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Security Guards

Did You Know:

  • Job opportunities should be favorable, but competition is expected for some higher-paying jobs.
  • Because of limited formal training requirements and flexible hours, this occupation attracts many individuals seeking a second or part-time job.
  • These jobs can be hazardous.


Industry Areas

  • Investigation and Security Services
  • Local Government (OES Designation)
  • General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Day-to-Day Tasks

  • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
  • Write reports of daily activities and irregularities such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  • Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.

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Overall Kind of Work

Security guards, also called security officers, patrol and inspect property to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism and illegal activity. They protect their employer's property, enfor...

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Work Environment

Military

Law enforcement and security specialists in the military work both indoors and outdoors depending on their assignment. They may work outdoors while conducting investigations or patrolling facilities.

Status

What is the difference between enlisted and officer?

Enlisted:
Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.

Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
  • no Officer
  • yes Enlisted

Military Breakdown

The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.

3,523 Security Guards in the military

Service Branches

Law Enforcement and Security Specialists work in the following services:

Marine Corps Navy Air Force

Type of Work

The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.

Data: Low
People: Medium
Things: Medium

Skills at a Glance

The levels of different skills helpful in this career.

Verbal skills: Low
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Low
Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Medium
Math & Science Skills: Low
Technology Design & Control: Low
Leadership: Medium

Workplace at a Glance

The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.

Responsibility: High
Exposure to Job Hazards: High
Physical Activity: Medium
Decision Making: Medium
Repetitiveness: High
Level of Competition: Low
Time Pressure: Low