What are some employment issues?

LCpl Hector Verduzco — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 10:13:09 -0500

Why is it that when a Military Veteran seeks help to find employment, the employers usually end up underpaying. I have worked for Multiple Security Companies but usually get payed around $9.50 - $10.50 hourly. Is there any way of obtaining a Higher paying career? Or am i the only one that is having trouble understanding pay scales or pay rates?

Response by SSG Jeanne Hatten made Feb 23 at 2015 10:36 AM

SSG Jeanne Hatten — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 10:36:59 -0500

I would recommend you to go to school, the civilian world is very competitive... For all of us to took time to serve our country, the civilians are in advantage in training (education) and experience.. Therefore, expect to start from 0 but be professionally prepared

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Feb 23 at 2015 10:50 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 10:50:09 -0500

There are literally thousands of private security companies and they pay anywhere from minimum wage to over $100,000 for security personnel (not managers/executives).

Typically, the higher paying security positions are tied to protection of critical government installations/facilities (like the DOE/NNSA nuclear weapons complex sites). Most of those positions require military experience and security clearances, as the security personnel are para-military who are armed with military weapons, have military type physical fitness and medical requirements, etc.

Other non-minimum wage positions include jobs with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Protective Service, uniformed Secret Service, etc.

Look around and see what is out there. Your military experience puts you in good stead to be competitive for one of the higher-paying security positions. You have to be willing to go to where the job is, however.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 11:09 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 11:09:05 -0500

I tried going down the Private Security Route, but my wife did not like that idea, but I will tell you what helped me.

If you are looking for 20$+ per hour or wanting to go overseas get the following things done. As SGT Edward L. said a lot of these companies reward Loyalty, they want to know that you will protect the clients assets before yourself in some cases.

1. Get weapons certified for California. As we know anyone can use a weapon in the military, unless you were Ranger, SEAL, Delta etc...etc...You have re-prove your skills in the civilian sector.
2. Get your EMT-B at minimum. Need to plug the holes you put in someone or the holes in your buddy.
3. TWIC and Passport.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 11:57 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 11:57:46 -0500

Resume is the first thing. If your resume doesn't stand out, higher paying employers wont take a second look. You have to present yourself in a way that makes you marketable. It is common for veterans to have a VERY difficult time putting together a resume for a variety of reason. Common mistakes include wording a resume in a way a civilian wont understand, having too long of a resume, too short of a resume.

Education is the other thing. Whether it's certifications or a degree, either one helps you establish yourself as an expert willing to take on additional education to make yourself more of an expert in your field. Utilize your GI bill benefits and secure that education, if you haven't already.

You CAN get a position that doesn't require you to have to start over. BUT, you have to be willing to leave your current area and move to where the jobs are offered. Also, usually, sticking to DoD contractors is your best way to get a good paying job out side of the military. If working DoD contracts isn't your cup of tea, then be prepared to be paid significantly less.

Always remember, before you sign on that line accepting employment, everything is negotiable, the worst thing they can say is no.

Response by CPL Hayward Johnson made Feb 23 at 2015 11:59 AM

CPL Hayward Johnson — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 11:59:52 -0500

Naw bro you aren't alone. When i ets i went straight to security as well. Started at the bottom and got tired of scrapping the bottom of the barrel. Went to school for massage therapist, carpenter, electrical, and heavy equipment operator only to land a job in transportation. Not a bad gig for the time being,but still have future plans in entrepreneurship. Maybe taking a look at other avenues of approach for maiking income would be something good as well

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 12:12 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 12:12:02 -0500

Getting better than 8.75 an hour or more than 20 hours a week I would say your doing well. The economy sucks just be thankful you have a job. Here I am stuck at the same rate and unemployment is approaching 18 percent since Obama went after Coal. This was a major coal hub town now its a dying industry as are the jobs left