Process in applying to a Private Military Company

[Givati575]

I believe I asked this question about a month ago but then again maybe not. But i'm currently serving in the IDF and have been trying to figure out how I can apply to work for a Private Military Contracting Company. People have told me I have to go to the US embassy and give them my military history and background and they send out my military 'resumee' to various companies and they contact me. Only problem is that i'm a Canadian citizen and when I asked the embassy they had no idea what I was talking about.

Anyone have any ideas? I already tried e mailing some of the larger companies for some information such as Blackwater and Global Risk but they never replied.

Help would be appreciated!

[Albatross]

Blackwater has a division that hires non-Americans. Can't remember the name now. Greystone or something.

[Givati575]

Blackwater has a division that hires non-Americans. Can't remember the name now. Greystone or something.

alright but what is the application process to these companies because i have no idea...

[Albatross]

Think this might be it.

http://www.greystone-ltd.com/

could be wrong though.

As far as the application process goes, greystone isn't hiring right now. If you submitted your resume'/CV, and they didn't want you......tough stuff. You may have a skill that they arent in need of right now, but will hold you on file until the time comes. Just keep going to the sites and applying. Try aegis out of the UK.

[Dominique]

The application process is going to vary from company to company, just as any other job. I suggest you narrow your search to a few specific companies. Then look on their website for additional info, as mos t will list the minimum requirements to get hired.

[LongShot]

Use your own mil. network.....talk to everyone you know that knows anyone who might work for a PMC....networking with existing contractors that are in good favor with their employers can go a long way (along with a good resume/CV) to getting on board and also give you answers to the questions you want answered direct from someone that has been down the road from your neck of the woods.

There is a wealth of information on the Secure Aspects (http://www.secureaspects.com/forum/) forum.

[deagle]

your mistake is emailing general inquiries...they don't pay attention to that.

show some assertiveness, enthusiastism, interest in one shot, and walk into a PMC hq and demand interview. like any corporation, 2 ways - they recruit you, or you goto them. either way, having someone say a good word of you couldn't help (either you have a current hook-up in a PMC, or you get in good with a PMC represeentative). why not do some protective detail pro-bono to test what abilities you have.

[Givati575]

Thanks for the help, I just have to get out there and find what companies there are because i barely know of any. I see now on the Aegis website they have an application, but I don't understand any of the military terms in english, only in hebrew. Like what's an EOD? CV? NCO? god damn!!! I wish this application was in hebrew haha.

[Power_serj]

EOD-Explosive Ordinance Disposa, NCO-Non-commissioned officer (Corporal/Sergeant and higher). If you speak any Arabic, I'm sure it's a plus.

[Dominique]

your mistake is emailing general inquiries...they don't pay attention to that.

show some assertiveness, enthusiastism, interest in one shot, and walk into a PMC hq and demand interview. like any corporation, 2 ways - they recruit you, or you goto them. either way, having someone say a good word of you couldn't help (either you have a current hook-up in a PMC, or you get in good with a PMC represeentative). why not do some protective detail pro-bono to test what abilities you have.

Ummm...exactly how many PMC/PSC 's have you worked for? You don't just go strolling into the office demanding a damn thing, or you'll usually be shown the door by security. And what idiot goes to work for a company for free? I'm not sure about you but I've got bills to pay.

[Dominique]

Thanks for the help, I just have to get out there and find what companies there are because i barely know of any. I see now on the Aegis website they have an application, but I don't understand any of the military terms in english, only in hebrew. Like what's an EOD? CV? NCO? god damn!!! I wish this application was in hebrew haha.

If you plan on working for a US, British, Canadian, or Aussie company, being fluent in English is usually a must, but they may make an exception. Your best bet is to do a search on the net. I know there was a website that listed security and service companies operating in Iraq an Afghanistan. Some other places you may want to look are Bosnia, Kosovo, Haiti, East Timor, Nigeria, Liberia, and right in your native Israel.

