I'm looking into a career as an armorer within the military but wondering about civilian opportunities after service. What kinds of civilian jobs are available for former military armorers?
There are several career paths available for former military armorers in the civilian sector. These professionals possess highly specialized skills that are in demand in various industries. I'll detail a few possibilities, but please note that job availability can vary widely depending on your specific armorer qualifications and the local job market.
1. Firearms industry: A natural progression for military armorers is a transition into the civilian firearms industry. Job opportunities with firearm manufacturers, retailers, and repair shops are quite common. This could include roles such as gunsmiths who inspect, repair, manufacture, and modify firearms, or jobs in firearm sales, distribution, firearm safety training, or product design and testing.
2. Law enforcement and security: Some armorers find their training and skills are transferable to law enforcement agencies, private security companies, and the corrections sector. Many police departments require armorers to maintain and repair service weapons or even to instruct officers on weapon safety and usage.
3. Teaching and Training: If you possess strong communication skills and enjoy teaching others, you might consider a career in education or training within the firearms field. Many community colleges, technical schools, and private training centers hire people with a military background to teach courses related to firearms, firearm safety, and law enforcement.
4. Government Contractor: Many government agencies hire private companies to provide armor services, particularly if there's a need to set up firearm and ammunition equipment for domestic or foreign operations. Working for a government contractor as an armorer could involve anything from supporting military operations to providing security services.
5. Customs and Border Protection: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection also need armorers to maintain, repair, and replace all agency firearms. They may also perform some firearms training for new recruits or current officers.
Finally, don't forget that the job market can change rapidly, so be open to exploring all sorts of career possibilities. Best of luck in your professional journey.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.