These fireside chats provide an extremely valuable reality check for those thinking they want to enter this profession. Personally, I preferred being on offence rather than defense, because both static and mobile security puts one in the position of being a target. Hours and hours of boredom, with intermixed moments of panic and sheer terror. You brought up a good point about the market becoming flooded with spec ops veterans. Young people wanting to enter this field better go get some training and experience. The first time getting shot at usually separates the wheat from the chaff.
hey brother, I am really considering this line of work for the next few years. I got out of the military (11B) and the pay in the outside world just isn't there for me at the moment and I need to the money to help my family and I get established. I am looking into getting my feet wet with a static position. Can you shed any light on what pay is like or usually like for someone who is just starting up? Currently looking at Constellis but according to kit badger, their offer (200 a day) seems extremely low from what all the other contractors seem to be getting paid. Is the price usually negotiable? Any companies you would recommend scoping out?
@@gabrielduran1369 … Ivan would be a much better person to ask. My experiences were way back in the very early 70's , then again in the middle to late 80's. Things have changes tremendously since then. I truly wish you all the best in your search.
From your standpoint, you don't have much to bargain with for pay. There is usually a pay table for the contract. Pay bumps as you spend time on the contract. Keep in mind there is a glut of highly qualified people. Without a TS-SCI or something like that, that might be where you'll end up starting...
I am a former security contractor. That is a tight group of words for what I actually did, but that is the gist of my job. I laid my life on the line to protect people or groups of people. I was not paid for it, it was a volunteer group of guys based on the outfit I was attached to at the time. I did it because I believed in the people, what they were saying, or the event. I had to provide my own weapon, my own armor, my own ammunition. I worked with police, and with paramilitary organizations. I will not lie it was one of the defining things I have done in my life, aside from feeding the hungry and the homeless, and working with pure wolves. I remember my first op, I had to confess my sins to people I wronged, and try and "get right" with God as much as I was able, because it was likely I wouldn't be coming back, due to the nature of the people, the event, and those who were threatening the entire thing. I was standing there, in body armor, with a loaded weapon, and I realized, I could be shot, stabbed, run over, or blown up at any moment... And then I smiled and realized "I live for this shit!" I had to leave the work when my unit split up, one side went extreme one way, the other side when extreme the other. It got scary, not life and death but freedom and, well, not. I worked alongside ex military and ex police but I am a civilian. (I could not join the military due to health reasons) I trained with these men and they showed me what they knew. I gained a ton of life experience, I was very good at what I did and I absolutely loved it. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I am glad I did it.
I can talk partially for non security contracts. I was a Marine Raider for 9 years and my brother was a carpenter in the civilian world. After I left I was approached by a company that needed personnel to provide security to carpenters and builders that were building schools and hospitals. I told my brother what I was doing and he asked if they needed a carpenter so I asked and they did and they were happy to hire my brother. Time comes around where we both deploy to Somalia to build a school he as a carpenter and I as a operator. I asked him how he liked it when we finished he said he enjoyed it and would be returning to help build more buildings. He was getting paid $550 a day and I a little less at $450 and we did 180 days there and 120 back home. If you have any questions about it comment them and Ill ask him about it.
Redstone Lord oh okay cool. I have a deployment coming up through the guard but when I return I will have 4 years in as a scout. Where can I find the rotational contracts? Thanks man!
@@ninjagaming2036 Reach out to companies and even the government. You may not get a good paying contract the first time but after youve been on two or three deployments with one company see if they have anything else to offer, they will be more likely to give you the better paying and more exciting contracts it you have rapport with them. Hope this helps!
@timmybmn More then half the guys I flew in with probably never saw a gun the entire time they were there as they were cooks carpenters electricians plumbers just going there to help the somalians.
I have NO military training. I don't own a gun. (Although I would like to learn how to use one.) I would not be within a million miles of this, But I find this extremely fascinating! It's a glimpse into a whole different world! Extreme admiration!
