Alyson Iuchs ⋅ Edwards , CA Photogenic, Inc ⋅ 5 years experience

The emergency management field in either the public or private sector can be a great career for veterans to transition to after the military because they have faced danger on the front lines and learned valuable skills through combat training. Veteran skills utilized in this career include quick reaction times, staying calm under pressure and efficient communication ability. Many of these careers do require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in emergency management. Listed below are three careers that veterans can find to continue to help the community after they transition from the military.

For more information about other careers in the emergency management field read this article http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/resources/articles/4-careers-in-emergency-management/?preview=true

Check out the Bureau of Labor to find the job outlook for emergency management professionals at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/emergency-management-directors.htm

Emergency Management Specialist
Veterans can become an emergency management specialist if they want to continue working in a team environment with the government. Because specialist have to be present for every emergency situation, they are needed at all government levels and in numerous geographical locations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also hires specialists to oversee all disaster possibilities and create emergency plans for natural and technological disasters and hostage situations. They also provide staff with preparedness training and coordinate disaster response teams.

FEMA has veteran hiring information at this site https://careers.fema.gov/veterans-program

Anti-Terrorism Specialist
Veterans working in the private sector through security and intelligence companies could become an anti-terrorism specialist. These specialist are responsible for the lives of millions of people and work heavily with disaster mitigation techniques. Their duties include risk management, planning, training and resource application. A specialist must also be able to prepare and give briefings to advise government entities on the safest course of action in preventing terrorist attacks. Anti-terrorism specialist must be dedicated, vigilant and be able to work long hours.

Disaster Program Specialist
Veterans who want to work with the Red Cross will become a disaster program specialist. They are part of a team that oversees all disaster operations and services in a particular community. Specialists are often leading teams of volunteers through recovery efforts laid out by the Red Cross. Other organizations may send help during a crisis and a specialist must organize the relief effort to get the groups to work efficiently together. Disaster specialist have to work long hours under pressure with little rest because their assistance doesn’t end until the crisis is managed and the suffering largely relieved.

To learn how unmanned aerial vehicles are used in the emergency management field take a look at this resource http://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/the-benefits-and-challenges-of-uavs/?g=infographics&t=msee

Professionals in the field of emergency management are looked up when the unexpected occurs. They must have a vast array of knowledge and problem-solving skills as well as be passionate about helping others which is why this industry can be a good fit for veterans transitioning from the military.

William Miller ⋅ Sierra Vista , AZ Responder Training Solutions, LLC ⋅ 10 years experience

It all depends on what level of emergency management city, county and state. I started out volunteering at the county level. I also too all the FEMA course I could. You need to do more than IS100. If you volunteer in the county you might be able to get courses paid for by them. I ended up as a Training Specialist and Planning Section Leader on a Type 1 Incident Management Team. Determine where you want to go then map it out.

Daniel Robb ⋅ Houston , TX US Dept of Homeland Security ⋅ 25 years experience

There are numerous security positions in government and in the private sector. ASIS International (asisonline.org) is a private security organization that provides certifications in several areas of security, and provides networking opportunities.