Narrow your search to companies that can use skills you are trained in, and perform a job you won't mind working (if you don't mind working an ECP - manning a gate, then apply for it as LOT of companies are looking for static site guards). If you specialize in PSD/body guard work, look for companies that provide those services. The same with medical, logistical, EOD, fire, etc. For example Dyncorp provides everything from food service, to bus drivers, to PSDs, and police trainers.

Once you find a company (your best bet is to apply to more than one), tailer your resume to fit what they are looking for (That doesn't mean you lie or inflate your background). Be specific with them and tell them exactly what you can do for them. Wait a reasonable amount of time, and then follow up. Also, network with former military or law enforcement that are currently working in the field. they'll be able to point you in the direction of companies that are looking for help, and they can also provide you with a reference (which is worth gold at a lot of companies).

I hope this helps.

[Calanen]

And what idiot goes to work for a company for free?

I often ask myself the very same question. Everyone thinks they deserve legal advice for free.

Probono PMCs...now that's just silly.

[Dominique]

Probono PMCs...now that's just silly.

Oh, trust me when I say most companies would be more than happy not to pay you a dime (or buy equipment for that matter :) ). As it is, a lot of them act like they're doing you a favor when they pay. Trying to get them to fork over cash for anything is like pulling teeth. Remember that the company's primary concern is making a profit, not making you happy.

[deagle]

Ummm...exactly how many PMC/PSC 's have you worked for? You don't just go strolling into the office demanding a damn thing, or you'll usually be shown the door by security. And what idiot goes to work for a company for free? I'm not sure about you but I've got bills to pay.

none, but have you ? i'm just saying you can be proactive to a point. not anything too crazy like emailing youtube clips of your experience or anything. i'm also not saying to stroll in and demand a position, duh. he said he emailed resumes/inquiries but got no reply. if you show up to schedule an appointment for an interview, they'd prob listen and assess you right off the bat (for better or worse), instead of generic email correspondence.

[LongShot]

your mistake is emailing general inquiries...they don't pay attention to that.

show some assertiveness, enthusiastism, interest in one shot, and walk into a PMC hq and demand interview. like any corporation, 2 ways - they recruit you, or you goto them. either way, having someone say a good word of you couldn't help (either you have a current hook-up in a PMC, or you get in good with a PMC represeentative). why not do some protective detail pro-bono to test what abilities you have.


Strolling into the office of a PMC is hardly an option....and will be most unwelcome. Its not like getting a job in a traditional retail setting where “walk-ins are welcome.”

Even if walking in off the street was viable (if you are lucky enough to have a PMC in the neighborhood) the reception will be one of running interference or indifference. I put my resume out to the majors, as well as some of the mid-level and smaller companies….nothing……I got hired on with a PMC by using the network.

[Deano]

Givati,

Shoot me a PM, I'm on my third contract in the Middle East and have some tips/pointers that may help you, everything Dominique said is sage advice as well.

[T3ngu]

I often ask myself the very same question. Everyone thinks they deserve legal advice for free.

Probono PMCs...now that's just silly.

I recall watching a documentary on the war in sierra leone i believe it was. They were panning through the Hind gunship crew detailing their jobs. They pointed to one guy and said oh thats "x" he is here on holidays, inferring he was there for fun.

[Dominique]

none, but have you ?

Yes, and I'm missing out of two other gigs because I'm on deployment.


i'm just saying you can be proactive to a point. not anything too crazy like emailing youtube clips of your experience or anything. i'm also not saying to stroll in and demand a position, duh. he said he emailed resumes/inquiries but got no reply. if you show up to schedule an appointment for an interview, they'd prob listen and assess you right off the bat (for better or worse), instead of generic email correspondence.

He's being assessed from the minute they get his resume. If they like what they see, they'll contact him, you don't just drop in and think you'll get an interview. It doesn't work that way.

[deagle]

Yes, and I'm missing out of two other gigs because I'm on deployment.



He's being assessed from the minute they get his resume. If they like what they see, they'll contact him, you don't just drop in and think you'll get an interview. It doesn't work that way.

i know, but i'm just saying a paper doesn't mean anyting much. obviously the pro-bono was a joke. but the best way is probably dropping a resume in person to HQ or to their HR or recruiter. that way he can place a face to go with the paper.

