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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Security Officers

Median Salary
60,966
Workforce Count
6,004

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 forces.

What is the work environment like?

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.

How many people have this role in the Military?

6,004

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$112,285

2 Years

$67,628

6 Years

$112,285

10+ Years
Median Salary
60,966

Military Details

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

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 may include:  

  • Military law
  • Law enforcement administration
  • Management of security problems
  • Investigation procedures and reporting

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    79%

  • Some college

    9%

  • Associate's degree

    5%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    4%

  • Bachelor's degree

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Security and Loss Prevention Services

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

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

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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