Only a select few answer the call to serve their nation. Those who do face challenges during their service that are difficult for people outside of the military to understand. Despite the obstacles, members of the U.S. military serve with great pride and dignity. In turn, servicemen and women hold positions greatly honored and respected by the American public.
After years of military service, some veterans want to continue serving their country, just in a different capacity. If this applies to you, working in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or for another security-related organization is a path worth considering.
What makes homeland security jobs so appealing? For one, the DHS pays employees an average of $74,000 a year. Also, many positions only require an associate degree. You can learn what a homeland security degree looks like here. With a degree in hand, former servicemen and women can look toward a future in any of these popular public safety-oriented positions.
1. TSA Officer
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents primarily maintain security at airports to help prevent attacks. Airport security officers make up the bulk of the TSA. These officers screen both people and their luggage before they fly within the U.S. and before they leave or enter the country by plane. Within the TSA, there is plenty of room for career advancement.
Requirements to become a TSA officer include:
- A minimum of an associate’s degree in criminal justice.
- Passing a background check, medical exam, drug test, and image interpretation test
- Those interested must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or national at the time of application.
2. Border Patrol Agent
Border patrol agents (BPAs) work along the borders of Mexico and Canada and in the coastal areas of Puerto Rico and Florida. They enforce federal laws regarding people or goods traveling into the United States. BPAs work for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and have many opportunities for career advancement. For example, they can work with the elite Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), Horse Patrol, or the K-9 Unit.
To qualify for a border patrol agent position, you must:
Be younger than 40 years of age, although there is a waiver for those with military experience.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Must have lived in the U.S. for at least three years out of the last five years. (Exceptions are made for military service.)
- Must be eligible to carry a firearm.
- Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are recommended, but you can also qualify with a combination of work experience and education.
3. Security Officer
Security officers oversee properties and prevent theft, vandalism, and other damages or attacks. They control access to secure buildings and manage the flow of visitors by screening them as they come in and out. Other responsibilities include performing fire prevention and safety checks as well as responding to alarms or emergency situations.
Some facilities and locations require entry-level security officers to have an associate degree in criminal justice or homeland security. Others look more closely at an applicant’s experience, which often can include military service. Many government buildings and high-traffic tourist destinations require security officers in the interest of homeland security.
Get Your Career Started
While many homeland security jobs, particularly those within the DHS itself, require a bachelor’s degree, those with associate degrees still have valuable skills and experiences that open job opportunities. Earning an associate degree in homeland security is a great way to get out into the field quickly. If you find you want to pursue higher-level positions, you can use your associate degree as a springboard into further education.
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