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Force Protection Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$106K/yr

The primary purpose of this position, Fire Protection Specialist GS-0081-13, is to serve as the ... and Air Force directives and policies governing FES Operations, Readiness, and Prime BEEF ...

$83K - $108K/yr

Space Force is a military service that organizes, trains & equips space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. This new ...

Air Force veteran, and executive protection professional with nearly 40 years of leadership ... Specialists who share our commitment to professionalism, integrity, discretion, and operational ...

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Force Protection Specialist information

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$10

$35

$79

How much do force protection specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for force protection specialist in the United States is $35.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $47.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a force protection specialist?

Force Protection Specialists are security professionals responsible for safeguarding military personnel, resources, and facilities from threats such as terrorism, sabotage, and espionage. They implement security measures, conduct threat assessments, and coordinate emergency response plans to ensure the safety and operational readiness of military installations. Their duties often include monitoring access points, conducting patrols, and training personnel on security protocols. Force Protection Specialists may work for the military, government agencies, or defense contractors and often require specialized training or security clearance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a force protection specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Force Protection Specialist, you need a background in security operations, risk assessment, and emergency response, typically supported by relevant military or law enforcement experience and security clearances. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technologies, and incident management software is essential. Strong situational awareness, decision-making abilities, and effective communication skills set exceptional specialists apart. These competencies are crucial for proactively identifying threats, ensuring the safety of personnel and assets, and maintaining secure environments.

What are some common challenges faced by force protection specialists, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Force Protection Specialists often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing threat environments, high-stress situations, and ensuring the security of both personnel and assets. Adapting to evolving security protocols and maintaining situational awareness are essential skills in this role. Effective communication and teamwork with law enforcement, military personnel, and other security professionals help address these challenges. Ongoing training and staying updated on the latest security technologies also play a crucial role in overcoming daily obstacles.

What is the difference between Force Protection Specialist vs Security Officer?

AspectForce Protection SpecialistSecurity Officer
CredentialsSecurity clearance, specialized training in threat assessmentBasic security training, sometimes licensing
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, government facilities, high-security areasCommercial buildings, retail, events
Employer & IndustryMilitary, defense contractors, government agenciesPrivate security firms, corporations

Force Protection Specialists focus on safeguarding military and government assets through threat assessment and security protocols, often requiring specialized credentials. Security Officers provide general security services in various settings, with less emphasis on threat analysis. Both roles are vital for security but differ in scope, environment, and required qualifications.

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What are popular job titles related to Force Protection Specialist jobs?

For Force Protection Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Force Protection Specialist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,396 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

ANTITERRORISM & FORCE PROTECTION PLANNER

Trenton, NJ • On-site

$88K/yr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to administer the installation's antiterrorism and force protection programs. Serves as a technical advisor to the Security Forces (SF) Antiterrorism Officer (ATO) and unit-level security and antiterrorism representatives.
Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of a wide range of security specialties to identify and resolve conventional policy and program objectives, and procedures within the security functional area; extensive knowledge in the specialized fields of physical security, force protection, and antiterrorism; and knowledge of security policy requirements and procedures to provide recommendations for making decisions and policy development on short and long-term security planning.
OR
EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of a wide range of security concepts, principles, and practices to review, analyze, and resolve difficult and complex security problems.
2. Knowledge of DoD and Air Force antiterrorism and force protection doctrine, policies, and instructions to coordinate objectives and develop plans for interrelated security programs.
3. Knowledge of a broad range of security program relationships to make recommendations allowing for differing program requirements, and multiple security objectives.
4. Skill in gathering, assembling, and analyzing facts; drawing conclusions; devising solutions to problems; identifying changes and trends; and preparing and presenting information to leadership.
5. Ability to prioritize and recommend resourcing strategies for the correction or mitigation of AT vulnerabilities on the installation.
6. Ability to assist evaluation teams in developing realistic and relevant scenarios to exercise and validate the AT program.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER