11B Infantry to Executive Protection Specialist: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025 Salary Data)
Transform your 11B Infantry experience into a $75K-$150K+ executive protection career. Includes certification paths, top hiring companies, and proven transition roadmap.
Bottom Line Up Front
Army 11B Infantry skills translate directly into executive protection (EP) specialist careers earning $75,000-$150,000+ annually. Your tactical training, situational awareness, threat assessment, weapons proficiency, and team coordination make you an ideal candidate for close protection work. Entry-level EP agents start at $55,000-$75,000, experienced specialists earn $85,000-$120,000, and high-threat international EP professionals command $150,000-$250,000+. Required certifications include state security licenses (cost: $200-$500) and professional EP training ($2,000-$8,000), both achievable within 3-6 months of separation. Top employers actively recruit infantry veterans for protective services roles.
Why 11B Infantry Veterans Excel in Executive Protection
Every infantry soldier researching civilian careers gets told: "Your combat skills don't translate." "Security is just standing around." "You'll need to start from scratch."
Here's what the data actually shows: Infantry veterans are the most sought-after candidates in executive protection.
You didn't just "carry a rifle." You:
- Conducted detailed threat assessments in hostile environments
- Maintained 360-degree situational awareness under pressure
- Executed tactical movement in both urban and rural terrain
- Coordinated security operations with team members
- Made split-second decisions affecting human lives
- Operated weapons systems with perfect discipline
- Planned and executed complex security missions
- Maintained operational readiness through extreme conditions
- Communicated clearly in high-stress situations
- Led fire teams and squads in dynamic environments
That's not "military experience" - that's advanced protective services work. Every executive protection company wants agents who can assess threats, react instantly, work as a team, maintain composure, and understand tactical operations. You've been doing this for years.
Executive Protection Career Paths for 11B Veterans
Let's get specific with real 2025 salary data and actual job markets.
Personal Protection Specialist (primary entry path)
Civilian job titles:
- Executive Protection Agent
- Close Protection Officer
- Personal Protection Specialist
- Bodyguard
- Security Specialist
- VIP Protection Agent
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level EP agent (0-2 years): $55,000-$75,000
- Experienced EP specialist (3-5 years): $75,000-$95,000
- Senior EP agent (5-10 years): $95,000-$120,000
- High-threat/international EP: $120,000-$180,000
- Celebrity/HNW client protection: $150,000-$250,000+
What translates directly:
- Threat detection and assessment
- Tactical planning and route security
- Defensive driving and evasive tactics
- Weapons handling and employment
- Communication and coordination
- Physical fitness and readiness
- Situational awareness
- Emergency response procedures
- Team leadership and coordination
- Mission planning and briefings
Certifications needed:
- State Security License (required in most states) - Cost: $200-$500, includes background check, fingerprinting, training course
- Professional EP Training - Executive Protection Institute (EPI), ESI, or similar - Cost: $2,000-$8,000
- First Aid/CPR/AED certification - Cost: $150-$300
- Defensive Tactics certification (often included in EP training)
- State concealed carry permit (if armed) - Cost: $100-$300
Reality check: The executive protection industry was built by military veterans. Companies specifically seek infantry backgrounds because you understand tactical movement, threat response, and maintaining security under pressure.
Entry positions with corporate security firms start at $55K-$75K with full benefits. As you gain experience and certifications, you can move into high-net-worth client protection ($100K+) or international assignments ($150K+).
The work varies: corporate executives, celebrities, diplomats, high-net-worth individuals. Some positions are low-profile (suit and tie, blend in), others are high-visibility (obvious security presence).
Best for: 11B veterans who want to continue tactical work in a civilian context with strong earning potential and diverse assignments.
Corporate Security Manager
Civilian job titles:
- Corporate Security Manager
- Director of Security Operations
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager
- Global Security Director
- Physical Security Manager
Salary ranges:
- Security Manager (entry): $65,000-$85,000
- Senior Security Manager: $85,000-$110,000
- Director of Security: $110,000-$150,000
- VP/Chief Security Officer: $150,000-$250,000+
What translates directly:
- Security operations planning
- Threat assessment and risk analysis
- Team leadership and coordination
- Emergency response planning
- Security protocol development
- Incident management
- Personnel training and supervision
- Budget management and resource allocation
Certifications needed:
- CPP (Certified Protection Professional) - ASIS International - Cost: $525 exam, study materials $200-$500
- PSP (Physical Security Professional) - ASIS International - Cost: $395 exam
- Bachelor's degree (preferred, not always required) - Use GI Bill
- PMP (Project Management Professional) (beneficial) - Cost: $555 exam
Reality check: Corporate security management is where infantry NCOs thrive. Your squad/platoon leadership translates directly to managing security teams. Your tactical planning becomes security operations planning.
Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, tech companies, and healthcare systems all need security managers. You'll oversee physical security, access control, emergency response, and protective operations.
Starting positions require 2-5 years of security experience (your military time counts). Many 11B veterans start in EP work, then transition to security management for better work-life balance and benefits.
Best for: Infantry NCOs (E-5+) who want leadership roles, steady hours, and career advancement into six-figure management positions.
Diplomatic Security Specialist
Civilian job titles:
- Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent
- State Department Security Officer
- Embassy Security Specialist
- Consular Security Agent
Salary ranges:
- DSS Special Agent (entry - GS-10): $62,000-$78,000
- DSS Agent (GS-12): $85,000-$105,000
- Senior DSS Agent (GS-13): $100,000-$125,000
- Supervisory positions (GS-14/15): $125,000-$160,000+
- Overseas assignments add 25-45% differential
What translates directly:
- High-threat environment operations
- VIP protection and security planning
- Threat assessment in foreign environments
- Team coordination and leadership
- Emergency response and crisis management
- Weapons proficiency and tactics
- Cultural awareness and adaptability
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required) - Use GI Bill
- U.S. citizenship (required)
- Top Secret clearance (obtained during hiring process)
- Pass DSS Special Agent exam and assessment
- Physical fitness standards
Reality check: The State Department's Diplomatic Security Service actively recruits infantry veterans. Your deployment experience in hostile environments is exactly what they need for embassy protection and dignitary security worldwide.
The hiring process is rigorous: written exam, physical fitness test, interview, medical exam, background investigation. But infantry veterans with bachelor's degrees have high acceptance rates.
DSS agents protect U.S. diplomats worldwide, conduct security investigations, and manage embassy security operations. Assignments rotate between overseas posts (Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, South America) and domestic positions.
Federal benefits include pension (20-year retirement), health insurance, and job security. Veterans get preference in hiring.
Best for: 11B veterans who want to continue high-threat protection work, enjoy overseas assignments, and value federal employment benefits.
Federal Law Enforcement / Special Operations
Civilian job titles:
- FBI Special Agent
- DEA Special Agent
- ATF Special Agent
- U.S. Marshal
- Border Patrol Agent (BORTAC)
- Federal Air Marshal
- Secret Service Agent
Salary ranges:
- Entry federal agent (GS-10): $66,000-$80,000
- Experienced agent (GS-12/13): $85,000-$120,000
- Senior/supervisory (GS-14/15): $120,000-$160,000+
- Locality pay and overtime significantly increase total
What translates directly:
- Tactical operations and planning
- Threat response and engagement
- Team coordination in high-risk situations
- Weapons proficiency and tactics
- Physical fitness and readiness
- Emergency decision-making
- Intelligence analysis and application
- Mission planning and execution
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required for most agencies) - GI Bill funded
- Age requirements (typically must start before age 37)
- U.S. citizenship and security clearance
- Pass agency-specific tests (written, physical, polygraph, medical)
- Federal law enforcement academy (provided after hiring)
Reality check: Federal law enforcement agencies prioritize veterans, especially infantry with proven combat experience. FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service all have veteran hiring programs and waive age limits for prior military service.
The application process takes 6-18 months: written exam, physical fitness test, interviews, background investigation, polygraph, medical exam. Acceptance rates for infantry veterans with degrees are significantly higher than civilian applicants.
Work includes criminal investigations, protective details, tactical operations, and specialized assignments. Many positions involve SWAT/tactical team opportunities utilizing your infantry skills.
Best for: 11B veterans under 37 who want federal law enforcement careers combining tactical work with investigative responsibilities.
