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Military Security Officers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Security officers plan, administer, and supervise law enforcement and physical security efforts. They establish guidance on and coordinate law enforcement and physical security policy, procedures and practices; anti-terrorism and drug enforcement; customs inspections and crime prevention. Security officers coordinate security exercises and inspections to ensure consistency and program awareness. They are responsible for organizing, staffing, overseeing, and training military security reaction forces.

Work Environment

Security officers in the Military usually work in offices while planning and directing law enforcement and security activities. They may work outdoors while directing investigations, observing prisoners, and inspecting security systems.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Security Officers in the Military

6,639

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$53,402

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$22,760 - $238,756

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 79%
  • Some college 9%
  • Associate's degree 5%
  • Post-secondary certificate 4%
  • Bachelor's degree 1%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving.   Job training for security officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments.  Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:   Military lawLaw enforcement administrationManagement of security problemsInvestigation procedures and reporting

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Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Public Safety and Security
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics

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