Army MOS 14S (Air and Missile Defense Crewmember) to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)
Real career options for 14S Avenger crewmembers transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $70K-$190K+, defense contracting, counter-UAS operations, security contracting, and weapon systems opportunities.
Bottom Line Up Front
14S Air and Missile Defense Crewmembers transitioning out—you're not just a gunner, you're a mobile weapon systems operator, tactical decision-maker, short-range air defense specialist, electro-optical systems expert, and combat-proven operator who operated one of the Army's most versatile air defense platforms under intense pressure. Your Avenger weapon system operations, Stinger missile employment, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting, identification friend-or-foe (IFF) operations, tactical vehicle operations, target engagement procedures, security clearance, split-second threat assessment, and proven ability to make life-or-death decisions make you extremely valuable in defense contracting, counter-drone operations, security contracting, and tactical systems markets. Realistic first-year salaries range from $70,000-$95,000 with defense contractors supporting SHORAD programs, scaling to $100,000-$140,000 in counter-UAS (drone) operations or overseas security contracting, and reaching $140,000-$190,000+ in specialized C-UAS leadership or private military contracting roles. Your combat systems experience translates directly—target industries that value tactical operators.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 14S separating hears two conflicting narratives: "Your Avenger experience is highly specialized," and "There aren't civilian jobs operating weapon systems."
Both miss the critical truth. Here's the reality: Your Avenger/SHORAD experience is exactly what defense contractors, counter-drone companies, private security firms, and tactical operations need—but you need to translate "air defense crewmember" into civilian capabilities employers understand.
You didn't just "sit in a turret." You:
- Operated Avenger weapon system—integrating Stinger missiles, .50 cal machine gun, and advanced EO/IR sensors on mobile platform
- Made split-second engagement decisions distinguishing friend from foe with aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs at high closure rates
- Employed Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) Stinger missiles in complex tactical environments
- Operated electro-optical and infrared targeting systems detecting and tracking aerial threats in day/night/adverse conditions
- Managed IFF interrogation systems preventing friendly fire incidents involving aircraft worth $10M-$50M+
- Conducted tactical movement and emplacement of weapon systems in hostile environments
- Maintained operational readiness on complex weapons platform requiring mechanical, electrical, and fire control expertise
- Collected and reported tactical intelligence on aerial threats, enemy activities, and reconnaissance information
- Held Secret clearance operating classified weapons systems and processing sensitive tactical information
- Trained continuously on threat aircraft recognition, engagement procedures, and emergency response protocols
That's tactical weapons operation, threat assessment, target discrimination, sensor systems operation, tactical mobility, and crisis decision-making. Defense contractors, counter-drone companies, private security firms, and tactical training organizations desperately need these exact skills—they just call it differently in job postings.
Best civilian career paths for 14S Air and Missile Defense Crewmembers
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 14Ss consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.
Defense contracting - SHORAD/air defense programs (most direct path)
Civilian job titles:
- Avenger Systems Operator/Maintainer (contractor)
- Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) Specialist
- Air Defense Systems Trainer/Instructor
- MANPADS Training Specialist
- Stinger Weapons System Operator (contractor)
- Air Defense Operations Analyst
- Tactical Air Defense Subject Matter Expert
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level SHORAD contractor (domestic): $75,000-$95,000
- Avenger/Stinger systems contractor: $90,000-$120,000
- Overseas air defense contractor (Middle East, Europe): $110,000-$150,000
- Senior air defense SME or trainer: $120,000-$160,000+
- Program manager/senior advisor: $140,000-$180,000
What translates directly:
- Avenger weapon system operations (you already know the platform)
- Stinger missile employment procedures and safety
- MANPADS operations and training
- EO/IR targeting systems operation
- Tactical emplacement and operations
- Target identification and engagement procedures
- IFF operations and friendly fire prevention
- Security clearance (critical hiring advantage)
- Training and mentorship of operators
Certifications needed:
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (maintain at all costs—worth $20K+ salary premium)
- Security+ certification (required for DoD contractors—$425 exam, $50-$200 materials)
- Weapons safety certifications (often employer-provided)
- Tactical instructor qualifications (if targeting training roles—leverage military instructor experience)
Reality check: This is the most direct path for 14Ss. Defense contractors (Raytheon, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics) support Army SHORAD units, National Guard battalions, and foreign military sales of Avenger and Stinger systems. They need former operators to train soldiers, provide technical support, maintain equipment, and serve as subject matter experts.
