Op-Ed: Security Licensing Bureaus Should Grant Exemptions for Special Operations Veterans

By Mike Edwards Army Ranger (retired)

Honoring Service and Expertise

Special Operations veterans possess a unique set of skills, experience, and unwavering dedication to protecting our nation. These individuals undergo rigorous training and face extraordinary challenges to ensure our safety and security. It is therefore imperative that we recognize their invaluable contributions and provide them with appropriate opportunities upon their return to civilian life. Granting special operations veterans exemptions when applying for security licenses is a just and meaningful way to honor their service while tapping into their exceptional expertise to enhance security measures in various domains.

Acknowledging Specialized Training and Expertise:

Special Operations units are known for their rigorous training and operational proficiency. From Navy SEALs to Green Berets, these elite forces develop expertise in a wide range of tactical and strategic disciplines, including counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, hostage rescue, and high-risk operations. The skills acquired during their service are unparalleled, and their experiences provide them with an exceptional understanding of security threats and the measures required to mitigate them effectively.

Enhancing Security Measures:

By granting special operations veterans exemptions when applying for security licenses, we can leverage their knowledge and expertise to bolster security measures across diverse sectors. These highly trained individuals possess an acute sense of situational awareness, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to make split-second decisions under high-pressure circumstances. Their unique skill set is invaluable for safeguarding critical infrastructure, public venues, corporate establishments, and diplomatic missions, among others.

Reducing Training Costs:

Exempting special operations veterans from certain licensing requirements would not only benefit them but also reduce the burden on training institutions. The training these veterans receive in the military is often far more extensive and rigorous than what is provided in civilian security training programs. Recognizing the equivalence of their military training by granting exemptions would allow them to transition seamlessly into civilian security roles, reducing the need for redundant training and saving both time and resources.

Addressing Shortages in Qualified Personnel:

Across various sectors, there is a growing demand for skilled security personnel. By providing exemptions for special operations veterans, we can bridge the gap between supply and demand. These highly trained individuals, with their proven track records and commitment to excellence, bring an unmatched level of professionalism to security operations. Embracing their unique qualifications would not only meet the immediate demand for security personnel but also enhance the overall effectiveness of security measures.

Ensuring Proper Oversight and Regulation:

While exemptions may be granted to special operations veterans, it is important to emphasize that proper oversight and regulation should still be maintained. Adherence to ethical standards, accountability, and ongoing professional development should continue to be prioritized. By establishing a framework that combines exemptions with effective oversight, we can strike a balance that benefits both the veterans and the broader security industry.

Special operations veterans have dedicated their lives to serving our country and protecting our freedoms. Granting exemptions to these highly skilled individuals when applying for security licenses is a small yet significant way to honor their service and tap into their invaluable expertise. By doing so, we can enhance security measures, reduce training costs, address personnel shortages, and maintain a high level of professionalism in the security industry. It is our responsibility to support these exceptional individuals as they transition back into civilian life, ensuring that their dedication and skills continue to benefit our society in meaningful ways.

About the Author:

Mike Edwards is the VIP Security and Deployment Team Leader for USPA Nationwide Security. He works primarily in the Titanium Service, their Tier 1 Level close protection service. After 22 years of service, David “Mike” Edwards retired from the Army, 19 of them spent in an elite Special Operations unit. During several deployments with the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, he served as a rifleman, fire team leader, and assault squad leader. (read more)