[Dominique]

but the best way is probably dropping a resume in person to HQ or to their HR or recruiter. that way he can place a face to go with the paper.

No it's not. The best way is usually through networking. Word of mouth is usually the best way to find out who's hiring and getting a reference from someone who already works there (that's in good standing) is will always move you toward the top of the hiring list.

What a lot of people don't understand is that many PMC/PSC operate on the "old boy" network. You go to guys you know and who know you. I've run into several guys I've worked with over hear. They're just working for a different company now. I also hear about gigs from guys I know, and they forward the info asking if I'm interested in taking a contract. There are two that I was VERY interested in, met all the prerequisites, and would have jumped on, but like a dumb ass I extended my tour here by six months (that won't be happening again).

Another method he might want to look at is attending training conferences for military, PMC, tactical associations, etc. Their great for meeting guys and building up your list of contacts and to find out who's hiring. When I was the Operations Manager for a training firm we hired an Israeli guy, as a part time instructor. My boss had met him at SWAT Round up, and the guy had made a good impression. He saw we had an opening for an instructor, and he applied. He still had to get interviewed, and we had his background checked out (through other guys we knew in Israel), and he got picked up.

[Bushranger]

There is a wealth of information on the Secure Aspects (http://www.secureaspects.com/forum/) forum.


This site is very helpful my mate used it & he got work no problem.

[deagle]

No it's not. The best way is usually through networking. Word of mouth is usually the best way to find out who's hiring and getting a reference from someone who already works there (that's in good standing) is will always move you toward the top of the hiring list.

What a lot of people don't understand is that many PMC/PSC operate on the "old boy" network. You go to guys you know and who know you. I've run into several guys I've worked with over hear. They're just working for a different company now. I also hear about gigs from guys I know, and they forward the info asking if I'm interested in taking a contract. There are two that I was VERY interested in, met all the prerequisites, and would have jumped on, but like a dumb ass I extended my tour here by six months (that won't be happening again).

Another method he might want to look at is attending training conferences for military, PMC, tactical associations, etc. Their great for meeting guys and building up your list of contacts and to find out who's hiring. When I was the Operations Manager for a training firm we hired an Israeli guy, as a part time instructor. My boss had met him at SWAT Round up, and the guy had made a good impression. He saw we had an opening for an instructor, and he applied. He still had to get interviewed, and we had his background checked out (through other guys we knew in Israel), and he got picked up.

i'm just saying that its better than just his email inquries. the first step should be to meet in person with HR or recruiter with resume or something that they can look up, and then begin to network. (assuming he has no known acquaintances to put in a good word). basically, its what you say also, getting foot in door and meet with someone....meet the HR/recruiter, then maybe a few others and work your way through, get to register/attend meetings/conferences, and continue.

[LongShot]

i'm just saying that its better than just his email inquries. the first step should be to meet in person with HR or recruiter with resume or something that they can look up, and then begin to network. (assuming he has no known acquaintances to put in a good word). basically, its what you say also, getting foot in door and meet with someone....meet the HR/recruiter, then maybe a few others and work your way through, get to register/attend meetings/conferences, and continue.


The problem with this method is location........one must be local to an established PMC before "dropping by" and a PMC is not going to fly out an HR rep/in a potential hire unless they have gotten a resume, been impressed and Vetted the individual. By networking, even virtually through sites like Secure Aspects, and indivdual gains a much better chance of having their resume passed on. Even if the job seeker does not know someone personally who works for a PMC, chances are there is a connection shortly down the line.

As far as submitting resumes, its the same with the PMC world as it is with almost every industry, a lot of noise. Individuals create fake resumes (some going as far as faking DD-214's) to get hired on to do security work, and the HR of each and every PMC has to sort through the BS to find the gems....a lengthy task. Presistance is priceless, and I know a few folks who have gotten positions just on an e-mailed resume, though I know far more that got in with the help of a friend in the industry.