When I left active duty in the U.S. Air Force Security Forces and transitioned into the Air National Guard, I felt confident about continuing to serve — but less certain about what my civilian career should look like. Like many who separate from the military, I knew I wanted to stay in security, but the path wasn’t clear.
My first break came when I landed a corporate security position. It wasn’t glamorous, and it wasn’t a leadership role, but it was a foot in the door. I focused on demonstrating the skills and discipline I had built in uniform, and I proved myself as a reliable professional. For a while, I thought that was enough. But even as I contributed, I often wondered: was I in the right place for my experience and potential?
It wasn’t until that role that I learned about ASIS International. Suddenly, a much larger professional community opened up to me. I connected with my local chapter and, eventually, with the ASIS Military and Veterans Community (MVC). That’s where I discovered the career mapping tools — now known as Operation Career Change.
The impact was immediate. The tools didn’t just list certifications; they helped me understand how my years of military leadership, training, and operational experience translated into corporate security roles. More importantly, they showed me I might actually be under-employed in my individual contributor position. For the first time, I saw a clear alignment between my background and higher-level opportunities in the security profession.
That realization was a spark. Instead of settling for “good enough,” I set my sights on the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification. The CPP represented more than just a credential; it validated the broad skills I had developed — managing people, resources, and risks in high-pressure environments — and gave me a structured goal to pursue.
With Operation Career Change pointing me in the right direction, I built out a plan. I studied, sought mentorship from other ASIS members, and stayed active in the MVC community. The support I found there reminded me of the camaraderie I had in uniform — a network of professionals who understood both where I came from and where I wanted to go.
Looking back, I realize how pivotal that moment was. Without ASIS International and the MVC, I might have stayed in a role that didn’t fully reflect my capabilities. Instead, I gained clarity, confidence, and a certification that helped open doors for my career progression.
For other veterans and law enforcement professionals considering their next chapter, my advice is simple: lean into resources like Operation Career Change. They don’t just help you choose a certification — they help you see your own potential. For me, it was the tool that turned uncertainty into direction, and direction into opportunity.
About the Author:
Andrew Henecke, CPP, CBCP, is the Manager of Physical Security at Omaha Public Power District and a Technical Sergeant in the Nebraska Air National Guard Security Forces. He is an active member of ASIS International, serving on the Military & Veterans Community Steering Committee and supporting initiatives that help veterans and law enforcement professionals transition into the security industry.
