How to become a civilian contractor for the military?
The armed forces are always in search of talented and skilled workers to support their operations abroad and domestically. Civilian contractors, also known as contractors for the military or military contractors, play a vital role in supporting troops and conducting various tasks required for national security. However, getting hired as a civilian contractor for the military can be a challenging task, but with the right guidance and preparation, one can succeed.
Prerequisites and Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for a position as a civilian contractor, it’s essential to determine if you meet the requirements. Typically, contractors come from a variety of disciplines, such as:
- Project management
- Logistics support
- Human resources management
- Financial management
- Information technology
- Operations research and analysis
- Engineering
To be considered for a civilian contractor position, you must:
- Hold a valid U.S. passport
- Be willing to relocate and work irregular hours
- Pass the necessary background checks and meet security requirements
- Possibly hold a security clearance at the appropriate level (e.g., Secret, Top Secret, or SCI)
Here are the general eligibility criteria for some of the typical positions:
| Position | Education Requirement | Experience Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| LOGCAP Program Manager | BA/BS in a relevant field | 5 years of project management experience; 10 years of technical experience in a related field |
| Logistics Support Contract Manager | BA/BS in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field | 3 years of contracts management experience; 3 years of logistics experience |
Applying for Jobs
Now that you understand the basic requirements, where do you start? Civilian contractor positions are managed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and most positions can be found on the Department of the Army’s Temporary and Indefinite Corps of Experts (TICS) or the Department of Defense’s Civilian jobs website (USAJOBS). Other government agencies also hire contractors, such as the State Department, Treasury, and NASA.
As a starting point, I recommend researching the following major contracting programs:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Army Contracting Agency
- U.S. Air Force Contracting Flight
- U.S. Navy Acquisition and Contract Support
- U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC)
Benefits and Career Advancement
Working as a civilian contractor for the military offers benefits and career advancement opportunities unmatched in other industries. Take a closer look at:
- Competitive salaries and housing allowances
- Comprehensive benefit packages (health, insurance, and retirement)
- Opportunities to work abroad with the DOD and contribute to international operations
- Professional growth and development potential
- Networking opportunities, as many contractors become valued members of the military contracting community
- Potential transfer to a government job when the contractor position ends or is concluded
Staying Adaptable
The nature of military contractors is diverse, and a contractor may be required to work on various projects throughout their career. Staying adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn new tasks and responsibilities is crucial:
- Consider obtaining certifications for specialized skills, such as project management, IT systems, or logistics
- Develop skills in areas crucial to the military, including language, cultural awareness, and problem-solving
- Stay open to new learning opportunities, such as refresher training, professional continuing education, and online learning platforms
- Network through professional organizations, conferences, and mentorship programs
- Pursue opportunities at various defense contractors, organizations, or government agencies as your skills and experience improve
Conclusion
For those eager to become civilians contractors for the military, understanding the prerequisites, opportunities, and benefits is pivotal. Follow these steps: research government agencies and companies, create a tailored curriculum vitae and cover letter for each application, and become adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn. Most importantly, stay persistent!