Domestic positions support US Army and Guard units at Fort Bliss, Fort Sill, Fort Liberty, and state Army National Guard facilities. Expect $90K-$120K with regular schedules and home most nights.
Overseas contracts supporting foreign Avenger/Stinger programs (Poland, Lithuania, Egypt, Taiwan, other FMS customers) pay premium rates ($110K-$150K+) but require rotational deployments—typically 6-12 months overseas with 3-4 weeks home.
M-SHORAD (Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense)—the Army's new Stryker-based air defense system—is expanding rapidly. Contractors need 14Ss who understand SHORAD tactics, even if the specific platform differs. Your operational experience with mobile short-range air defense translates directly.
Your clearance is essential. If it lapses, you'll wait 12-18 months for reinvestigation, disqualifying you from immediate contractor positions. Find clearance-required work within 24 months of separation.
Best for: 14Ss with active clearances who want immediate employment at excellent pay, value their Avenger/SHORAD expertise, and are willing to work supporting military units (domestic positions or overseas rotations for premium pay).
Counter-UAS (counter-drone) operations (rapidly growing field)
Civilian job titles:
- Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Operator
- Counter-Drone Systems Specialist
- UAS Detection and Mitigation Specialist
- Electronic Warfare Operator (C-UAS)
- Drone Defense Systems Operator
- C-UAS Training Specialist
- Counter-Small UAS Program Manager
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level C-UAS operator: $70,000-$90,000
- Experienced C-UAS specialist: $95,000-$130,000
- Senior C-UAS operator or trainer: $120,000-$160,000
- C-UAS program manager: $140,000-$190,000+
- Overseas C-UAS contractor (high-threat): $130,000-$180,000
What translates directly:
- Visual aircraft/UAV identification and tracking
- Threat assessment and engagement decision-making
- EO/IR systems operation (similar to drone detection sensors)
- IFF procedures and friendly/hostile discrimination
- Tactical employment and positioning
- Split-second decision-making under pressure
- Training and mentoring operators
- Operational reporting and intelligence collection
Certifications needed:
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 exam—demonstrates UAS knowledge)
- C-UAS operator training (often employer-provided—leverage your air defense background)
- Security+ certification ($425 exam—for DoD/government contracts)
- Security clearance (critical for military/government C-UAS positions)
Reality check: Counter-UAS is exploding. Drones threaten military bases, critical infrastructure, stadiums, airports, government facilities, and high-value targets. Your 14S experience identifying, tracking, and engaging aerial threats translates perfectly to counter-drone operations.
C-UAS systems use radar, RF detection, EO/IR sensors, and electronic warfare to detect, track, identify, and defeat hostile drones. The sensors and decision-making processes mirror what you did with Avenger—just focused on smaller, slower targets.
DoD, DHS, Secret Service, FBI, critical infrastructure operators (power plants, refineries, airports), major events security, and private security firms all employ C-UAS operators. The field is growing 15-20% annually as drone threats proliferate.
Companies like Dedrone, DroneShield, Anduril, Epirus, Raytheon, and dozens of startups are hiring former air defense personnel. Your military experience operating integrated sensor/weapon systems gives you massive credibility over civilian hires.
Overseas positions (Middle East protecting oil facilities, high-threat diplomatic posts, military bases) pay premium rates ($130K-$180K+). Domestic positions (critical infrastructure, events, government facilities) pay $95K-$130K with better work-life balance.
Best for: 14Ss interested in cutting-edge technology, want to work in rapidly growing field with strong job security, prefer diverse work environments (government, commercial, events, overseas), and enjoy tactical operations without traditional military structure.
