By David Lloyd
When I left the British Army in 2012, I didn’t have a clear roadmap—just a strong sense that I wanted to remain in an environment where risk, leadership, and operational clarity mattered. What followed has been over a decade of working in some of the world’s most complex environments, from the Gulf and North Africa to the Horn of Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
I’ve worked across anti-piracy operations, diplomatic protection, oil and gas security, and corporate risk advisory. Now, I lead recruitment for GardaWorld’s Critical Infrastructure and Government Services contracts, sourcing talent for projects that require technical competence and tactical mindset in equal measure. What I’ve come to understand is that international opportunities in this sector are not just abundant—they are essential. But success in this space isn’t guaranteed by past service. It’s earned through a combination of adaptability, cultural intelligence, and the willingness to constantly evolve.
The Military-Civilian Transition: A Strategic Shift
Leaving the military is often described as stepping into the unknown. For me, the most immediate challenge was adjusting to the civilian pace and professional culture. In the military, structures are clear, chains of command are defined, and your role is unambiguous. In the civilian world—especially in the private security industry—things can be more fragmented and politically complex.
However, I quickly learned that many of the competencies I’d developed in uniform were incredibly valuable. Leadership under pressure, the ability to manage crises with limited information, and a mission-oriented mindset translated well, particularly in roles requiring operational oversight in fragile or hostile environments.
Working Across the MENA Region: A Balancing Act
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains one of the most dynamic and strategically important theatres for international security work. The region is a nexus of political instability, economic ambition, and infrastructure expansion—all of which drive demand for skilled professionals in security, risk, and crisis management.
Whether operating in anti-piracy environments off the Gulf of Aden or securing critical energy assets in North Africa, one lesson stands out: technical capability alone is not enough. Diplomacy, local knowledge, and cultural sensitivity are just as important. Understanding how to read a room, build trust with local stakeholders, and adapt quickly to volatile political climates has often made the difference between success and failure.
Diverse Roles, Shared Foundations
Over the years, my career has spanned several disciplines: from on-the-ground Close Protection Officer and anti-piracy team leader to diplomatic liaison and corporate security advisor.
Each role required a different lens, but all were built on the same core foundations: adaptability, accountability, and the ability to lead under uncertainty. One of the biggest misconceptions in this field is that specialists can only do one thing. In fact, the best professionals I’ve worked with are those who continuously learn, upskill, and stay versatile. Whether working with governments, NGOs, or multinational corporations, the ability to speak multiple “professional languages” and move across domains is a major asset.
What Makes Someone Suitable for International Security Work?
The international security environment is increasingly shaped by hybrid threats—blending physical, cyber, reputational, and geopolitical risk. This requires a new kind of operator: part protector, part analyst, part diplomat.
Key traits for success include:
- Resilience in the face of isolation, stress, and ambiguity
- Cultural intelligence and emotional control in sensitive situations
- Clear communication across language barriers and power dynamics
- Practical problem-solving with limited resources in high-risk zones
It’s no longer enough to be a body in the room. You need to be part of the client’s strategic risk framework—adding value before, during, and after a crisis.
Opportunities for Veterans and Security Professionals
The landscape for veteran professionals is evolving. The post-service path is no longer limited to static security roles or long-haul contracts. Today, opportunities exist in:
- Energy security, including renewables and transitional fuels
- Cyber-physical threat mitigation
- Private diplomacy and crisis negotiation
- Embedded advisory roles for corporations and development projects
Valuable qualifications include Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), trauma medical certifications, negotiation and mediation credentials, and even foreign language skills (Arabic, French, Pashto).
Networking is equally important. LinkedIn, veteran-specific career hubs, and regional security forums are critical places to build professional visibility.
Advice for Those Starting Out
If you’re recently out of uniform—or preparing to leave—my advice is simple: don’t expect a straight line. My own career has taken sharp turns, and some of the most rewarding roles began as short-term contracts. Be open to contract work early on—it often leads to bigger, more stable roles. Translate your military experience into civilian terms, but don’t dilute what makes it valuable. Be coachable. And above all, stay mission-focused, whether you’re protecting lives, securing assets, or building a team.
Final Thoughts
The international security sector remains one of the most rewarding and challenging fields for those with a service mindset. But it demands more than just a strong CV—it requires adaptability, cultural fluency, and the willingness to lead in the grey zones. There is no “one size fits all” career path for veterans or former police professionals. But if you stay open, stay sharp, and stay connected, the opportunities are real—and the impact you can make is significant.
About the Author
David Lloyd is a British Army veteran who has spent the past 13 years operating across the MENA region in a variety of international security roles. He now works in recruitment with GardaWorld, sourcing high-calibre talent for Government and Critical Infrastructure contracts. David regularly advises veterans and transitioning professionals on how to successfully navigate careers in the global defence and security space.
