How to get a job with an military contractor overseas
Obtaining work with an international military contractor (PMC) or a private military contractor – isn’t easy, even if you have the required combination of expertise and training. It also helps that you are in a top-flight physical state and have a criminal record that is spotless. Rank and responsibilities are determined by the value you bring to the organization you decide to work for.
Not Mercenaries
America isn’t signatory to that treaty, even though the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries prohibits its signatories the usage of mercenaries, or from raising mercenary troops. Department of Defense mandate enable PMCs working under the auspices of a U.S. government contract to protect themselves, their customer, and their customer’s assets, but a military commander must ensure the PMC doesn’t participate in operations of a military nature, such as raids or pre-emptive strikes against opposing forces.
Experience Needed
The biggest U.S. PMC, Constellis, supplies security staff to the authorities. Constellis requires its security staff to get at least two years of expertise in physical security, DoD anti-terrorism and force protection, and investigation and interview techniques. An appropriate background includes service with the U.S. Army military police, U.S. Air Force Security Service, or military intelligence service. A high school diploma or its equivalent is mandatory, however, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a security or political science-related discipline is preferred. U.S. citizenship and security clearance, or the skill to get a security clearance, are needed for many duties.
Physical conditions
Security staff should have the strength to wear proper personal protective gear, like Kevlar vests and helmets, during prolonged high-risk conditions. They need to survive prolonged intervals of combat and be not concerned about poor living conditions in distant places. International or national travel, often on short notice, is needed as well as multi-lingual skills.
Prognosis and Pay
Details on pay and job satisfaction for foreign military contractors are sketchy and anecdotal. However, the private citizen with military expertise will benefit so long as authorities will willingly pay for private security contractors and they typically receive a 6 figure salary.
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