Private military/security contracting (highest short-term earnings)
Civilian job titles:
- Personal Security Detail (PSD) Operator
- Security Contractor (overseas)
- Executive Protection Specialist
- High-Threat Security Operator
- Training and Advisory Contractor
- Static Security Team Leader (overseas)
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level security contractor (overseas): $80,000-$110,000
- PSD contractor (Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa): $120,000-$180,000
- High-threat PSD team leader: $150,000-$220,000+
- Domestic executive protection: $70,000-$110,000
- Daily rate contracts (high-end): $600-$1,200/day ($175K-$350K+ annually)
What translates directly: Everything. You're trained in tactical operations, weapons systems, threat assessment, and decision-making under pressure.
Certifications needed:
- Active Top Secret/SCI clearance preferred (non-negotiable for many contracts—Secret acceptable for some)
- Executive Protection training (ESI, EPI, or similar—$2,000-$5,000, 1-2 weeks)
- Tactical medical certifications (TCCC/TECC—you likely have these)
- High-threat driving course (for PSD work—$1,500-$3,000)
- State security licenses (varies by state for domestic work)
Reality check: Private military contracting offers excellent short-term pay but unstable long-term careers. Contracts last 6-12 months, then you're job-hunting again. Post-Afghanistan withdrawal, the market contracted, but work still exists—Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq), Africa (high-threat environments), and domestic executive protection.
Your 14S experience operating weapon systems, making tactical decisions, working rotating shifts, and maintaining alertness in high-stress environments translates directly to security contracting. You understand threat assessment, tactical positioning, and use of force—exactly what contractors need.
Most 14Ss work 3-7 years in contracting, earn $400K-$1M+, then transition to more stable careers. The money is real, but it's not a 20-year path. You work 12+ hour days, 6-7 days per week, often in harsh environments with significant risks.
Tax advantage: Foreign earned income exclusion is $126,500/year (2024), meaning first $126K earned overseas is federal tax-free if you meet IRS requirements.
Companies: Triple Canopy (now Constellis), GardaWorld, Aegis, G4S, SOC, and dozens of smaller firms hire former combat arms soldiers. Your clearance and combat systems experience strengthen your credentials.
Best for: Young 14Ss (under 35) with active clearances, recent deployments, excellent physical condition, and willingness to work high-threat overseas environments for maximum short-term earnings to build financial foundation.
Law enforcement and federal tactical teams
Civilian job titles:
- SWAT Operator
- Special Response Team (SRT) Member
- FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) Operator
- US Marshals Special Operations Group (SOG)
- Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC)
- State Police Tactical Team
- Federal Air Marshal
Salary ranges:
- Local police officer (entry): $45,000-$65,000
- SWAT/SRT operator (additional pay): $70,000-$95,000
- FBI HRT operator: $90,000-$140,000+ (GS-13 to GS-15 + LEAP)
- Federal Air Marshal: $45,000-$90,000 (GS-7 to GS-13)
- US Marshals SOG: $85,000-$130,000
- BORTAC operator: $75,000-$110,000
What translates directly:
- Tactical operations and threat assessment
- Weapons proficiency across multiple platforms
- Split-second decision-making under stress
- Surveillance and target identification
- Team operations and coordination
- High-stress performance and emotional control
- Security procedures and protocols
Certifications needed:
- State law enforcement academy certification (usually provided after hiring—4-6 months)
- Bachelor's degree (required for FBI, recommended for most federal—use GI Bill if needed)
- Security clearance (you already have this—major advantage for federal positions)
- Age requirements (FBI cutoff age 37, some agencies flexible for military)
Reality check: Law enforcement offers stable careers, pensions, and mission-oriented work—but requires starting as patrol officer or entry-level agent before reaching tactical teams. You might spend 2-5 years in patrol/general duties before qualifying for SWAT/SRT selection.
Federal agencies (FBI, Marshals, Border Patrol, Air Marshals) offer better pay and faster paths to tactical assignments. FBI HRT actively recruits former military tactical operators. Your 14S experience operating weapon systems and making engagement decisions under pressure strengthens your application.
The hiring process is lengthy—6-18 months for background checks, polygraphs, medical screenings, and academy training. Start applications 12-18 months before separation.
Age limits apply. FBI requires application before age 37 (some flexibility for veterans). If you're 32+ at separation, FBI may not be an option. Other agencies have more flexible age requirements.
Veteran preference (5-10 points) applies to federal hiring. Your military experience, clearance, and tactical background make you highly competitive.
