Experts project that a security clearance can increase your salary anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000, and in some cases, even more. When employers do not have to invest time and money into a background check and the paperwork that goes with that, the saved money often goes back into the employee's salary. Former military personnel who have security clearances are very appealing to employers. In addition to the thorough background check that has already been completed, these employees are disciplined, dependable, and have strong leadership skills - priceless attributes in today's market.
The scope of investigative work needed to grant a security clearance depends on the level of clearance being requested. There are three basic levels of security classification:
CONFIDENTIAL: This refers to material, which, if improperly disclosed, could be reasonably expected to cause some measurable damage to national security. The vast majority of military personnel are given this very basic level of clearance. This level needs to be reinvestigated every fifteen years.*
SECRET: The unauthorized disclosure of secret information could be expected to cause serious damage to national security. This level is reinvestigated every ten years.*
TOP SECRET:Individuals with this clearance have access to information or material that could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if it was released without authorization. This level needs to be reinvestigated every five years.
The U.S. Department of State awarded Constellis company Triple Canopy the Worldwide Protective Services III (WPS III) Baghdad protective services contract.
Constellis, a leading provider of essential risk management and mission support services to government and commercial clients worldwide, announced today that the Department of State (DOS) awarded the company’s Triple Canopy subsidiary a 10-year protective services contract in Baghdad, Iraq, under the WPS III Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with a $1.3 billion contract value.
Under this contract, Triple Canopy will continue providing protective services, specialized security services, and logistical support services at the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq.
“Triple Canopy has been supporting the Department of State in high-threat locations for more than 15 years,” said Jim Noe, President of Global Support Operations at Constellis. “We owe this award to the outstanding performance of our team in Baghdad. Their professionalism and tireless dedication to the mission define Triple Canopy as a premier global provider of high-end security solutions. We are honored to continue protecting U.S. Chief of Mission personnel and facilities in Baghdad, Iraq.”
“We are proud that the Department of State has chosen Triple Canopy to continue supporting this mission for the next decade,” said Terry Ryan, CEO of Constellis. “Our team is committed to ensuring our customers have the requisite security solutions to ensure mission success.”
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 top physical condition and have a spotless criminal record. Rank and responsibilities are determined by the value you bring to the organization you decide to work for.
America isn’t a signatory to that treaty, even though the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries prohibits its signatories from using mercenaries, or from raising mercenary troops. A Department of Defense mandate enables 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 military operations, 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 not be 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.