I don't think it's necessarily that they're secretive; there's simply not that many people that do it. Think of the percentage of the US population that are military vets probably around 7%, my guess is about 2-3% are younger vets. Then think about how many of those take up contracting. Not whole lot. Even less so that talk about their job experiences online. So when you have maybe 4-5% of 3% of the population that actually does this sort of thing, it's not surprising there's not a lot of information out there.
@@Motoboo_Marine Even smaller when you factor in that most vets were not even a combat MOS so there really must be a small amount of people doing the security contracting.
I have been thinking for a while about getting into contracting. After watching this video and the last one, I can “put that to bed” as you said. It’s basically no different then the job I have now: basically being an underprivileged and over glorified security guard. Thanks for the awesome content. Your videos have real world substance and not a bunch of macho bullshit. Keep up with the cool videos. I’ll be watching from now on.
Title should be : Top Tier Contracting.....I was in the National Guard while being in law enforcement experience in DC and got on with Triple Canopy. Its really not that hard, most people don't want these jobs. They love the comfort of driving to McDonald's after having 12 beers on a Friday night. Contracting: Its all about making money, getting out, and starting another career or retiring.
Some what agree, putting in the time on shit contracts will open up opportunities. This is a good explanation, especially the thin skin example.. along with knowing people..but it's not absolute. Without certain experience your basically rolling the dice and maybe you find an open door, but it does happen.
I heard on NPR that the DoD started hiring PMCs to allow SOCOM operators to get more R&R back home. I start training for a DoD contract in afghanistan with a salary of $110,000 near the end of the year. Wish me luck.
PMCs don’t offer yearly salaries. Your paid per day and usually run in 2-4 week contracts and you can re-up on deployment. So I think your full of shit. Former tier 1 operators might make that in a year MAYBE.
I worked with an ex Marine F.R. guy who worked security for a while and he said a person basically needs "tabs" (ie Ranger, SF, SEAL tabs) to get hired. He said his company only had one guy who didn't and he was just a really, really good guy who had been a Marine grunt. He used the term "mercenary" a little hesitantly to describe the position. I replied that from what he had told me that "soldier of fortune" sounded more accurate. He seemed to like that take on it.
Kit Badger hey brother, I got out of the military (11b) and the money in the area I live isn’t there. I can’t move but I am willing to relocate for a while overseas. I have been kicking around the idea of contracting for some time and am more serious about it now than ever. I was considering possibly some static work. I am currently talking to triple canopy and I’ll tell you after watching a few of your fireside chats and getting educated a little bit more on this trade, the offer they’ve pitched to me seems pretty light (200 a day). I don’t have any spec ops experience, unfortunately. But I know the window for more lucrative positions are still there. The questions I have for you: Is price usually negotiable or is it firm on the contracts? And I have only spoke to one company, if you can shed some light on other companies that I can possibly scope out that would be great. Pretty much looking for any and all info for help in this decision.
As a young entrepreneur with ownership of a PSMC (Private Security&Military Company) find your content knowledgeable and there are a lot that can be learned from your videos. Thank you for the great content! -President&Director of Physical Security
@Grim Sleeper SJW-tube? There is a huge right leaning to far right movement here. Get beneath the surface and you will find beautiful third positionist channels. I
I'm basically a basement dweller. Hoping to join the military, try for special operations at some point, and then maybe get into contracting... In the meantime, I just got hired as a security guard. So all ambitious basement dwellers, at least that is an available first step (Though I'm also a college student which probably helps....but I will never forego the cheeto lifestyle!!)
Can we all just appreciate the AMAZING quality of this mans mic, like he's burning sticks in a a fire, in the cold and you can here like only 15% background noise. Thats awesome.
I did a bunch of stuff in Iraq (and later Kuwait, Afghanistan) with zero military background and zero clearances at the start. The trick was 1) knowing people and 2) technical skills (not trigger pulling), but then working for companies (locally, non-US) which did their own security. I got to do well-paid computer/satellite work and also got my Hi-Power/AK fix, and then moved up from there to my own company. Security contracting for a specialty security org is way less interesting than security+actual customer deliverables at an org which does something other than just security. Making calls about whether driving low-pro to Baqubah/Warhorse vs. cadging a helicopter ride from another customer vs. skipping the contract, etc.
