What opportunities exist for civilians in military contractor jobs?

I'm not in the military, but I'm interested in military contractor jobs as a civilian. What roles are available, and what qualifications are generally required for someone without a military background?

Military contractors, often known as defense contractors, play a significant role in supporting the operations of the military. Indeed, many opportunities exist for civilians, even those without a military background.

These roles spread across a plethora of disciplines such as logistics, engineering & technology, security, healthcare, and even administrative roles.

1. Logistics: Some roles involve managing the supply chain of the military, which includes the procurement, storage, and transportation of goods and equipment.

2. Engineering & Technology: This sector employs a large number of civilians in defense contracting roles. Employees in this area might work on developing, improving, and maintaining military equipment and technology, such as satellites, aircraft, ships, computers or communications systems.

3. Security: Private security contractors also find employment in protecting military bases, conducting surveillance, and providing training.

4. Healthcare: Nurses, physicians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals often find roles serving the medical needs of the military.

5. Administration: Civilians help manage the day-to-day operations and personnel of the military, often in roles such as human resources, finance, and public relations.

In terms of qualifications, what's required significantly varies depending on the role. For technical roles, such as engineering or IT, a relevant degree and/or significant work experience in these fields is often required. Security roles may require experience in law enforcement or a related area, with some companies providing necessary training. Healthcare roles, of course, need proper licensing and qualifications.

For all these roles, you usually have to pass a security clearance. This process verifies your trustworthiness and reliability and can consider factors like your financial history, personal conduct, and criminal history.

Lastly, depending on the role and the level of clearance required, additional qualifications might be necessary, such as specialized training or certifications.

Remember that while these roles often involve working closely with the military, they are civilian roles, and thus require a different set of qualifications and training than military roles.