Can I join a Private Military Contractor company without ever being in the Military?

Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and BAE are among the largest defense contractors in the United States. They provide time, materials, and services to the U.S. Department of Defense, or DOD, to the tune of several hundred billion dollars each year. You needn't be ex-military to get a job with a defense contractor, but it does help if you have a military background and you're looking for a job with a private company that seeks contracting opportunities with the DOD.

Defense Contractor Employment

Defense contractors hire employees in a number of occupations. They employ engineers, human resources specialists, information technology professionals, finance executives, business development experts, lawyers and production and maintenance staff. They also offer career paths, such as management training programs that prepare new and seasoned workers alike with opportunities for advancement, regardless of whether they served in the military.

Military Advantage

If you have a military background, you might have a leg up on the competition based on your familiarity with military and defense concepts. You could rank at the top of the short list if you have a security clearance that's either active or easily reactivated, because many jobs with defense contractors require security clearance. Private employers, such as Raytheon, sponsor programs for transitioning military candidates because the company "values the strategic and tactical talents that only veterans can offer."

By: Ruth Mayhew, Demand Media