Private Military Contracting
Civilian job titles:
- Security Contractor (OCONUS)
- Personal Security Detail (PSD) Team Member
- Static Security Site Manager
- Security Team Leader
- Mobile Security Team (MST) Operator
Salary ranges:
- OCONUS security contractor: $90,000-$150,000 annually
- PSD team member (Afghanistan/Iraq): $120,000-$180,000
- Team leader/supervisor: $150,000-$220,000
- Day rates typically: $400-$800 per day
What translates directly:
- Combat operations in hostile environments
- Convoy security and tactical movement
- Threat assessment and engagement
- Weapons proficiency (all platforms)
- Small unit tactics and coordination
- High-threat environment experience
- Emergency medical response
- Cross-cultural operations
Certifications needed:
- Professional security training - Cost: $2,000-$8,000
- Current security clearance (Secret or Top Secret preferred)
- High Threat/PSD training from recognized providers
- First responder medical training (preferred)
- Defensive driving certification
Reality check: Private military contracting pays the highest salaries for 11B veterans but involves returning to hostile environments. Primary contracts are in Middle East, Africa, and other conflict zones.
Work rotations typically: 60-90 days overseas, 30-45 days home. Tax advantages for overseas contractors (first $120,000 tax-free under FEIE).
Companies like Constellis, Triple Canopy, GardaWorld, and SOC actively hire infantry veterans. Preference given to recent combat deployments and maintained security clearances.
The lifestyle is demanding: extended time away from family, high-threat environments, austere living conditions. But compensation is 2-3x civilian security work.
Best for: Recently separated 11B veterans who want maximum earnings, don't mind returning to conflict zones, and prefer short-term contracts over permanent positions.
Skills Translation Table (for your resume)
Stop writing "11B Infantry" and expecting civilian HR to understand. Translate your experience:
| Military Experience | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Infantryman, squad leader | Security operations specialist with team leadership experience |
| Tactical movement and positioning | Protective surveillance and threat detection expert |
| Squad/platoon operations | Security team coordination and tactical planning |
| Threat assessment and response | Risk analysis and emergency response management |
| Combat patrols and area security | Mobile and static security operations |
| Weapons qualification (all platforms) | Advanced firearms proficiency and tactical employment |
| Land navigation and route planning | Route security analysis and protective advance work |
| React to contact drills | Immediate threat response and tactical countermeasures |
| MOUT operations | Urban security operations and facility protection |
| Communication systems (SINCGARS, etc.) | Tactical communication and coordination systems |
Use active verbs: Assessed, Secured, Coordinated, Protected, Executed, Managed, Led, Responded, Planned, Conducted.
Use numbers: "Led 9-person infantry squad through 200+ combat patrols," "Executed 150+ security operations in hostile territory," "Maintained 100% weapons accountability for $500K+ equipment."
Drop military jargon: Replace "MOUT" with "urban operations," "BLUFOR" with "friendly forces," "ROE" with "use of force protocols."
Certifications That Actually Matter for EP Work
Here's what's worth your time and money:
High Priority (get these first):
State Security License - Required to work armed security in most states. Includes background check, fingerprinting, training course (8-40 hours depending on state). Cost: $200-$500. Time: 2-6 weeks. Value: Mandatory for employment.
Executive Protection Training - Professional EP course from recognized provider (Executive Protection Institute, ESI, Protection Group Denmark, etc.). Cost: $2,000-$8,000. Time: 1-2 weeks intensive. Value: Industry-standard credential that significantly increases hiring prospects and starting salary.
CPR/First Aid/AED Certification - American Heart Association or Red Cross. Cost: $150-300. Time: 1 day. Value: Required by most EP employers, demonstrates emergency medical capability.
Defensive Driving/Evasive Tactics Course - Professional protective driving training. Cost: $1,500-$3,500. Time: 3-5 days. Value: Highly valued skill for EP work, increases marketability by 30-40%.
Medium Priority (builds your qualifications):
CPP (Certified Protection Professional) - ASIS International's flagship credential. Cost: $525 exam + $200-500 study materials. Time: 3-6 months study. Value: Industry-recognized certification that opens management positions.
PSP (Physical Security Professional) - ASIS certification for physical security. Cost: $395 exam. Time: 2-3 months study. Value: Demonstrates technical security knowledge for corporate positions.
Advanced Firearms Training - Tactical pistol, rifle, low-light shooting courses. Cost: $400-$1,200 per course. Time: 2-5 days. Value: Enhanced weapons proficiency for high-level EP work.
