Is 4 years enough?

scottmitchelluk

Is there any company with links to Iraq or Afghanistan that will take qualified CPO's with only 4 years military experience?

I'M STRUGGLING- Feels like my CV is being thrown away as soon as looked at.

diesel

As has been said on previous posts, its a saturated market. Too many guys, looking for too few jobs. Gone are the days in Iraq and Afghan when large contracts were being introduced all the time with large manpower requirements where anybody with a pulse and passpor had a chance of getting on board.

I know guys who have 12 years Army time with 3-4 operational tours under their belt, along with 2-3 years PSD experience and they are STILL looking for work.

The long and short of it is that companies can pick and choose who they have on their contracts (within reason) and 9 times out of 10 will go with guys who have a proven track record in the civilian sector, and have worked for them somewhere along the line.

jameslugassy

Keep at it mate,
Not sure how many years experiance companies look for, but i think its background dependant too.
Ive bumped into some operators out there who have been in the army for years and still wouldnt touch them with a barge pole.4 years is prob enough for some ( dare i say - more relaxed companies ).
Try some of the smaller companies, as the bigger ones ( aegis, AG, ect ) get around 200 cvs a week and theres alot of operators out there with far more than 4 years from very good backgrounds.
Go with a smaller company to get into country, once there its easier to get in with the bigger companies due to availability and networking.
Remember though, never just 'jump ship', always give notice, dont burn your bridges!!

scottmitchelluk

Cheers fella's, could you give me some names or details of smaller companies so i could try going down that road.

Thanks again
Scott

kennyjulie1

Keep an eye on CRG, I now a bloke with 4 yrs army exp, who did their HECPO with me and starts in Erbil next week. Just keep trying it tough for us all

co19

I have only 4 years army(in the 80s) service don't worry about it. Keep plugging away. As for the guy on his way to Erbil/Irbil/Arbil he has landed on his feet. Good location and a good place to stay in Ankawa.

scottmitchelluk

If anyone has any details on good companies that they may have worked for in the past that could could help me get into the pit.

Email me on SJMitchellUK@aol.com

markb

Hi mate,

Stick in there buddy, we've all been in the same position and know how disheartening it can be.

If your really stuck and starting to feel the pinch give Elle security a try (www.elle-security.com). The current contract is a very basic RST/Asset protection in Oxfordshire, very very boring and there admin is pants, but if you've just de-mobbed you'll be used to that. the rotation is 2 weeks on 1 off, shifts are 8 on 8 off. The pay was £145 a day, not the best on earth but it does pay the bills and due to the fast turnaround off blokes theres usually scope for overtime.

With regards to finding out coy info, either on here or ukpsd.com Networking the High Risk Security Contractor Community! there is a list of security contractors. Also you can get you local library to order a copy of the varsity international directory of security contractors (Robin Barratt, Author), Ask.com UK - The Other Search Engine will bring up page after page, could also try Yell.com the UK's local search engine - search for UK businesses and search in your local area. There are also plenty of CP/Security related groups on Welcome to Facebook! | Facebook try joining these and network your arse off, most blokes are keen to help.

Good luck

Mark B

co19

Look at the main ones

Erinys
Aegis
Armorgroup
CRG
GardaWorld
Britam
Dyncorps
Blue Hackel
Ardan

Hawk

Every contract is a struggle, and even after 15 years in the industry as cp instructor, Combat medic, middle east cp experience and police emergency training etc..
Walk a mile in my boots! Ges how many Scandinavians that work in Iraq or Afghanistan in the private security industry? hm I have only meet 1..I know its more but its very rare..
Hawk