"Knowing Someone" always helps for pretty much any job, anywhere.

How to be a security contractor: Step 1: Be a special forces operator first

These fireside chats provide an extremely valuable reality check for those thinking they want to enter this profession. Personally, I preferred being on offence rather than defense, because both static and mobile security puts one in the position of being a target. Hours and hours of boredom, with intermixed moments of panic and sheer terror. You brought up a good point about the market becoming flooded with spec ops veterans. Young people wanting to enter this field better go get some training and experience. The first time getting shot at usually separates the wheat from the chaff.

What do you mean I can’t depose African dictators for profit? Blame thatcher

I can talk partially for non security contracts. I was a Marine Raider for 9 years and my brother was a carpenter in the civilian world. After I left I was approached by a company that needed personnel to provide security to carpenters and builders that were building schools and hospitals. I told my brother what I was doing and he asked if they needed a carpenter so I asked and they did and they were happy to hire my brother. Time comes around where we both deploy to Somalia to build a school he as a carpenter and I as a operator. I asked him how he liked it when we finished he said he enjoyed it and would be returning to help build more buildings. He was getting paid $550 a day and I a little less at $450 and we did 180 days there and 120 back home. If you have any questions about it comment them and Ill ask him about it.

Man, you’re so soft spoken and professional. The scenery and outdoors stuff is just a bonus. Subscribed.

Solid info

This video background is so damn majestic

I have NO military training. I don't own a gun. (Although I would like to learn how to use one.) I would not be within a million miles of this, But I find this extremely fascinating! It's a glimpse into a whole different world! Extreme admiration!

I am a former security contractor. That is a tight group of words for what I actually did, but that is the gist of my job. I laid my life on the line to protect people or groups of people. I was not paid for it, it was a volunteer group of guys based on the outfit I was attached to at the time. I did it because I believed in the people, what they were saying, or the event. I had to provide my own weapon, my own armor, my own ammunition. I worked with police, and with paramilitary organizations. I will not lie it was one of the defining things I have done in my life, aside from feeding the hungry and the homeless, and working with pure wolves. I remember my first op, I had to confess my sins to people I wronged, and try and "get right" with God as much as I was able, because it was likely I wouldn't be coming back, due to the nature of the people, the event, and those who were threatening the entire thing. I was standing there, in body armor, with a loaded weapon, and I realized, I could be shot, stabbed, run over, or blown up at any moment... And then I smiled and realized "I live for this shit!" I had to leave the work when my unit split up, one side went extreme one way, the other side when extreme the other. It got scary, not life and death but freedom and, well, not. I worked alongside ex military and ex police but I am a civilian. (I could not join the military due to health reasons) I trained with these men and they showed me what they knew. I gained a ton of life experience, I was very good at what I did and I absolutely loved it. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I am glad I did it.

These videos are a godsend,most people are so secretive when it comes to contracting and then here comes Ivan shedding some light on how it all works

I heard on NPR that the DoD started hiring PMCs to allow SOCOM operators to get more R&R back home. I start training for a DoD contract in afghanistan with a salary of $110,000 near the end of the year. Wish me luck.

I hope this video doubles your sub count like the last one. Thanks Ivan.

I turned off the sound and just watched the fire. 10/10 would recommend.

I worked with an ex Marine F.R. guy who worked security for a while and he said a person basically needs "tabs" (ie Ranger, SF, SEAL tabs) to get hired. He said his company only had one guy who didn't and he was just a really, really good guy who had been a Marine grunt. He used the term "mercenary" a little hesitantly to describe the position. I replied that from what he had told me that "soldier of fortune" sounded more accurate. He seemed to like that take on it.

I have been thinking for a while about getting into contracting. After watching this video and the last one, I can “put that to bed” as you said. It’s basically no different then the job I have now: basically being an underprivileged and over glorified security guard. Thanks for the awesome content. Your videos have real world substance and not a bunch of macho bullshit. Keep up with the cool videos. I’ll be watching from now on.

Title should be : Top Tier Contracting.....I was in the National Guard while being in law enforcement experience in DC and got on with Triple Canopy. Its really not that hard, most people don't want these jobs. They love the comfort of driving to McDonald's after having 12 beers on a Friday night. Contracting: Its all about making money, getting out, and starting another career or retiring.

I saw the movie Extraction, I think I'm ready.

The guys who ask, "why can't i get into contracting without a background in the military?" I don't ever want to work with those kind of people.

Quote of the video: "Hey, I'm good at Call of Duty, hire me." LOL He never fails to deliver a zinger! Carry on brother.

Be a Hero, have the right qualifications for the job. Cheetos eating basement dwellers, need not apply.

Can we all just appreciate the AMAZING quality of this mans mic, like he's burning sticks in a a fire, in the cold and you can here like only 15% background noise. Thats awesome.

Love the fireside chats about military related professions. Good stuff.

That thumbnail though and building all the fires. 😍😍😍 Loving this content...your Channel is the best!!!