Foreign Language Training - Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin most valuable. Cost: Free (Rosetta Stone through VA) or $200-500 courses. Value: Significantly increases opportunities for international EP assignments.
Advanced (for career progression):
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice or Security Management - Required for federal positions and senior corporate roles. Cost: GI Bill covers. Time: 2-4 years (accelerated programs available). Value: Opens six-figure management and federal law enforcement positions.
PMP (Project Management Professional) - For security management roles. Cost: $555 exam. Time: 35 hours training + exam. Value: Demonstrates management capability for director-level positions.
Advanced EP Courses - Hostile environment training, surveillance detection, advanced tactical training. Cost: $5,000-$15,000. Time: 1-2 weeks. Value: Qualifies you for high-threat, high-paying international assignments.
Top Companies Hiring 11B Veterans for Executive Protection
Major EP/Security Firms:
GardaWorld - One of largest security companies worldwide. Active veteran recruiting. Positions: EP agents, security managers, contractors. Starting salary: $60K-$85K domestic, $120K+ overseas.
Constellis (Triple Canopy, Olive Group) - Major government contractor. Infantry veterans priority. Positions: PSD teams, static security, training. Salary: $90K-$180K+.
Allied Universal - Largest security company in North America. Veteran hiring program. Positions: Corporate security, EP specialists, management. Salary: $55K-$110K.
Pinkerton - Premium corporate security and EP. Seeks military backgrounds. Positions: EP agents, intelligence analysts, security consultants. Salary: $65K-$120K.
SOC (S.O.C./SMG) - High-end EP for executives and celebrities. Military experience required. Positions: EP specialists, advance agents, team leaders. Salary: $75K-$150K+.
Corporate Security (in-house):
Amazon - Massive corporate security program. Veterans priority. Positions: Security specialists, investigators, managers. Salary: $65K-$130K+ with benefits.
Google/Meta/Microsoft - Tech company security. Veteran hiring initiatives. Positions: Executive protection, campus security, global security. Salary: $80K-$140K+.
Bank of America, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs - Financial sector security. Value military backgrounds. Positions: Security officers, investigators, EP specialists. Salary: $70K-$120K+.
Federal/Government:
U.S. State Department (DSS) - Diplomatic Security Service. Active military recruiting. Positions: Special agents, security engineers. Salary: GS-10 to GS-15 ($66K-$160K+).
FBI - Veteran hiring preference. Positions: Special agents. Salary: $78K-$130K+ (plus significant overtime).
DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals - Federal law enforcement. Military experience highly valued. Salary: GS-7 to GS-15 ($50K-$160K+).
The Skills Gap (what you need to learn)
Be honest about civilian executive protection differences:
Customer service and communication: You're protecting clients, not executing combat missions. Client interaction requires diplomacy, professionalism, and discretion. Less "direct orders," more "courteous security advice."
Legal boundaries and use of force: Civilian use of force laws are different from ROE. You need to understand self-defense laws, citizen's arrest, liability, and when you can/cannot engage. Training covers this extensively.
Low-profile operations: Most corporate EP is "gray man" - blend in, don't draw attention. Not combat loadout and aggressive posturing. Suit and tie, concealed weapon, professional demeanor.
Advance work and logistics: EP involves extensive pre-planning: route reconnaissance, site surveys, hospital locations, threat assessments. Less reactive than infantry operations, more preventative planning.
Client management: Some clients cooperate with security, others resist. You'll need patience and persuasion skills to manage difficult principals who don't want visible security.
State laws and licensing: Every state has different security licensing requirements, concealed carry laws, and use of force standards. Research before relocating.
Real 11B to EP Success Stories
James, 28, former 11B E-5 → Executive Protection Specialist
After 6 years including two combat deployments, James completed Executive Protection Institute's training ($6,500, used GI Bill). Got state security license ($350). Hired by Pinkerton at $68,000 starting. After 3 years, now makes $92,000 protecting corporate executives. Works 60% travel, 40% home base.
Marcus, 31, former 11B E-6 → Security Director
Marcus used GI Bill for bachelor's in Criminal Justice while working armed security ($45K). Got CPP certification. Promoted to corporate security manager at tech company ($95,000). Now Director of Security making $135,000, managing 15-person team.