I watch vids and they say contractors are about money, this is true but all of America’s bosses have been about it but a man with billions, that’s why TRUMP
Bobby I would mostly agree; however, not everyone is created equal. What if that military background was as a supply specialist? Or, conversely, what if they’re non-military experience was as a SWAT team member? I hate to work in “what ifs” but I would judge the individual and their experiences rather than a title of experience. I hope that makes sense.
@@FitnFire LEO/mil to me is the same. Thats fine. Its more the attitude that comes with the question. It basically means to me, you want a shortcut path to do something that requires a unique skill set and you don't think that requiring that skill set is important. It shows me a lack of personal integrity and work ethic and again I don't ever want to work with those people.
I can see that but really, they're not the same. The level of training and type of tactics are vastly different. Not to mention, I know a number of people that have never been in the military of LE and could run circles around most military and LE.
Truthfully man I missed my chance at the military and I kinda regret that, but when I hear guys talk that they can do what the military guys can do Without basic training and military experience I laugh. Man the only thing I know that I have experience like any military personnel is training my body to breaking points and rebuilding it, but as I said “training”, even your body has to be able to respond to live action experiences, different climates and etc. I don’t care how much training you do back at home, you need that military base training to get your body, mind right to be able to perform as Ivan alluded to in a tactical operating team fashion. Salute to you guys and gals who do this kind of work.
I think what most civis know nothing about what being removed from the real world for 9 to 12 months at a time is like. I'm glad I talked myself out of that job that came around some months ago. It's just not worth the money, risk or heartache that goes with that life. I left my beloved Corps behind for a reason
Ah devil dog you should know better, you can never leave the Corps behind. You can leave service, but the Corps done busted in that a-hole to many times, it will always be with you.
@@jasonhymes3382 Depends, on your perspective. If your from there than that is your "Real World" If your not then it's wherever you came from. Life goes on without you back home, people go about their lives, and you are stuck in a little bubble wherever you are.
Im currently in the Army. 31B here and ive really been looking into getting into security contracting when I get out and these videos are really helpful.
Simple just go to serve in the army/navy/marines and finish your service, you will meet a lot of people and they know many other people that already work in security contracting thats how they recruit because they want already trained soldiers not desk heros
Appreciate your genuine sincerity. You can hear it in your tone and demeanor. It is heartfelt. Thanks for the insight. This was a dream I let go many years ago as a 19 yr old wanting to do this work. When I heard the SEAL say 98% divorce rate I said no thanks. I have 3 adult kids, 4 grandkids and another on the way. The SF or Contract Work doesn’t scare me to this day. It’s the affects on the family life- the true treasure that made me put my dream to the side. Much respect to you and all SF and Patriots. God, Family & Country.
"Some companies just want warm bodies." All I took from this is that you can lie your way into almost any job. Resume: 2 years undercover security operations specialist (loss prevention) 3 years cargo transportation in high violence zone (doordash driver in detroit) 5 years field medical operations (school nurse)
I wanted to come on here and be all judgy...but it is spot on. 10 years in and couldn't have said better myself. Pay heed, all those looking at getting on somewhere. This is the reality.
"Pfft...Bob...dude...whatever..." I'm contracting right now and I tell ya man this speaks to me. That's all you had to say and I feel like I could describe him too you perfectly haha
Despite all that, I'm going to go for it. I'll be working on my fitness while applying for the military. After that, I'll see if I have the mental fortitude for military/security contracting work and work things out from there. Still, it's a refreshing reality check that I can't get the job unless I meet the prerequisites, like all jobs, I suppose. It's something to work towards.
I've honestly considered taking a look at IT contracts while I apply to more concrete career options once I'm out of the Navy (IT is what I'm rated). The money seems good, safer than security, and is a lot better than sitting on my ass waiting for something to come along. My TS\SCI will still be pretty fresh, so why not.
Very informative! I'm still very young and have 2 dreams one as an audio engineer, and another with special opps, and eventually sec contracting. Got a better understanding just need to give it good thought! Thank you!
