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
Related Military Careers
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.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Security Officers in the Military
6,639
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
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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High school 79%
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Some college 9%
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Associate's degree 5%
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Post-secondary certificate 4%
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Bachelor's degree 1%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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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
Read MoreSkills 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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