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7491 Career Guide

Navy

7491: Security Specialist

Career transition guide for Navy Security Specialist (7491)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7491 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Corporate Security Manager

$110K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific Industry Security Certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM)Project Management Skills

Law Enforcement Officer/Detective

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Police Academy CertificationLocal/State Law Familiarity

Correctional Officer/Warden

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

State Correctional Officer CertificationCrisis Management Training

Security Consultant

$95K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Consulting SkillsBusiness DevelopmentRisk Assessment Methodologies

Fraud Investigator

$80K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) CertificationData AnalysisAccounting Principles

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7491 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a 7491, you maintained constant awareness of your surroundings to identify potential security threats, contraband, and breaches of regulations, crucial for maintaining order and safety on naval vessels.

This translates to a heightened ability to observe, analyze, and understand complex environments, anticipating potential problems and reacting proactively.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demanded strict adherence to regulations, security protocols, and legal guidelines in law enforcement, corrections, and physical security programs.

You possess a deep understanding of the importance of rules and standards, and the discipline to consistently follow them, ensuring accuracy and accountability.

Adversarial Thinking

You proactively sought out vulnerabilities in security systems, anticipated potential threats from individuals attempting to introduce contraband or disrupt operations, and developed countermeasures.

This means you're adept at thinking like an adversary, identifying weaknesses, and developing strategies to mitigate risks before they materialize.

Rapid Prioritization

On ships and bases, you handled many urgent issues and often had to make crucial security decisions under duress with limited time and resources.

You are skilled at quickly assessing complex situations, identifying the most critical issues, and allocating resources effectively to achieve the best possible outcome under pressure.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been rigorously enforcing regulations and security protocols in the Navy. As a Compliance Officer (13-1041.00), you'll apply that same expertise to ensure companies adhere to internal policies and external laws, preventing costly violations. Your Adversarial Thinking will be especially valuable.

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-1199.00

You've been detecting contraband and security breaches, indicating a talent for identifying anomalies and uncovering hidden activities. As a Fraud Investigator (13-1199.00), you can leverage these skills to investigate financial irregularities, gather evidence, and prevent fraudulent activities. Your Situational Awareness will be key.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been responsible for maintaining security and order in potentially volatile environments. As an Emergency Management Specialist (11-9161.00), you can use your skills to plan and coordinate responses to natural disasters, security threats, and other emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities. Your Rapid Prioritization will be critical.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval Security Force Academy, Naval Support Activity, Millington, TN

560 training hours14 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Security Management, and Law Enforcement.

Topics Covered

  • Physical Security Planning and Implementation
  • Law Enforcement Procedures and Tactics
  • Contraband Detection and Control
  • Access Control Systems and Technology
  • Brig Operations and Management
  • Incident Response and Investigation
  • Maritime Security Operations
  • Use of Force Continuum and Weapons Handling

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)70% covered

Study areas like business principles, security management, and legal aspects that are specific to the civilian sector.

Physical Security Professional (PSP)75% covered

Focus on aspects related to risk assessment methodologies used in the private sector and specific technology applications in civilian security environments.

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)60% covered

Expand knowledge in civil law procedures, fraud examination techniques specific to business environments, and interviewing/interrogation strategies used in civilian investigations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified in Homeland Security (CHS)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Naval Integrated Security System (NISS)Integrated security management systems (e.g., Genetec Security Center, Milestone XProtect)
Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS)Biometric access control systems (e.g., fingerprint scanners, facial recognition software)
Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) such as OC spray and tasersLess-lethal weapons and de-escalation tools (e.g., pepper spray, conducted electrical weapons (CEWs))
Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS)Visitor management systems with integrated background checks (e.g., Lobbytrack, EasyLobby)
Brig Management System (BMS)Correctional facility management software (e.g., Offender Management System (OMS))
Access Control Point (ACP) technology (e.g., barriers, vehicle scanning)Perimeter security systems and vehicle inspection technologies (e.g., automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), under vehicle inspection systems (UVIS))

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