In this last part on our series on Military Occupational Specialties and security clearances, we look at the Coast Guard. It is unique from the other service branches in two ways: its size and affiliation. The Coast Guard is the smallest of the military branches with just over 7,000 coasties (as they are affectionately called) working in over 200 different job fields. And they are the only military branch that is not part of the Department of Defense (DoD). Instead, they fall under the Department of Homeland Security. Now let’s look at some of their jobs requiring security clearances.
Coast Guard Jobs Requiring Secret Security Clearances
Operations Specialist – Operates primarily at command centers and aboard large cutters around the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The job can take one of three routes: National Incident, Communication, or Situation depending on the position filled. Trained and experienced Op Specialists are highly desirable on the outside by emergency and response-type organizations.
Maritime Enforcement Specialist – These cops of the waterways work at protecting America’s interest in ports, rivers, oceans and coastlines, both here at home and abroad. MESs are trained in Maritime Law Enforcement, Anti-terrorism, Force Protection, and Physical Security. As to be expected, they are in demand and hired by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies after serving.
Avionics Electrical Technician – AETs inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair avionics systems on communication, navigation, collision avoidance, target acquisition, and automatic flight-control systems. They are also trained to perform ground handling and servicing of aircraft and can conduct routine aircraft inspections and aviation administrative duties. They will also fill aircrew positions when needed, such as navigator, flight mechanic, radio operator, sensor systems operator, and basic aircrewman at large and small Coast Guard air stations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Because of their aircrew status, they must be able to pass an aircrew physical. They may even be assigned to the Polar Operations Division in Mobile, Ala, in support of icebreaking operations.
Coast Guard TS-SCI Security Clearance Jobs
Intelligence Specialist – IS personnel perform a wide range of duties associated with the collection, analysis, processing, and dissemination of intelligence in support of Coast Guard operational missions. They are stationed throughout the Coast Guard, with most typically located at the Intelligence Coordination Center, maritime intelligence fusion centers, cryptologic units, air stations, sectors and districts. On the outside they are employed in intelligence, counter intelligence or counter-terrorism sectors.
Having a clearance can be an ace-in-the-hole when applying for a civilian job after serving. Companies, like Clearance Jobs list jobs that require a clearance. If your clearance has two years before it needs re-investigating, an employer can hire you without enduring the additional expense of securing a clearance for you or time waiting