I’m not interested in doing this, I’m an author and contract companies play a big roll but as I started to write I realized I didn’t know enough about the subject. This video was a huge help. Thanks man!
Great video, it gave a lot for people and myself to think about. As a civilian in my situation, I can afford to leave home for awhile. No family of my own, no debt, enough money in the bank to pay regular monthly bills as the come with no concern. The "why" do or would like to do something like contracting is the money and experience. I'd like to be able to take on a few contracts to earn enough money to make life easier down the road. With the experience, I'd hope to gain enough to the point where I could take a job part time doing something like reserve LE, NG mil, or become a instructor for LE, MIL,CIV, or other contractors.
I was lucky enough to get a job offer in this industry. I’m supposed to go to training in the spring. I wasn’t able to join the military due to prior medical history. I have an injury that doesn’t prevent me from being combat effective, but does make me ineligible for military service. I spent two years as a security guard and two more years working in the county jail, got my EMT-B , a security clearance , and an Associates Degree. Checked all the boxes and applied like crazy. Finally got an interview and job offer for a very entry level contract. Hoping to gain experience and move on to better paying contracts in the future.
There's contracts in America, don't need to go overseas. I work a housing authority security contract. Tons of money to be made doing security for schools, DMVs, public housing, etc - while being far lower risk than a contract overseas that requires military experience.
This is the exact content I was looking for. I wana get started in this field, I know Id be perfect for it. I have a high pain tolerance, I work out regularly and am physically fit. Ive had a hard traumatic life thats made me stronger and Im used to dealing with difficult people and situations.
Ahhh ... I think I'll just stay here...sitting by the camp fire with some hot coffee and maybe a little Jim Beam ..Watching and listening quietly as the Sun goes down and Moon rises up above this cold and beautiful snow covered wilderness ... as Ivan tells yet another great story.
Oof. That's a dose of reality for a lot of us. Seeing how I'm out of shape, only 4 years of navy, and only have a secret clearance probably means I have some stuff to work on for a year. Do contracting agencies look at other skills you have? I plan on going the EMT/Firefighter route at my local trade school in the mean time and figured I could take that over there and be of use.
Yeah, there's all kinds of work to be had based on your background for OCONUS contracts- electricians, trucking/transport, HVAC, you name it there's a need for it. Poke around some company sites and see what you may qualify for, if you're looking for something outside of security try a company like PAE.
I'm a veteran who has thought about, and had friends offer me contract work. The thought of it terrifies me. If your in the military and something bad happens then they are kinda obligated to help, and try to rescue you (Or collect your body). If your a contractor and something bad happens, I don't believe anyone is obligated to do dick (Maybe they have a QRF, maybe other company guys near, maybe another company will help, maybe the military has guys near that will help). I don't want to end up hanging from a bridge, or being dragged through the streets like those poor Blackwater guys. There are lots of things to consider in this type of work, but for me it comes down to this: how well trained the guys to your left and right are. If they aren't military veterans, then I wouldn't trust them. Even guys with LEO work are funky, because the training is different, and the job and environment they did it in is different. I get that with all the movies, tv shows, video games, and other crap that people think contracting is cutting straight to the good stuff. But if you really want to do that stuff join the military (You will get to do lots of cool stuff contractors don't do during training like repelling, mountaineering, SPIE rigging, HELOCASTING, PARA, and more they have lots of schools that you can get paid to go too), and they are obligated to care for you and help you live a good life after you've been blown up. Yes contractors can get VA benefits, but I don't believe they get medically retired (monthly income after you've been blown up and cant work), and I don't believe the VA will help convert their house for the new wheelchair they have to live in. In my opinion, if you don't think you could cut it in the military for whatever reason, then you won't be able to cut it contracting. If you wan't to be a contractor first become a soldier, sailor, airmen, or marine and server in a combat arms position. Then when you have a taste of what the job will be like (You will see them around when you are deployed), decide if you want to do it. If I was to enter into contracting today, I would probably be looking to consider a CONUS job. They don't pay as much usually (I hear some of the nuke plant guys make decent money), but you have a lot lower risk of getting killed or crippled than an OCONUS job in some war zone. If I wanted to do the stuff they do in the movies and tv shows I would get an acting job. Just my opinion, I have never been a contractor, and I don't think I will. I can still re-enlist if I get the urge to do something like this again.
