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6497 Career Guide

Navy

6497: Security Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Security Officer (6497)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6497 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Security Manager

$98K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Relevant civilian security certifications (e.g., CPP)Knowledge of OSHA and other regulatory compliance

Law Enforcement Officer (Federal)

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Federal law enforcement trainingSpecific agency requirements (e.g., FBI, Homeland Security)

Correctional Officer Supervisor

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

State-specific correctional officer certificationExperience with rehabilitation programs

Emergency Management Specialist

$80K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FEMA certifications (e.g., IS-100, IS-700)Disaster planning and response experience

Corporate Investigator

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certificationExperience in conducting internal investigationsData analysis skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6497 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a 6497, you constantly assess security risks, monitor potential threats in dynamic environments (ships, activities), and maintain vigilance over law enforcement and contraband control efforts.

This translates to an ability to quickly understand and react to complex situations, anticipate problems, and maintain a broad perspective while managing multiple streams of information.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demands strict adherence to protocols for physical security, access control, law enforcement, and correctional facility operations. You ensure all actions align with established regulations and guidelines.

You have developed a strong commitment to following established procedures, understanding the importance of regulatory compliance, and maintaining accuracy in detail-oriented tasks.

Adversarial Thinking

You proactively identify vulnerabilities in security systems and law enforcement procedures. You anticipate potential threats from those seeking to breach security, smuggle contraband, or disrupt operations.

You're adept at thinking like an adversary to identify weaknesses and improve security measures. This involves strategic planning, risk assessment, and proactive problem-solving to mitigate potential threats.

Resource Optimization

You are responsible for the effective allocation of security personnel, equipment, and resources across various programs (physical security, law enforcement, corrections) to maximize impact while staying within budget.

You have a proven ability to manage limited resources efficiently, prioritize needs, and find creative solutions to achieve objectives within financial constraints. This includes strategic planning and effective decision-making.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-2000

You've been immersed in environments where strict adherence to procedures is paramount. This experience perfectly positions you to excel as a Compliance Officer, ensuring that organizations follow regulations and internal policies. Your adversarial thinking allows you to anticipate violations and develop effective prevention strategies.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-1129.00

Your background in physical security and law enforcement has equipped you with invaluable skills in emergency preparedness and response. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you'll leverage your situational awareness and resource optimization abilities to develop and implement plans for responding to disasters and other crises.

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-2011

You've honed your adversarial thinking skills to identify and prevent security breaches and contraband smuggling. As a Fraud Investigator, you can apply these skills to detect and investigate fraudulent activities, protecting organizations from financial loss and reputational damage.

Business Continuity Planner

SOC 13-1199.05

You're adept at maintaining operational effectiveness in the face of disruption. As a Business Continuity Planner, you'll use your system modeling and resource optimization skills to develop strategies that minimize downtime and ensure essential functions continue operating during emergencies or unforeseen events. Your skills at seeing how things can go wrong are crucial.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Security Officer Basic Course, Naval Technical Training Center Lackland

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Criminal Justice or Security Management recommended

Topics Covered

  • Physical Security Planning and Implementation
  • Law Enforcement Procedures and Protocols
  • Access Control Systems Management
  • Contraband Detection and Control
  • Brig Operations and Inmate Management
  • Security Risk Assessment and Mitigation
  • Use of Force Policies and Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)70% covered

Study areas like terrorism countermeasures, risk assessment methodologies specific to civilian infrastructure, and legal aspects of security management outside the military context.

Physical Security Professional (PSP)75% covered

Focus on aspects of physical security related to the private sector, including retail security, data center protection, and advanced electronic security systems. Review current technologies and best practices for loss prevention in commercial environments.

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)60% covered

Study fraud examination techniques specific to the civilian sector, including financial statement fraud, asset misappropriation schemes, and the legal frameworks for prosecuting fraud in civilian courts. Familiarize yourself with interviewing techniques appropriate for non-military personnel.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified in Homeland Security (CHS)Emergency Management Professional Certification (EMPC)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Navy Security Force Management System (NSFMS)Security Management Software (e.g., GuardTek, Trackforce Valiant)
Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS)Biometric Access Control Systems (e.g., MorphoTrust, Thales Group)
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) IntelinkLaw Enforcement Data Systems (e.g., LexisNexis Accurint, Thomson Reuters CLEAR)
Joint Regional Confinement Facility (JRCF) Management SystemCorrectional Facility Management Software (e.g., Offender Management System - OMS)
Integrated Security System (ISS) - ShipboardIntegrated Security System (e.g., Genetec, Milestone Systems)
Small Arms Management and Security System (SAMSS)Firearms Inventory Management Systems (e.g., AssetWorks, Sage Inventory Advisor)

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