Have A High School Diploma Ged Or College Degree
In order to be a PMC, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED. On top of that, having a college degree will make you stand out.
Typically, those who have graduated from college enjoy an easier path to apply for private military contractors. In particular, if your degree is in police science, criminal justice, or public safety, you will have the edge over others.
If you are in college pursuing a degree, it helps to take foreign language courses, such as French, Spanish, and Arabic. These are the common languages spoken in war zones, so it will surely give you an advantage.
It is also helpful if you partake in your schools ROTC program, if available. The ROTC program is supposed to prepare you for military careers, especially in terms of maintaining standard physical fitness.
Principles That Apply To Private Military Contractors In Ukraine
With the increasing number of private military contractors active in Ukraine, it is important to recall 6 key principles:1. Private military contractors must always comply with international law this is not negotiable 2. It is the nature and circumstances of the functions carried out by the personnel of private military contractors that determine their status as civilians or combatants 3. Personnel of private military contractors lose their protection as civilians for such time as they directly participate in hostilities 4. Personnel of private military contractors are civilians except if incorporated into the regular armed forces of a State or are members of organized armed forces, groups or units under a command responsible to the State 5. Personnel of private military contractors can be prosecuted if they commit crimes 6. Personnel of private military contractors are entitled to Prisonor of War status in international armed conflicts, if they are authorized to accompany the armed forces & have been provided with an identity card.
International Code of Conduct Association
Geneva Nations 3rd Floor
Can I Join A Private Military Contractor Company Without Ever Being In The Military
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Joining the military is a rigorous process that takes mental and physical stamina and dedication. The many requirements to join a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces include certain health and physical standards. If youre unable to join the military, you can still provide service to the country as a private military contractor. While many positions require military experience, some private military contractor jobs require no experience in the military. That doesnt mean there arent hoops to jump through to get those jobs.
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Gain Or Collect Security Experience
Next, you will need to have security experience. The best way to do this is by serving in a police department, governmental law-enforcement agency , or the military. The experience should include the fundamentals of gun use and control, self-defense tactics, and security services, all of which will be useful when you turn in the bid to become a contractor.
If you do not have these types of experience, then you should enroll in a basic course to pick up skills. In detail, you will need to know how to handle guns and firearms.
Familiarize yourself with the typical weapons used by military personnel and security organizations, such as AR rifles, Mossberg shotguns, and Glocks 8mms. You can also seek help from local gun stores in this regard.
Explosive Detection Dog Handler
Dogs have saved countless lives as theyve grown to have a more significant role in the U.S. Military.
Dogs, like explosive detection experts, can help uncover dangerous explosive devices and other weapons of warfare before other personnel pass through the area.
Every service dog of the U.S. Military needs its own handler.
The handler is responsible for the well-trained animal. In addition to keeping them trained to handle the most recent weapons, they also look after every other aspect of their welfare.
Canine handlers in the military usually need to have several years of experience and many different levels of certification in order to get considered as a PMC.
If you do land a rare job working as a handler, it is an incredibly important job that can help save many lives.
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What Do Security Contractors Do
This is where it gets a bit hazy. For obvious reasons, the specific details of your position may not be advertised on the company website. As an example, the job description for a Protective Security Specialist in Afghanistan might detail convoy and facility protection duties. But not specify if you will work alongside military personnel in Kabul or in support of a non-profit organizations initiatives in a remote rural area.
Typical jobs for security contractors include providing security for facilities, vessels, residences, and project sites, escorting convoys transporting commodities such as food, oil, water or weapons, and providing security training to foreign military and police personnel.
The duties may sound very similar to the types of jobs you did in the military. The big thing to remember is that you wont necessarily have the might of the American military there to back you up if things go badly. The Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs at Brown University estimates that over 6,900 contractors working for the U.S. have been killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan war zones.
Other considerations? It is not going to be a nine-to-five job. Typical contracts have you based in the Middle East or Africa. Your shift might be 12 hours. You could average six days a week for a one-year period, with a four-week vacation halfway through. Alternatively, you may work for two months but then have an unpaid break before your next contract.
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Private security contracting is a booming industry, particularly given the political desire of many countries to reduce their military footprint overseas. As Kerry Patton observed in his book, Contracted: Americas Secret Warriors, 52% of the people fighting in Afghanistan in 2012 were contractors.
Private security contractors dont just work with military and government organizations. Many for-profit companies and non-government organizations operate in war zones, piracy hot spots, and destabilized areas. Private security is a vital component of their daily operations.
