I have been in the Army for right at 10 years, serving all of it within the Intelligence Community (more specifically analytical field) with a three year break for recruiting duty. I am heavily debating the potential of staying in and retiring or getting out.
My question is what type of jobs are there outside of the normal contracting or government work options for persons who have worked within the Intelligence Community. For instance, is there a potential to transfer to a job in Las Vegas in which I could use my skills to gauge threat levels in casinos......or......work at a major collegiate institution and manage security threats on athletic events and venues.
I am at the career decision time frame and have never really considered what my options might be in the civilian world and contracting never appealed to me. This time, before I make a decision, I am at least giving it a thought. By the way, the two examples I provided would be ones I would be very interested in transitioning into.
I still have and will have at the end of my service a valid TS/SCI clearance.
Answers
Hi John and thanks for your interest and post. I was a 96B during my time in the Army. I believe it has now been designated as 35F. I've been out of the military for almost 20 years. I was recruited a bit to stay in as GS employee under a few of the typical intel groups from Washington, but choose to leave. Not sure what your personal reasons are, but quite possibily could be similar. The stuff that came across my desk and things required in intel positions weighs a lot on your health. I'm sure that probably hasn't changed in 20 years.. Probably only got worse.. I was never really able to turn it off when I went home so staying in that type of field was not feasible.
The world is frankly your oyster. Take a good assessment of what you would really like to do and go after it. For me, UPS provided a great opportunity and find the people here share a lot of the dedication and core strengths from the army. I know you sat through the courses at Ft. Huachuca. They were no joke and if you were able to pull through that, you can learn anything you put your heart's desire to and be successful.
I weighed your idea about Las Vegas \ Atlantic City type casino setting and I'm sure there are good opportunities there. Boeing in Seattle is also a very good choice to at least take a good look at. Having a TS\SCI clearance is a huge asset, not just for caveat type jobs, but also for knowledgeable hiring staff. They'll understand not only the fact you can work of a SCIF or other such environment, but also can be trusted as a person.
Good luck to you and please shoot me an email\message if you like to throw some ideas around.
Depending on your specific expertise, your intelligence background would be a huge assess. One of the most concerns to any Private Business (or government) today is Cyber Security. Target’s recent system break in is a good example. It cost them millions of $ to notify customers and fix the problem. I know many companies like e-Bay, Amazon, Facebook, Target and Fortune 20 companies are constantly looking for qualify people. If you in fact have the expertise, tailor your resume to address their urgent needs.
I went to school with several military veterans that worked, and did college simultaneously. You will have less free time for sure, but at least your income will be pro-rated depending on the amount of hours you take because you get BAH for going to school. A useful and marketable education is the only way you will be operating "outside of the box" and have career security. What is the promotion rate for E-7 for your MOS? If I was on the list for E-7 I would stay in and just make sure I get a useful college degree before I retire. That's me though, the Army is changing and it isn't all good. PM me if you want to talk more. I'll share some stuff with you that I've learned. Some of which would not be for public consumption. ;)
Phil,
I currently have 76 semester hours (no degrees awarded yet), but I think it would be very difficult to be a full time student and effectively support my family. I am married, have an 8 year old son and almost 3 year old daughter. I would love to be able to but...
John,
Are you planning on using your GI Bill?
I worked with a number of people with your background in the aerospace industry, they usually fit right in. An engineering background will help but for many jobs it is not necessary, and with all the interest in surveillance technology your skill set might be in demand. How about police work? Your skills in following leads, gathering information, and out thinking the other side will serve you well in sales. If you are over forty I would not recommend aviation. Intel people are usually self starters and can work on their own, consider starting your own business, perhaps in the security field. Once you work for yourself you'll never want another boss. Keep in mind that most people in the private sector have two or three different careers these days so be flexible and prepared for change. Good luck.
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