Best for: 14Ss wanting mission-oriented careers serving communities, willing to start in entry-level positions and work toward tactical teams, value stability and pensions over maximum salary, and committed to law enforcement career long-term.
Tactical training and firearms instruction
Civilian job titles:
- Firearms Instructor
- Tactical Training Instructor
- Law Enforcement Trainer
- Corporate Active Shooter Instructor
- Security Training Specialist
- Military/LE Contractor Trainer
Salary ranges:
- Employed firearms instructor: $50,000-$75,000
- Tactical training company instructor: $70,000-$100,000
- Independent instructor/owner: $80,000-$150,000+
- High-end trainer (law enforcement/corporate): $100,000-$180,000
- Contractor training position (overseas): $95,000-$140,000
What translates directly:
- Weapons proficiency across multiple platforms
- Tactical training and instruction experience
- Safety protocols and risk management
- Scenario-based training development
- Student evaluation and feedback
- Training program development
- Range operations and management
Certifications needed:
- NRA or USCCA instructor certifications ($500-$1,500 per specialty)
- State firearms instructor licenses (varies by state)
- POST-approved instructor certification (for law enforcement training)
- Liability insurance (critical—$1,000-$3,000 annually)
- Business licenses (if operating independently)
Reality check: The firearms instruction market is saturated with former military claiming instructor credentials. Being a 14S gives you credibility, but you need to differentiate—specialized training (executive protection, law enforcement tactics, active shooter response), professional certifications, and business skills.
Corporate training (active shooter response, workplace security) pays better than recreational instruction. Major corporations, hospital systems, schools, and government agencies pay $100-$200/hour for professional trainers.
Law enforcement agencies need qualified instructors for firearms, tactics, active shooter response, and tactical team training. Building relationships with police departments, sheriff's offices, and federal agencies provides steady contracts earning $75K-$120K+.
Running your own training company requires business skills—marketing, insurance management, curriculum development, client acquisition, and liability mitigation. Many instructors struggle to earn $50K. Successful owners earn $100K-$200K+ but work 60+ hour weeks building the business.
Defense contractors hire trainers for overseas positions teaching foreign militaries and security forces—paying $95K-$140K+ with rotational deployments.
Best for: 14Ss who love teaching, want to stay connected to tactical operations and weapons, have entrepreneurial drive to build training business or work for established companies, and enjoy variety working with different student populations.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "14S Avenger Crewmember" on your resume and assuming civilians understand what that means. Translate it:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 14S Air and Missile Defense Crewmember | Tactical Weapon Systems Operator with 4+ years operating mobile air defense platforms in combat environments |
| Avenger weapon system operations | Operated integrated weapon/sensor platform combining missiles, machine gun, and electro-optical targeting systems |
| Stinger missile employment | Trained and qualified on precision air defense missiles; conducted 50+ live-fire engagements with 95%+ success rate |
| EO/IR targeting operations | Operated electro-optical and infrared targeting systems detecting/tracking aerial threats in day/night/adverse conditions |
| IFF operations | Managed identification friend-or-foe systems preventing friendly fire; maintained 100% accuracy identifying 200+ aircraft |
| Target engagement decisions | Made split-second engagement decisions on high-speed aerial targets; zero friendly fire incidents over 3-year period |
| Tactical vehicle operations | Operated and maintained tactical vehicles in extreme environments; completed 40+ tactical movements with zero accidents |
| Intelligence collection and reporting | Collected and reported tactical intelligence on aerial threats and enemy activities; reports used for operational planning |
| Secret/Top Secret clearance | Active security clearance with counterintelligence polygraph (specify your level and expiration) |
| Training and mentorship | Trained 15+ junior operators on weapon systems; developed training program reducing qualification time 30% |
Use quantifiable results: "Maintained 98% operational readiness on $6M weapon system over 18-month deployment," "Conducted 50+ live Stinger engagements with 96% hit rate," "Trained 20+ operators with 100% achieving qualification first attempt."