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Top 10 Private Military Contractor Jobs
There is no shortage of jobs for American private military contractors. Between 2012 and 2017, the government spent over $160 billion on PMCs. That is a much larger sum than the entire defense budget of most other nations. As outlined below, there are many different opportunities available, even for people with little or no combat experience.
The required level of experience and training varies with each contractor. Furthermore, some companies help with items like travel visas and relocation assistance. In other situations, individuals are responsible for these things themselves.
Whether they are deployed to a relatively quiet area like South Korea or a hotbed like Syria, private military contractors face a number of serious injury risks. Trauma injuries, like falls, happen suddenly and without warning. Occupational diseases, like hearing loss and toxic exposure, are even more common. Frequently, these victims go about their daily lives for many years before they realize they are sick.
How Much Does A Roving Security Contractor Make
The salary and compensation can be all over the place depending on the company you work for, the location you work in, etc.
With that said, here are a few examples:
- High Threat Security Operator $450 a day
- Personal Security Specialist $600 $650 a day
- Guard Site Supervisor $800 a day
In general, roving and static security are some of the highest paying private military contractor jobs on the planet.
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Put Together An Impressive Cv To Showcase Yourself
Putting together a good CV is the next important step. Make sure that it is impressive by focusing on your job qualifications, skills, and experience. These should clearly match the job that you are interested in carrying out.
This step is not easy, requiring a lot of effort and time, but it is essential in todays competitive world. The better your resume is, the higher chance you have of getting hired as PMC. The CV should be up to date and accompanied by an application or cover letter as well.
Top Tip: You can consider getting professional help on drafting your resume so that it showcases your strengths.
Skills That You Should Have
Skills that military contractors should have include:
- Physical Fitness
Good strength and stamina are crucial to protect yourself and others from harm.
- Attention to Detail
A keen eye is crucial in recognizing potential threats and acting accordingly.
- Handle Pressure
Staying calm and rational under stressful scenarios is necessary to eliminate threats and guarantee safety.
- Critical Thinking
Thinking on their feet is a must in the military, where situations are never as expected. Being able to think critically is important when encountering potentially hazardous situations.
Lead teams and other personnel to successfully complete tasks as well as respond in less-than-desirable situations. Unlike mainstream misconception, you will not be on your own or working independently, even as a PMC.
- Interpersonal Communication
- Risk Management
Quick Facts About Security Contractor Work
Job Title: Private Military Contractors, Security Contractors, or MercenaryOffice: Military hot spots across the globeDescription: Perform security, intelligence, and combat for moneyCertifications/Education: Military or law enforcement backgroundNecessary Skills: Specialized military skills, physically fitPotential Employers: Private Military Companies or Military Service ProvidersPay: $500 to $1000 per day or over $100,000 per year
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Become A Private Military Contractor Without Military Experience
If you want to become a private military contractor without military experience, make sure that you do careful research on the companies hiring non-military PMCs before you submit your application.
Well-known companies in the United States that you can consider looking into are G4S, KBR, Academi, Vinnell Corporation, and Northbridge Services Group. You can look for other top organizations online.
Each of the companies will have different job openings listed, so choose the one that suits your skills and experience best.
Most of the time, PMC positions that do not require military experience are firefighter, records manager, security alarm monitor, armor vehicle technician, driver attendant, water treatment plant operator, background investigator, proposal writer or manager, and unarmed security officer, among others.
The positions will have distinct private military contractor requirements that you must satisfy in order to make it into the interview round. So, make sure that you know your qualifications well.
Where Can I Learn More About Contracting Jobs For Veterans
A great place to explore private security contracting opportunities is our job board careers.gijobs.com. These companies have informed us they want to hire Veterans!
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Discover the range of possibilities for your future.
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Russias Private Military Contractor Wagner Comes Out Of The Shadows In Ukraine War
Mercenary group does not officially exist but is playing a more public role and openly recruiting in Russia
Three billboards in the Ural city of Ekaterinburg shine a light on what was once one of Russias most shadowy organisations, the private military contractor Wagner.
Motherland, Honour, Blood, Bravery. WAGNER, one of the posters reads.
Another, which locals said first appeared on the outskirts of the countrys fourth largest city in early July, depicts three men in military uniform next to the words Wagner2022.org.
The billboards, which can be seen in several Russian cities, are part of Wagners efforts to recruit fighters to join its ranks in Ukraine.
They also serve as a testament to the transformation the group has undergone since Moscow launched its invasion over five months ago, from a secretive mercenary organisation shrouded in mystery to an increasingly public extension of Russias military efforts in Ukraine.
It looks like they have decided that they will no longer try to hide their existence. By now, everyone knows who they are, said Denis Korotkov, a former Novaya Gazeta journalist and longtime observer of Wagner.
