Ok,

I've done lots of research as suggested by the vets of this board. I've even received emails from several different companies for prospective positions. But low and behold when they do a little more reading they realize that I'm not ex US military so I need not apply....

The vast majority of these companies only hire US ex-military for PSD jobs static, mobile, CP, EP, the whole nine yards....Some hire in the UK as well. But as these job posting come up on secure aspects group they rarely if ever are for anyone except ex-US military. I won't even mention the training prerequisites or the experience required (even if you met every training and experience standard required) on these job because that is immediately kiboshed by the sole fact that if you ain't from the US you ain't going anywhere.

But, there is a twist...
I talked to some individuals on here that are from Canada some being medics and they get "US citizens/ex-military ONLY" jobs... so unless there is something that I'm not privy to which may be the case, I'd like to know how this is possible. Dual citizenship? or, its not what you know it's who you know? I can't see that because security clearance is security clearance and I know that according to sources that I personally talked to who ARE US citizens and are currently working over seas that YOU MUST BE A US CITIZEN in order to get a US security clearance.

So...did I confuse anyone yet?

I'll say again, I've done my research. This topic is not really clear anywhere on this site...

Don't need any flack from those that have nothing better to do. But if you must, do your worst, I'll ignore it and listen to those stand up types that know what they're talking about and are able to shed some light on the topic.

Thanks

Given that what you say about your quals DynCorp for tier 2 mobile and PSD has hired in the past none ex-military guys. I know of 3 that had experience past all the training/vetting and deployed. They prefer ex-mil, but the chance is there for none given you have exp. in the field and are exceptionally good at what you do.

Another option although I wouldn't prefer it personally is UN gigs, which I have met some that aren't ex-mil.

I will throw my two cents in on this subject. My background is roughly 15 years in security, with a few years of civilian law enforcement. I have dropped alot of money in the past to obtain as much education and training as possible, including going to ESI for about a 10g hit, and obtaining my CPP certification through ASIS. I am not prior military.

That being said, I have successfully entered the private contracting industry, having worked several years in Bosnia, a year in Afghanistan within the WPPS program, and now in Iraq as a security manager.

It is possible to enter the industry without a military background. A key that you hit on is definitely "who you know". Contracting is on a downslide at this time, and alot of well qualified guys are looking for work....some that have been doing this for years. When a position comes up and is advertised, typically...someone on the ground has already said "i know a good guy to fill this slot, call...." Thats just the nature of the business now.

As far as security clearances go, alot of jobs are excepting US Secret Clearances, OR, NATO Security Clearances. This is where your Canadians and British contractors come into play. And when it comes to Brits...they can be hired cheaper than an American Expat.... 20-35 thousand a year cheaper.

Best I can tell you, be persistent, and be patient. Network as much as possible. I dont know what your background is, but stick to what you know. If you are a police officer, stick to the LE and police advising jobs. If your a medic, find the medic slots that are open. And just being honest here, if you've been a security guard for a couple years at the local strip club or mall...you probably dont have much of a chance.

Good luck...it can happen, you just have to keep working it.

Excellent, thats what I'm looking for. Great advice.

I have a military background as a paratrooper (SF), I'm currently in LE for the past 5 years or so. My resume speaks for itself and for me.

I do see that the industry has taken a hit in terms of work availability.

At my age of 42 I know that I can go beyond the expected role required of me but its that damn door and my foot needing to get past it.

I do appreciate your help. I wish I could only return the favor.

cheers,

DJ

Getting the first one is the hardest, once you get it and perform as expected then they get easier to obtain. Once you get to know who is who in the industry ;)

I'm not saying that I am any more deserving of a job than anyone else.

I'm trying to network with as many as possible. I've even redirected job opportunities to people I've met over the net that are from the US and looking for work. I do this because I can't get the security clearance myself so why not help a brother out, then I think to myself how are these other guys that are NOT from the US do it...
Thats the reason for my original post today and the help and support has been deeply appreciated.

I agree it's persistence thing...

Thanks guys.

DJ

US security clearances are hard to get. If you have had any financial trouble forget it you do not get the SC and loose the job. I've been there for the past 3 yrs. Lost a 210K a yr job because of poor credit. Funny as 6 months would have cleared ALL debt if on the job

Since I 'm one of the Canadians that was pulled into the picture, I have 30 years of medical experience under my belt, 26 of those are for the US Army as a civilian, ER supervisor, Wounded warrior wound care specilaist, minor surgery, bla bla bla, I read alot , asked alot of questions, and had patience, I landed my first job, as a remote medical officer.. and I waited for 8 months before I left ,due to not having a security clearence , non Military and Non US citizen, was I lucky ,? I dont know, once down there I performed above the expectations.. did my job as best as I could with what I had, never complained, worked with guys that had less experience , but never showed off ( humbleness ), and now I have an outstanding reference for my next job.. all I can say to you is never give up.. and be patient......