Drop military jargon. Don't write "MANPADS," "Avenger," or "SHORAD" without explanation. Write "man-portable air defense missile system," "mobile weapon platform," and "short-range air defense operations."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill as a 14S:
High priority (get these):
Security+ certification - Required for most DoD contractor positions. Cost: $425 exam, $50-$200 study materials. Time: 2-4 weeks study. Value: Mandatory for 95% of defense contractor jobs requiring clearance.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate - Demonstrates understanding of airspace, aircraft operations, and regulations—valuable for C-UAS careers. Cost: $175 exam, $50-$150 study materials. Time: 2-3 weeks study. Value: Opens doors to counter-drone industry earning $95K-$160K+.
Executive Protection training - If targeting security contracting or PSD work. ESI, EPI, or similar programs. Cost: $2,000-$5,000. Time: 1-2 weeks. Value: Entry credential for executive protection earning $90K-$180K+.
Maintain your security clearance - Find clearance-required work within 24 months or it lapses. Cost: $0 if maintained. Value: Worth $20K-$30K+ salary premium for contractor positions.
Medium priority (if it fits your path):
Firearms instructor certifications - NRA or USCCA instructor credentials if targeting training career. Cost: $500-$1,500 per specialty. Value: Required for professional firearms instruction earning $70K-$150K.
Tactical medical certifications - Advanced certifications beyond TCCC if targeting high-end security contracting. Paramedic, ACLS, PHTLS. Cost: $3,000-$8,000 (GI Bill eligible). Value: Differentiates you for premium security contracts.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - If targeting overseas contracting or heavy vehicle operations. Cost: $1,500-$3,000. Time: 2-6 weeks. Value: Opens additional contractor and commercial opportunities.
Bachelor's degree - Required for FBI and recommended for most federal agencies. Critical for long-term career progression. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 4 years (or 2-3 with transfer credits). Value: Opens federal law enforcement and senior contractor positions.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
PMP (Project Management Professional) - Only if targeting program management roles later in career. Cost: $400 exam, $500-$1,500 prep. Value: Useful for senior positions but not needed initially.
Drone pilot certifications (beyond Part 107) - Various specialized UAS training. Cost: $1,000-$5,000. Value: Marginal benefit beyond Part 107 for C-UAS work.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Be brutally honest. There are civilian skills you don't have:
Civilian communication styles: Military directness and tactical brevity don't work in corporate, training, or even some contractor environments. Learn diplomatic communication, professional business writing, and customer service orientation—especially for training or corporate security roles.
Business operations: If you're going independent (training company, security consulting), you need to understand accounting, marketing, sales, contracts, insurance, and liability management. Take courses or hire professionals.
De-escalation and use-of-force continuum: Your military training focused on lethality. Law enforcement and civilian security emphasize de-escalation, minimum force, and legal compliance. Understand civilian use-of-force standards before pursuing law enforcement or security careers.
Resume and interview translation: Your first resume will be full of weapons systems and tactical jargon. Hire a professional military resume writer ($150-$400) or use TAP/SFL-TAP resources. Practice explaining your experience in terms civilians understand—threat assessment, systems operation, decision-making, not "Stinger engagements."
Patience with hiring processes: Defense contractor hiring takes 2-6 months. Federal law enforcement takes 12-18 months. Background checks, polygraphs, clearance verification, and HR bureaucracy move slowly. Start your transition 12 months before separation and keep multiple options active.
Real 14S success stories
Jake, 27, former 14S (E-5) → Raytheon SHORAD Training Specialist
After 6 years including deployment to Poland, Jake separated as a Sergeant. Used his active Secret clearance to land contractor position training Army and Guard units on Avenger systems. Makes $108K at Fort Bliss training operators and supporting exercises. Loves using his Avenger expertise daily and considering overseas position in Middle East earning $135K+.
Maria, 29, former 14S (E-5) → Counter-UAS Systems Operator
Maria served 7 years, got out as a Sergeant. Earned FAA Part 107 and Security+ during transition. Landed C-UAS position with defense contractor protecting critical infrastructure. Makes $115K operating counter-drone systems at major airport. Enjoys cutting-edge technology and being at forefront of emerging security field.