Wagner was established in 2014 to support pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. The US and others say it is funded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a powerful businessman closely linked to Vladimir Putin who is under western sanctions. Prigozhin denies any links to the group.
Russias war in Ukraine has, however, brought the group out of the dark.
What Do Pmcs Do
PMCs do not have just one job. Their duties and tasks depend on a variety of other factors. Some examples of what PMCs do are:
- Conduct counter-drug operations
- Protect employees on oil rigs or fields
- Guard politicians or political dignitaries
- Train security personnel on site
- Assist the police or military personnel on assignments
- Guard government building and corporate headquarters
- Collaborate with special forces to conduct surveillance activities in war zones
- Provide armed escort for high-risk figures and diplomats
- Work with security professionals to map out safe routes and defensive processes
- Serving as an armed guard during military supply transportation across territories
In general, PMCs are hired for niche expertise and skills to guarantee security.
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How Much Do Medics Make
Though the medical profession generally pays well for starters, you can potentially make nearly double of a typical salary back in the States with the right qualifications and experience.
It is especially true if there is a strong demand for medics at the moment due to a shortage.
The government will pay handsomely in order to reward you for working in conflict zones and places of high stress.
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Joining A Private Military Contractor Company
Whether or not youve been in the military, you follow the same method for joining a private military contractor company. Many contractors recruit prior military and nonmilitary professionals. In that case, a recruiter helps you determine the best position based on your interest and background.
If you are interested in seeking a position with a private military contractor on your own, the best place to start is online. Private military contractors such as Constellis and GardaWorld Federal Services list open positions along with their requirements. You can apply online for any position that appears suitable.
References
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How Much Do Pmcs Earn
Although there are no exact numbers because PMCs often do not disclose their salary, the national average expectation for similar occupations is $41,175 a year, compared to other private contractors with #32,480 a year and security officers $47,539 a year.
Some PMCs will be paid daily, ranging between $500 to $1,000, depending on who is hiring and what the PMC is hired for. Sometimes, the rate can go up to $400,000 per year.
Are There Contractors Or Mercenaries Fighting In Ukraine
Post Date: March 16, 2022 | Category:Around the World, The Danger Zone
Foreign military contractors say they are not fighting in Ukraine period.
Most are being approached to help NGOs and humanitarian organizations in Ukraine or neighboring countries in need of people with specialized skills and experience working in austere conditions in conflict zones.
“Most of the guys I personally know going over are doctors, physician assistants, paramedics, nurses, and former special ops guys – or non-special ops guys – who are combat vets and understand,” said Mykel Hawke, a former US special forces officer who has worked as a war zone contractor.
Western contractors are governed by the laws and regulations of their own countries, said Christopher Mayer, a former US Army Colonel who worked with PMCs in Iraq.
They are supposed to protect people, places, or assets, rather than engage in direct combat.
Many in the industry bristle at the suggestion that they are ‘mercenaries’ or soldiers of fortune.
“It’s the same kind of work that you see in the United States and elsewhere,” Mr. Mayer said. “The difference is that in areas of conflict, the likelihood of having to use lethal force is much, much higher”.
In practice, though, the line is blurry.
“People talk about legitimacy and who the client is. None of that matters,” he added. “If you can do one, you can do the other”.
The proliferation of PMCs may lead to as much “chaos and mayhem” as good, he warned.
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Private Military Firms See Demand In Ukraine War
Wanted: multilingual former soldiers willing to covertly head into Ukraine for the handsome sum of up to $2,000 per day – plus bonus – to help rescue families from an increasingly grim conflict.
It sounds ripped from the script of an action movie, but the job advert is real – taken from an employment website, Silent Professionals, for those working in the private military and security industry.
And, insiders say, demand is growing. Amid a gut-wrenching war in Ukraine, US and European private contractors say they are increasingly eying opportunities, ranging from ‘extraction’ missions to helping with logistics.
There is “a frenzy in the market” for private contractors in Ukraine today, said Robert Young Pelton, a Canadian American author and expert on private military companies .
But the demand for paid security workers – many of them former soldiers with ability to fight and kill – in the midst of a war leaves plenty of room for mistakes, and the potential for bedlam.
Even as Westerns volunteers are joining the fight in Ukraine, for which they can expect to be paid the same as their Ukrainian counterparts, money is being offered by private interests for security services like the one advertised on Silent Professionals.
The price of evacuations depends on the complexity of the work, said Tony Schiena, CEO of Mosaic, a US-headquartered intelligence and security advisory firm already operating in Ukraine.