When I started contracting, my hsem degree, and prior service got me in pretty quick. 3-4 month rotations. Did it for a couple years until our 3rd kid came along. And wife said no more lol.
I could sit and listen all day. Riveted. I’m not a military guy. I’ve met some contractors when working in the Middle East. I couldn’t do it. I would be terrified of getting seriously hurt or killed. No glamour. I don’t have the right stuff for it. I genuinely am fascinated and admire people that have the bollocks to put up with that risk. Very humble and friendly presentation.
I don't even want to do security contracting, I just enjoy listening to this guy talk about shit he knows about next to a campfire in the middle of nowhere.
Dude I love your stuff man. Just speaking the knowledge. I did 10 as an 11b but didn't get much of deployments back and forth from units that didn't deploy them korea forever. I'm using my gi bill to become a pilot tried looking up contracts, but the only ones I saw didn't pay shit without combat experience.
Good explanation. The old joke is true. Everyone wants to be a cool guy contractor and every contractor is looking for a job back home that pays as well. It was good working with you over there. It was fun while it lasted but I’m glad to be done with it. Being gone for a 100 days at a time then home for 30 then gone again with kids is no way to live.
Watched this cause I used to work with a guy at a standard retail job that would talk to me every day about how he was going to become a contractor so I was just curious to hear what it really takes. Honestly a lot of what you're saying just makes sense I hope that guy never got into contracting since he was very clearly the kind of civie you're describing with no real military experience.
I recall asking you about this in your previous video and appreciate you posting your video and I’m currently going about getting into Private Security.
Well done badger-god. I never served in the combat arms, but I was a civilian in the Air Force and sat on the Pentagon and heard one too many horror stories about some of these companies operating over there. I'm still aghast at how many people simply think that since they have touched a gun, they are ninja Masters. If you do not have military experience, it's like you said, you are a liability, they aren't worried about the enemy anymore they're worried about keeping you alive. Keep doing stuff Ivan, make things do, and tell us what you had for dinner while you were sitting at that campfire. gonna get my kb shirt this Friday boss!
Thanks man. And my dinner will be featured in the short Adventure Log series I'm posting soon. Spoiler, it wasn't amazing, but after a long hike up, it tasted amazing... :) Awesome on the shirts too!
One of the guys I served with was a security contractor during the Taliban attack on Camp Bastion that took out a bunch of Marine aircraft. He said the Wingers panicked and it was the contractors who repelled the attack, but didn’t get the credit for it. He’s been known to tell Sea Stories though, so I can’t verify his claims.
The most dangerous mercenary I know is a 125 lb woman 😂 She actually has lived a macho life, but you wouldn't know it. It turns your stomach to read about some of the sh*t she has done. But she's just giggly, and loves her job.
i think most of us just like Ivans vids before we even watch them lol, one of the few where that is always ok tell more stories!!!, we dont always need Kit vids!!!!
SOW’s are notoriously written to be extremely vague and that is a frustrating thing especially when you are working on a contract as a representative of the gov’t and another contractor is doing the work. The vagueness is just the worst.
Love this video bro. I was thinking about applying but u just have me real deal. I have 4 years experience 13B, but I'm way more than likely not even meeting the criteria for it. Thanks for the real deal 💯💪
I'm a COD vet, started my career with the Marine Raiders during W@W and retired after MW2. I know all the offensive and defensive tactics. I'm the person you call when you need 25man Nuke kill streak.
I reckon the simple way to answer the question of "I don't meet these requirements, can I get still get hired?" is returning the question, if they were the boss, would they hire someone that wasn't meeting requirements?
i feel the problem with security contracting is how glorified it tends to be in movies. so you get teens seeing it and wanting to get into it because they think it's all fun and games.
