[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Matthew Todd thought he wanted to be a teacher after he separated from the Air Force in 2012. The former captain and contract manager in the military taught third grade and soon found he was wrong, terribly wrong.
“It just wasn’t a good fit for me. I didn’t enjoy it at all,” the 38-year-old said.
As Todd searched other career fields, he knew that he wanted to use his Spanish-speaking skills and work with people, but didn’t seriously consider a career in security until a friend recommended it. Unlike many in the military who transition into security work, Todd didn’t have experience in security or law enforcement. But as a Colorado resident, there was opportunity to use his Spanish while working with The GEO Group Inc.
“I was apprehensive – I had never worked in corrections before – but the more I looked, the more I realized that the military structure was very similar to the corrections structure,”
he said.
Todd began a career as a detention officer with The GEO Group in April 2015, and this time, it was a good fit.
“I really enjoy it. I feel like I make a difference,” he said.
In his role, Todd works with immigration detainees both in the intake and out-processing activities while also maintaining order in the facility.
“I feel very comfortable here because of my military background. I get to speak Spanish every day and my skills as an officer translate very well, not only in working with the detainees, but with the other people that I work with,” he said.
Antonio Rivera Jr. was a fire team leader in an Army light infantry company. Like Todd, Rivera wanted to combine his military skills with his people skills. When he separated in 2015, Rivera looked at job opportunities that focused on customer service.
“I wanted to show that not only could I fight for my country, but that I was able to work in any environment,” he said.
As a site supervisor with AlliedBarton Security Services in Pittsburgh, Rivera works at a facility that manufactures plastics and chemicals. He supervises five other employees and manages the main entrance.
A military background is highly valued by companies like AlliedBarton, according to Deborah Brantley, vice president of human resources and talent.
“AlliedBarton Security Services believes that the physical security industry can be a perfect match for transitioning veterans. By the nature of their position, security officers must be strong leaders, and military training breeds leadership,” she said.
There are other opportunities in the career field as well. Like most major arenas, other roles are necessary to run an organization, include managerial, accounting, human resources and support staff positions. For the corrections industry, service positions including nursing and health care staff. Check out the Hot Jobs for Veterans on the following pages.[/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_half last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_half][one_half last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Antonio Rivera Jr.[/title][fusion_text]Site Supervisor, AlliedBarton Security Services, Pittsburgh
Age: 27
Military Service: Sergeant (E-5), Army (2010-2015)
MOS: Infantry (11B)
Hire Date: November 2015[/fusion_text][/one_half][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]What do you do? I’m a security site supervisor at a facility that manufactures plastics and chemicals. I am in charge of five other AlliedBarton employees.
What is your typical day like? I maintain control of access to the building. I follow all security and safety procedures and provide customer service to all visitors.
Why did you enlist in the military? I’m originally from New York City. I was there for it all on 9/11.
How did you get your job? I applied online, was contacted for an interview and received a job offer.
What military skills do you apply to your job today? Being on time, but most of all, leadership.
Any funny incidents during your first days on the job? On my first day of work I put on my Army uniform. I’m not sure why I did that, but I guess I was thinking “I’m going to work,” and I put on what I typically wore to work!
Transition advice? Make sure you have a career plan. If you know when you’re getting out of the military, start making moves, and don’t wait until you get your DD-214. I’m married with two kids, and I made it work because I planned in advance. ‘Ruck up’ and stay focused and motivated.[/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth][fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][one_half last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Matthew Todd[/title][fusion_text]Detention Officer, The GEO Group Inc., Castle Rock, Colo.
Age: 38
Military Service: Captain (O-3), Air Force (2005-2012)
AFSC: Contract Manager
Hire date: April 2015[/fusion_text][/one_half][one_half last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/one_half][one_full last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]What is your typical day like?
There is no typical day.
Why did you enlist in the military? My father had served, my grandfather had served – it was my turn to serve my country.
Why did you decide to separate? My wife and I discussed it and we wanted to try something new.
Why did you choose this career path? I was a teacher and taught third grade and I really didn’t like it. It was way harder working with third-graders than immigration detainees! I wanted something that I would enjoy, something where I could use my Spanish skills and where I could make a difference. My friend worked here and recommended it.
What skills learned in the military do you apply to your job today? The leadership component is huge – the leadership skills that I learned as an officer translate really well in not only working with the detainees, but in working with the other employees too.
Best advice for transitioning service members? Don’t be afraid to try something new, to go outside of your comfort zone. There are a lot of opportunities that are a good fit – don’t be afraid to look for them.[/fusion_text][/one_full][/fullwidth]
