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Force Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$61K - $80K/yr

Coordinates on force protection processes, assessments, and activities across the installation on behalf of the AT/FP Planner and the installation ATO. * Assists with site security studies, projects ...

Open Source Intelligence Investigator

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$48K - $48K/yr

The analyst must have operational targeting experience, senior to expert-level technical/IT tradecraft; preferred familiarity with force protection, protective intelligence, CI or insider threat ...

Showing results 41-60

Force Protection information

See salary details

$21.5K

$92.5K

$401K

How much do force protection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for force protection in the United States is $92,503.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is force protection?

Force protection refers to the measures and strategies implemented to safeguard military personnel, resources, and facilities from threats such as terrorism, espionage, sabotage, and natural disasters. It involves risk assessment, security protocols, surveillance, and emergency preparedness to ensure operational effectiveness and the safety of individuals. Force protection is a critical component of military operations, both at home bases and in deployed environments, and requires coordination among various military and security units.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a force protection role?

To thrive in a Force Protection role, you need strong situational awareness, physical fitness, and knowledge of security protocols, often supported by military or law enforcement training. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technologies, and certifications such as Security+ or specialized force protection courses are typically utilized. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively safeguarding personnel, assets, and facilities against security threats.

What are the typical challenges faced by force protection professionals in dynamic or high-risk environments?

Force Protection professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing threat levels, adapting to new security protocols, and maintaining constant vigilance under pressure. These roles require strong situational awareness, quick decision-making, and effective communication with team members and other security units. Successful Force Protection specialists regularly participate in drills, coordinate with law enforcement or military personnel, and manage access control measures to ensure the safety of all assets and personnel on site.

What is the difference between Force Protection vs Security Guard?

AspectForce ProtectionSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, specialized training, certifications in defense or military protocolsBasic security training, sometimes licensing depending on location
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, government facilities, high-security areasCommercial buildings, retail stores, events
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, government, defense contractorsPrivate security companies, retail, corporate
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding security roles in defense contextsGeneral security duties and employment options

Force Protection and Security Guard roles both focus on security, but Force Protection involves specialized military or defense-related responsibilities, often requiring advanced credentials and working in high-security environments. Security Guards typically perform routine security tasks in commercial or public settings with basic training. The key difference lies in the scope, environment, and credentials required for each role.

What does force protection do?

Force protection involves implementing security measures to safeguard personnel, facilities, and assets from threats such as attacks, sabotage, or espionage. It includes activities like threat assessment, access control, surveillance, and emergency response planning, often requiring security clearances and specialized training. The goal is to prevent or mitigate harm in high-risk environments.
More about Force Protection jobs

What cities are hiring for Force Protection jobs?

Cities with the most Force Protection job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Force Protection jobs?

The most popular types of Force Protection jobs are:

What states have the most Force Protection jobs?

States with the most job openings for Force Protection jobs include:

Infographic showing various Force Protection job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,503 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Security Specialist-Direct Hire Authority with Security Clearance

Department of the Air Force

Edwards, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Duties * Serves as the installation authority and expert on all areas involving anti-terrorism and force protection requirements, policy, procedures, and program status. * Responsible for the overall implementation, oversight, and centralized control of the coordinated anti-terrorism and force protection program for the installation. * Plans, conducts, directs the conduct of, or coordinates on security site studies, projects, assessments, and surveys of the installation in relationship to anti-terrorism and force protection activities. * Executes the Contracting Officer Representative (CDR) responsibilities as the Security Forces subject matter expert (SME). Requirements Conditions of employment * U.S. Citizenship is required * Males must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guidance * If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/ * This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program * For more information on Acq Demo please go to DoD AcqDemo Homepage http://acqdemo.hci.mil/ and Fact Sheet http://acqdemo.hci.mil/faq.html * Position may require an appropriate security clearance * Employee must maintain current certifications * Position may be subject to random drug testing * Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays * Shift work and emergency overtime may be required * Disclosure of Political Appointments * Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization. * Leave accrual may be authorized upon request * All federal employees are required to have direct deposit * This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. * Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. * Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. * Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (within 2 years of EOD) Qualifications Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Security Administration Series 0080. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialize experience includes managing assigned Physical Security, OPSEC, and Force Protection (FP) program segments; conducting routine facility/operational vulnerability assessments; assisting in the implementation of Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) policies, plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs); and preparing routine program status reports and compliance. Ideal Candidate: A highly analytical risk manager and strategic advisor who blends technical security expertise with strong program execution. Serves as the installation authority and expert on all areas involving anti-terrorism and force protection requirements, policy, procedures and program status. Determines, formulates, coordinates, and implements specific installation/wing guidance and actions to correct security deficiencies, overcome vague or competing requirements, promote the growth of sound security procedures, and justify major fiscal expenditures and procurement of required security technology, security aids and equipment, manpower, and infrastructure. At their core, they must be a proactive risk integrator capable of assessing installation vulnerabilities, translating complex threat intelligence into actionable mitigation plans, and auditing local security postures against strict military and DoD standards. Beyond technical assessments, the candidate must excel in strategic communication, acting as a trusted advisor to installation commanders by providing data-driven metrics for high-level decision-making, and administering force-wide awareness training. Furthermore, they require robust program and financial management skills to navigate budgeting, advocate for critical resource allocations like minor military construction, and oversee the implementation of complex security initiatives. Determines the need for, organizes, and conducts meetings, conferences, and workshops at the installation, wing, or subordinate unit level to discuss and resolve specific force protection issues or problems, or highlight new security policies, procedures, and requirements. Crucially, the ideal Anti-terrorism Program Manager must avoid stovepipe thinking by understanding how physical security integrates with broader mission readiness, intelligence, and cybersecurity, demonstrating the continuous adaptability required to counter rapidly evolving threat landscapes. 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: * Knowledge of a wide range of security specialties, concepts, principles, criteria, requirements, technology, and practices. * Knowledge of AF, MAJCOM, and installation/wing missions, functions, and structure. * Knowledge of security forces programs and governing policies, directives, instructions, and procedures. * Knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to conduct surveys/studies, accomplish projects, and evaluate results for the management and completion of programs. * Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. * Ability to effectively manage and organize various program activities and tasks and be familiar with administrative requirements of the installation/wing and MAJCOM. 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. Additional information This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection. This job announcement may close at any time - apply now! This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13 Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click .