Department of Homeland Security resources helping Veterans build a future in homeland security
In the latest episode of “At the Table,” VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., talks with Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar about the opportunities available to Veterans at DHS. Their conversation discusses why Veterans are well prepared for careers in homeland security, how DHS is growing across multiple mission areas and what resources are available to help Veterans navigate the transition.
DHS currently has almost 30,000 open positions across 23 mission components. These components include law enforcement, maritime security, emergency management, cybersecurity, transportation security and immigration services. Approximately 30 percent of DHS’s 260,000 employees are already Veterans.
Veterans can explore these opportunities at the DHS careers site or by visiting https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers.
Turning military experience into credentials
A major resource for transitioning service members is the Coast Guard Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program, commonly called CG COOL, which allows service members and Veterans to review their training, education and experience to determine which industry-recognized credentials they may already qualify for.
The site includes more than 2,000 possible credentials in fields such as engineering, safety and technical operations. Active duty service members may receive up to $4,500 each year to pursue these credentials. Veterans may be able to use their VA education benefits to obtain them as well.
MilGears also helps service members align their military occupation with civilian job pathways. Veterans can use MilGears to identify capabilities, explore new fields and determine what additional training or credentials may be needed. This tool is valuable not only for those about to leave the service but also for Veterans who separated years earlier and want to change careers.
A broad range of DHS career fields
Although DHS is often associated with law enforcement, the Department offers a much wider array of careers. Veterans can pursue positions in border security, transportation security, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, emergency response, immigration services, laboratory science, forensic work and international operations through embassies, ports, and diplomatic missions around the world. Many roles focus on analysis, operations, planning, engineering, and technology rather than law enforcement.
Protecting America’s waterways: Opportunities within the maritime mission
A significant portion of DHS’s work takes place in the maritime environment. The United States Coast Guard is responsible for global search and rescue missions, fisheries enforcement, waterway security, port managemen, and national security operations around the world. The Coast Guard’s reach extends far beyond the coastal regions of the United States.
New investments have been dedicated to strengthening Coast Guard personnel, infrastructure, technology, ships,and aircraft, creating new opportunities both within DHS and in private industry.
The U.S. is expanding its shipbuilding capacity to support construction of 11 new Arctic cutters. New shipyards are opening and existing facilities are increasing production. This growth requires welders, electricians, engineers, designers, program managers, safety professionals and skilled technicians. Veterans with experience in ship maintenance, engineering, operations or logistics will find that their skills transfer directly to these positions.
Veterans with experience in the Navy, Coast Guard or Army often transition naturally into maritime roles.
Veterans interested in maritime roles can explore positions with the Military Sealift Command or by visiting https://sealiftcommand.com/departments/entry-level.
There are additional maritime career pathways, including opportunities with the United States Merchant Marine. Visit online at https://www.uscmi.org/.
Build Freedom is another program that helps Veterans transition into skilled trades that support the maritime and defense industrial base. Visit Build Freedom at https://www.buildfreedom.us/veterans to learn more about additional job opportunities.
Cybersecurity: A growing mission that needs Veterans
Cybersecurity has become one of DHS’s most urgent hiring priorities. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency protects federal networks and supports state, local and private-sector partners across the country. Given the increasing complexity of cyber threats, DHS is looking for Veterans who bring discipline, mission understanding, critical thinking and experience managing sensitive information.
Veterans with backgrounds in intelligence, communications, operations, information technology or engineering may find particularly strong connections to cybersecurity work.
Edgar encourages Veterans to carefully study job descriptions and tailor their resumes to highlight relevant experience. Cybersecurity roles offer the opportunity to protect the nation’s digital infrastructure and serve a mission that extends across every sector of the economy. To learn more, visit CISA’s careers page at https://www.cisa.gov/careers.
Preparing for the next mission
For service members preparing to transition, Edgar emphasized the importance of gathering service records early and organizing training histories, certifications and qualifications well before separation.
Reviewing CG COOL and MilGears can help Veterans understand which credentials they already qualify for and which ones they may need to pursue. Apprenticeship programs such as SkillBridge allow service members to gain civilian experience while still on active duty. Networking, attending career events, and seeking mentorship from Veterans who have already transitioned can also make the process significantly easier.
Your mission continues at DHS
With nearly 30,000 open positions and growing needs in cybersecurity, maritime operations, emergency management, law enforcement and many other mission areas, DHS is actively recruiting Veterans who want to continue serving in a new capacity.
Whether a Veteran wants to protect the homeland at the border, defend the nation against cyber threats, support humanitarian missions or help secure America’s ports and waterways, their military experience has prepared them well.
Veterans can explore these opportunities and learn more by visiting the DHS careers website. For many Veterans, the next chapter of their service begins with a new career at the Department of Homeland Security.
