The Homeland Security Specialist Career

Homeland security specialists are charged with protecting the territory of the United States of America. They are America's domestic barrier against terrorist threats and attacks. The primary goal of homeland security specialists is to develop programs that work towards early detection of an impending attack and thus creating an environment of security across the country.

These security specialists work under the US Department of Homeland Security. Since the methods and techniques used by terrorists are always changing, the homeland security specialist must constantly think through new strategies that boost the Agency's capacity to deal with and prevent terrorist threats.

Another key responsibility of a homeland expert in security is communication. When countering a terrorist threat, every minute counts. Communication must not only be swift but clear too. These homeland security experts must communicate with other law enforcement agencies at local, state and federal level and ensure a well coordinated response.

To be able to do discharge their jobs effectively, security specialists must have a strong grasp of the laws that govern the territories of the United States as well as the specific laws that relate to monitoring, investigating and prosecuting terrorism related incidents. Recent regulation around terrorism has been formulated by the Department of Homeland Security and thus these specialists are relied on as the point of reference for such legislation.

So what is required if you want to be a specialist in homeland security?

Well, first you must provide proof of United States citizenship. As with any law enforcement role, you must also pass a security clearance and a background information check to ensure that you do not have a criminal record or any other situation from your past that might compromise you or prevent you from discharging your duties efficiently.

On education, an associate or bachelor degree in Homeland Security or a related discipline is preferred. Even though an associate degree is acceptable, the higher the level of academic credentials you can provide, the better the chances of standing out from competing applicants and further advancing your career once you are hired.

There are additional forms of training that will place you at an advantage during the recruitment. These include emergency medical response and evacuation training, previous experience working in the military, a law enforcement agency, a security firm or a private investigator. Serving in another law enforcement agency or in the military is often used to substitute up to two years of university education.

Due to the changing nature of threats to the US from the more easy to define country adversaries of times past (e.g. as was the case in World War I and II as well as during the Cold War) to a more amorphous set of enemies as demonstrated by modern day terrorist groups, the role of the homeland security specialist is particularly important. For this reason, the pay package for a homeland security specialist is significantly higher than other agencies.

If you are interested in becoming a security specialist for your homeland, I urge you to do a little more research on the career. You can do this by visiting websites that cover the profession in more detail.

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