Appreciate the advice and your time. Cleared up a few misconceptions. I enjoyed your video. Thank you for your service.

I’ve been considering eventually going into contracting, your videos are very informative. Appreciate the accessibility to content like this.

It's actually very relaxing to watch, the fire, the snow and a soft pastel coloured sky.

Im currently in the Army. 31B here and ive really been looking into getting into security contracting when I get out and these videos are really helpful.

Love this style of video. Keep the fireside chats coming

As a young entrepreneur with ownership of a PSMC (Private Security&Military Company) find your content knowledgeable and there are a lot that can be learned from your videos. Thank you for the great content! -President&Director of Physical Security

I did a bunch of stuff in Iraq (and later Kuwait, Afghanistan) with zero military background and zero clearances at the start. The trick was 1) knowing people and 2) technical skills (not trigger pulling), but then working for companies (locally, non-US) which did their own security. I got to do well-paid computer/satellite work and also got my Hi-Power/AK fix, and then moved up from there to my own company. Security contracting for a specialty security org is way less interesting than security+actual customer deliverables at an org which does something other than just security. Making calls about whether driving low-pro to Baqubah/Warhorse vs. cadging a helicopter ride from another customer vs. skipping the contract, etc.

Thanks man! Great explanation, exactly what I was looking for.

Very informative! I'm still very young and have 2 dreams one as an audio engineer, and another with special opps, and eventually sec contracting. Got a better understanding just need to give it good thought! Thank you!

Not interested in security contracting that much, but damn I can't stop watching this dude just chill w us while building fires. Shits so relaxing

True to your word, you dropped the video for us!

I recall asking you about this in your previous video and appreciate you posting your video and I’m currently going about getting into Private Security.

Truthfully man I missed my chance at the military and I kinda regret that, but when I hear guys talk that they can do what the military guys can do Without basic training and military experience I laugh. Man the only thing I know that I have experience like any military personnel is training my body to breaking points and rebuilding it, but as I said “training”, even your body has to be able to respond to live action experiences, different climates and etc. I don’t care how much training you do back at home, you need that military base training to get your body, mind right to be able to perform as Ivan alluded to in a tactical operating team fashion. Salute to you guys and gals who do this kind of work.

Outstanding job my friend!

another great video brother, legitimately think i might watch it again at some point, just cause.

I listen to Prager U fireside chats,yours are great as well. Thx for service

Solid advice brother.

Moral of the story, get experience before signing up. You don't want to put yourself and people around you in danger. More importantly, will not.

Thank you for the more in depth info brother.

Love this video bro. I was thinking about applying but u just have me real deal. I have 4 years experience 13B, but I'm way more than likely not even meeting the criteria for it. Thanks for the real deal 💯💪

Appreciate your genuine sincerity. You can hear it in your tone and demeanor. It is heartfelt. Thanks for the insight. This was a dream I let go many years ago as a 19 yr old wanting to do this work. When I heard the SEAL say 98% divorce rate I said no thanks. I have 3 adult kids, 4 grandkids and another on the way. The SF or Contract Work doesn’t scare me to this day. It’s the affects on the family life- the true treasure that made me put my dream to the side. Much respect to you and all SF and Patriots. God, Family & Country.

Dude I love your stuff man. Just speaking the knowledge. I did 10 as an 11b but didn't get much of deployments back and forth from units that didn't deploy them korea forever. I'm using my gi bill to become a pilot tried looking up contracts, but the only ones I saw didn't pay shit without combat experience.

Great and informative and thanks it does matter who are team upped with.

SUPER HELPFUL! I subscribed

Thanks for the knowledge .

I think what most civis know nothing about what being removed from the real world for 9 to 12 months at a time is like. I'm glad I talked myself out of that job that came around some months ago. It's just not worth the money, risk or heartache that goes with that life. I left my beloved Corps behind for a reason

We need more videos like this

I do love these videos. They totally ground the topic in reality.

Simple just go to serve in the army/navy/marines and finish your service, you will meet a lot of people and they know many other people that already work in security contracting thats how they recruit because they want already trained soldiers not desk heros

"Some companies just want warm bodies." All I took from this is that you can lie your way into almost any job. Resume: 2 years undercover security operations specialist (loss prevention) 3 years cargo transportation in high violence zone (doordash driver in detroit) 5 years field medical operations (school nurse)

Despite all that, I'm going to go for it. I'll be working on my fitness while applying for the military. After that, I'll see if I have the mental fortitude for military/security contracting work and work things out from there. Still, it's a refreshing reality check that I can't get the job unless I meet the prerequisites, like all jobs, I suppose. It's something to work towards.

More contracting information! Good stuff.

Great video, it gave a lot for people and myself to think about. As a civilian in my situation, I can afford to leave home for awhile. No family of my own, no debt, enough money in the bank to pay regular monthly bills as the come with no concern. The "why" do or would like to do something like contracting is the money and experience. I'd like to be able to take on a few contracts to earn enough money to make life easier down the road. With the experience, I'd hope to gain enough to the point where I could take a job part time doing something like reserve LE, NG mil, or become a instructor for LE, MIL,CIV, or other contractors.