Tyler, 26, former 11B E-4 → Private Security Contractor
Tyler went straight into contracting after ETS. Completed high-threat PSD training ($8,000). Got hired for Iraq contract at $140,000 annually (90 days on, 30 days off). Did 2 years contracting, saved $180K, now working domestic EP at $85K with better lifestyle.
David, 33, former 11B E-7 → Federal Law Enforcement
David completed bachelor's degree online while active duty. Applied to DSS after separation. Hired as Diplomatic Security Special Agent at GS-10 ($72,000). Served overseas in Afghanistan (+35% differential = $97K). Now GS-13 in Washington DC making $115,000 with full federal benefits.
Action Plan: Your First 90 Days
Month 1: Credentials and Assessment
- Obtain DD-214 and service records
- Request military training transcripts
- Apply for state security license (start background check process)
- Research EP training programs (EPI, ESI, local options)
- Update resume with civilian security language
- Set up LinkedIn profile highlighting tactical experience
- Research security clearance status (maintain if possible)
Month 2: Training and Certifications
- Complete Executive Protection training course
- Obtain CPR/First Aid/AED certification
- Get state concealed carry permit (if pursuing armed positions)
- Apply for corporate security positions
- Network with veteran EP professionals (LinkedIn, conferences)
- Attend security job fairs and industry events
- Consider defensive driving course if budget allows
Month 3: Applications and Employment
- Apply to major security firms (Allied Universal, GardaWorld, Pinkerton, etc.)
- Apply for federal positions if degree complete (USAJobs)
- Consider contract positions for immediate high income
- Accept entry-level position to gain civilian experience
- Continue networking and skill development
- Join professional organizations (ASIS International, Nine Lives Foundation)
- Plan next certifications (CPP, advanced training)
Salary Progression Timeline
Year 1: Entry-level EP specialist or armed security: $55,000-$75,000
Years 2-3: Experienced EP agent or security supervisor: $75,000-$95,000
Years 4-5: Senior EP specialist or security manager: $95,000-$120,000
Years 6-10: EP team leader or security director: $120,000-$160,000+
10+ years: Director/VP of Security or specialized international EP: $160,000-$250,000+
Alternative high-earning path: Private contracting Year 1-3: $120,000-$180,000+ (but with significant time overseas)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Not getting professional EP training. State security licenses alone don't make you competitive for high-paying EP work. Invest in recognized EP training.
Mistake #2: Focusing only on contracting. While overseas contracting pays well, it's not sustainable long-term. Build domestic experience for career longevity.
Mistake #3: Ignoring corporate security paths. EP work is competitive; corporate security management offers stable six-figure careers with better work-life balance.
Mistake #4: Poor civilian communication skills. Aggressive military bearing doesn't work in corporate EP. Practice professional, courteous client interaction.
Mistake #5: Not maintaining security clearance. If you have Secret/TS clearance, maintain it. Cleared EP positions pay 20-30% more and have less competition.
Bottom Line for 11B Infantry Veterans
Your infantry experience is exactly what executive protection companies want.
Threat assessment, tactical operations, weapons proficiency, team coordination, emergency response - these aren't "military skills," they're core protective services competencies worth $75K-$150K+ annually in civilian markets.
The EP industry was built by and for military veterans. Companies actively recruit infantry backgrounds. Your combat deployments are assets, not obstacles.
Entry paths are clear: get state security license (2-6 weeks), complete professional EP training (1-2 weeks), start at $55K-$75K entry positions. Within 3-5 years, experienced EP specialists earn $85K-$120K. Within 10 years, security directors and senior agents hit $150K+.
Alternative high-income path: private contracting pays $120K-$180K+ immediately but requires returning to hostile environments.
Federal law enforcement (DSS, FBI, DEA, Marshals) offers stable six-figure careers with full benefits for veterans with bachelor's degrees.
Corporate security management provides leadership roles at $100K-$200K+ for infantry NCOs who want to leverage tactical expertise without constant field work.
You're not starting over. You're translating proven tactical skills into civilian protective services careers. Thousands of infantry veterans are already earning six figures doing exactly this work.
The demand is real. The pathway is clear. The earnings are substantial.
Your infantry experience isn't just valuable - it's the foundation of a high-paying security career.
Ready to build your executive protection career plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research certifications, and connect with veteran EP professionals.