying for Registration and Licensing

The next step to becoming a private security contractor without military experience is by applying for registration and licensing. As stated earlier, there are no uniform requirements across all states.

To do so, you’ll need to pass a private security contractor exam.

Liability insurance, background checks among other requirements are assessed before you’re considered for registration and licensing.

This process also includes biometric capturing among other processes.

Getting Hired as a Private Security Contractor

Having attained all the requirements listed above, what remains is to sell your services or get hired. As a competitive field, certain skill sets give you more visibility.

These include having firearm training, paramedic certification, and martial arts or self-defense training. Also, having a steady employment history improves your chances.

Becoming a private security contractor without military experience is achievable once the above-mentioned procedures are followed.