The statement of work on most contracts will keep any of them from entering that world. And if they do get the experience through the military, they'll have hopefully matured to a point of being able to make a better and more informed decision.
Not just military either, but combat arms. I was comms, not gonna go out and try to be an operator. I wasn't trained for it and it's certainly not a 'fake it till you make it' kinda thing.
Security contracting does what SF and military does just gets better pay, and less bullshit from chain of command. I tried getting into air soft when I got back and met a lot of these guys saying they're planning to become a PMC, did it once never went back.
Omfg the smoke Ivan!!!! Wtf I can't even see you man it is so thick and black . . . .are you burning tires?!?!?! Dude the fire is out of control, can you even build a fire!?!?!! Nice video as always man.
How extensive does you’re military experience have to be? I was in a combat MOS but because I got stuck in a heavy unit I didn’t really ever deploy anywhere significant at all. I’ve looked into some who say they require combat experience or time in a combat MOS or 6 years ? It just kind of confuses me
Watching in 2020, not even interested in the military. I like being infront of tech specifically coding...But i find your videos relaxing to watch lol.
Keyword : Security. That's why you go logistics or intelligence instead. But... being security specialist can be fun. It's just your desire and attitude. The difference between military and working for private contracting companies is the obvious... pay.
I genuinely have always wondered if there is some sort of way to do some not necessarily "odd jobs", though if there is a will, there is a way. I'm 19 and I've always thought about putting myself through a ringer and go to the M.C. and possibly.. see what this whole thing is about. This truly gave me a huge amount of info so thank you very much! Also, I loved the poke at COD players even though I am one of them. I am curious if you got some stories to tell since I'm new to this channel. Love it!
>>>Another thing that gets people DQ'd is if they have a percentage that they are claiming through the VA or DAV for injuries while on active duty service. No company wants another liability. That's just business. People also forget that every Secret or TS clearance has an expiration date to it. If you didn't renew it then you don't have it. The contracting community isn't as big as most people think. People move from company to company picking up contracts and making new contacts. Everyone knows the same people after awhile. You tend to see the same faces just in shittier places.
Most companies have veterans preference in the hiring process, but definitely going to be harder if there's a lot of mental health treatment through the VA to get approved or sponsored for clearance if at all very true there. Definitely see a lot of the same faces, and surprisingly seen a couple retired cops in their 50's that passed the training stages getting positions for OCONUS contracts (non-swat too), there's a bit of a need for qualified people even now where spots aren't filled by company/contract hoppers.
domestic defense contractor here. this is absolutely true to business stateside in defense contracting as well. I have switched companies 5 times in 10 years but still work on the same base, same mission, same people. and, ts-sci is definately a money grabber. get your security clearance as early as you can, and occasionally have your security officer check you in jtids or disco. 7 year expiration for my ts-sci.
In 9th grade I wanted to be a contractor, then I read up on what happened to Simon Mann then I was like never mind, I’m content with shooting tree stumps in the woods, still a pretty insane life to live if you choose those “bad” contracts
I cant agree more to what is said here. you are basically a mall cop with a vest. ive even been called that while on the job lol. the money is the only real reason I consider it, that and after getting out of service I found it hard to fit into normal civilian life and job. imagine all the fun you had on CQ duty but for 3 months. exciting.
No respawn is accurate.. My primary purpose my entire time in this line of work was serving as a Medic. I have found myself in an alley plugging AK holes in one of my guys, he made it thankfully. Nothing prepared me for what i was walking into as I came in via advanced field medical skills and had to go through VERY HEAVY vetting my first time out and my daily was total crap. Fast forward a few years my resume was solid enough to get work where crap like line one was not a most likely and instead a maybe you may have to do that in some random hall hole on a random Tuesday. Kit is dead on though you are not just going to start out with a great Daily even if you have an indispensable skill set. I got in via Gvt though not via Military and unless you are already on that path i am not recommending it, go a be Force Recon etc first...
Love how nobody in the comments section mentioned the honeybadger sitting right beside him in the video. Has nobody noticed it yet? Lol. Great video man.