"No, no its not cool man." Quote of the day.

Love the information it was awesome

why is this so calming

There's contracts in America, don't need to go overseas. I work a housing authority security contract. Tons of money to be made doing security for schools, DMVs, public housing, etc - while being far lower risk than a contract overseas that requires military experience.

"Pfft...Bob...dude...whatever..." I'm contracting right now and I tell ya man this speaks to me. That's all you had to say and I feel like I could describe him too you perfectly haha

Nice speech about security contracting your mentioned it and Another way right now for find to starting and becoming security contractor in overseas before think too much ,find someone for connection i mean someone or colleague make strong reference support for your bio

Great video! Very informational!

That's some good stuff devil dog..🤙

Oof. That's a dose of reality for a lot of us. Seeing how I'm out of shape, only 4 years of navy, and only have a secret clearance probably means I have some stuff to work on for a year. Do contracting agencies look at other skills you have? I plan on going the EMT/Firefighter route at my local trade school in the mean time and figured I could take that over there and be of use.

Love the fire and background.

Great. Video Badger, quiet informative .

Great Information, looking at opportunities to contract when I get out of the Military.

I’m not interested in doing this, I’m an author and contract companies play a big roll but as I started to write I realized I didn’t know enough about the subject. This video was a huge help. Thanks man!

Keeping it real. Greatly appreciate it

Very informative, thanks

i like how this dude just builds a fire and talks calm while he talks tcb

Ahhh ... I think I'll just stay here...sitting by the camp fire with some hot coffee and maybe a little Jim Beam ..Watching and listening quietly as the Sun goes down and Moon rises up above this cold and beautiful snow covered wilderness ... as Ivan tells yet another great story.

Good video, I was looking into PMC work in the not to near future and you've given me a lot to think about, especially with your pros and cons video

Thank you for your insights

This is the exact content I was looking for. I wana get started in this field, I know Id be perfect for it. I have a high pain tolerance, I work out regularly and am physically fit. Ive had a hard traumatic life thats made me stronger and Im used to dealing with difficult people and situations.

I see Ivan talk about security contracting by a fire, I watch and like the video. I’m a simple man 👍

When I started contracting, my hsem degree, and prior service got me in pretty quick. 3-4 month rotations. Did it for a couple years until our 3rd kid came along. And wife said no more lol.

I was lucky enough to get a job offer in this industry. I’m supposed to go to training in the spring. I wasn’t able to join the military due to prior medical history. I have an injury that doesn’t prevent me from being combat effective, but does make me ineligible for military service. I spent two years as a security guard and two more years working in the county jail, got my EMT-B , a security clearance , and an Associates Degree. Checked all the boxes and applied like crazy. Finally got an interview and job offer for a very entry level contract. Hoping to gain experience and move on to better paying contracts in the future.

I genuinely have always wondered if there is some sort of way to do some not necessarily "odd jobs", though if there is a will, there is a way. I'm 19 and I've always thought about putting myself through a ringer and go to the M.C. and possibly.. see what this whole thing is about. This truly gave me a huge amount of info so thank you very much! Also, I loved the poke at COD players even though I am one of them. I am curious if you got some stories to tell since I'm new to this channel. Love it!

I've honestly considered taking a look at IT contracts while I apply to more concrete career options once I'm out of the Navy (IT is what I'm rated). The money seems good, safer than security, and is a lot better than sitting on my ass waiting for something to come along. My TS\SCI will still be pretty fresh, so why not.

Thanks for the information mane

Real, Real bro. Thanks

Could you make a video talking about your military background... great video by the way

I don't even want to do security contracting, I just enjoy listening to this guy talk about shit he knows about next to a campfire in the middle of nowhere.

i think i picked a right time to watch this video

I wanted to come on here and be all judgy...but it is spot on. 10 years in and couldn't have said better myself. Pay heed, all those looking at getting on somewhere. This is the reality.

07:48 - epic wide shot with dragon silhouette behind you... 😎

Thanks I will stick to lotto tickets and the monthly matches

Seem like a good dude, thanks for the info

Glad you don’t sugarcoat anything. I was Marine Corps grunt as well

The fact you're by a fire is a peaceful setting to an interesting discussion.

Do your homework, look out for yourself, if new opportunities come take it immediately -Former Contractor.

That was a cool window into a world I know nothing about. Thanks for the talk!

Thanks for the info and being real. Beautiful background, are you in Alaska?

I think I'll find something else to do. I was just curious.

Watched this cause I used to work with a guy at a standard retail job that would talk to me every day about how he was going to become a contractor so I was just curious to hear what it really takes. Honestly a lot of what you're saying just makes sense I hope that guy never got into contracting since he was very clearly the kind of civie you're describing with no real military experience.

Take the Rough with the Smooth. Good advice. Take care.

Lol these are relaxing ha watch one other vid of yours could fall asleep listening to stuff about contracting who would of thought 😂