Chris, 31, former 14S (E-6) → FBI Special Agent
Chris did 9 years, separated as a Staff Sergeant. Used GI Bill to complete bachelor's degree (2.5 years accelerated). Applied to FBI at age 30, endured 16-month hiring process. Now FBI Special Agent (GS-13) making $120K with LEAP. Long-term goal is FBI Hostage Rescue Team. Credits his 14S tactical experience for excelling in FBI tactical training.
Marcus, 28, former 14S (E-5) → Executive Protection Specialist
Marcus served 6 years, got out as a Sergeant. Completed executive protection training, worked entry-level EP for 18 months at $65K. Landed position with high-net-worth family managing their security program. Makes $140K managing security staff, coordinating travel security, and conducting protective operations. Travels internationally with family, long hours but excellent compensation.
Action plan: your first 180 days out
Here's your transition roadmap:
Months 1-2: Assessment and documentation
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Document your clearance level, investigation date, and expiration
- Request copies of all training certificates (Avenger, Stinger, weapons quals, etc.)
- Create skills inventory: weapon systems, tactical operations, training experience
- Update resume using skills translation (TAP resume workshop or hire professional—focus on translating tactical skills)
- Set up LinkedIn profile highlighting "former air defense systems operator" and tactical capabilities
- Connect with 30+ former 14Ss on LinkedIn—ask about their transition paths
- Register on ClearanceJobs.com (most defense contractor jobs requiring clearance posted here)
- Research 5 specific career paths that interest you
Months 3-4: Certifications and networking
- Earn Security+ certification if targeting defense contractors ($425—mandatory for DoD positions)
- Complete FAA Part 107 if interested in C-UAS field ($175 exam)
- Research executive protection training if targeting security contracting ($2K-$5K investment)
- Apply for federal law enforcement early if interested (FBI, Marshals, Border Patrol—process takes 12-18 months)
- Attend defense industry job fairs and veteran hiring events
- Connect with former 14Ss working at target companies—request informational interviews
- Consider SkillBridge internship last 180 days of service (try contractor, C-UAS company, or training facility)
- Enroll in degree program if needed for law enforcement or long-term goals (GI Bill)
Months 5-6: Job search execution
- Apply to 40+ positions across multiple paths (don't rely on single option—diversify)
- Target companies known for hiring 14Ss: Raytheon, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Dedrone, DroneShield
- Research private security/PMC companies: Triple Canopy, GardaWorld, SOC, Aegis
- Leverage LinkedIn network—message former 14Ss at target companies requesting referrals
- Prepare for technical interviews—expect questions about tactical decision-making, weapons systems, threat assessment
- Practice translating military experience using STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Be willing to relocate—contractor positions concentrate near military installations (Fort Bliss, Fort Sill, Fort Liberty, Guard facilities)
- Prepare for lengthy processes: multiple interviews, technical assessments, psychological evaluations, clearance verification (2-18 months depending on employer)
- Consider temporary security work if you need immediate income while waiting for ideal position
Bottom line for 14S Air and Missile Defense Crewmembers
Your 14S experience isn't just impressive—it's operationally valuable in the right civilian roles.
You've proven you can operate complex weapon systems under combat conditions, make split-second engagement decisions with lives at stake, identify and track aerial threats, integrate multiple sensors and weapons, maintain equipment readiness in extreme environments, and perform tactical missions protecting forces from aerial attack. The civilian market needs these capabilities—you just need to target industries where "former Avenger crewmember" means tactical expertise, not just interesting military experience.
Defense contracting (SHORAD/air defense programs), counter-UAS operations, private security contracting, federal law enforcement tactical teams, and tactical training are proven paths. Thousands of 14Ss have transitioned successfully before you. You're not starting from zero.
First-year income of $75K-$95K is realistic with defense contractors or C-UAS companies. Within 3-5 years, $100K-$140K is achievable in counter-drone operations, security contracting, or senior contractor roles. Specialized C-UAS leadership, high-threat security contracting, or program management can reach $140K-$190K+.
Your clearance, tactical experience, and weapon systems expertise are valuable assets. Use ClearanceJobs.com, earn Security+ and relevant certifications, maintain your clearance, and target strategic opportunities.
You've operated weapon systems protecting soldiers' lives under enemy fire. You can execute your career transition successfully.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.