ASIS celebrates Military and Law Enforcement Day at GSX 2024
Eve Goode
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ASIS International celebrated Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Global Security Exchange (GSX) on 25 September 2024.
All law enforcement, military and first responders received a free one-day pass to attend the event.
To honour the military, law enforcement and emergency responders, ASIS began the day with a special breakfast event.
The gathering celebrated the dedication of active duty and retired professionals from law enforcement, military service and emergency response fields.
ASIS extends its gratitude to service members worldwide for their efforts in safeguarding our communities.
The event began with a performance from the Central Florida First Responders Pipes and Drums, followed by a keynote address from Commander Kirk Lippold, US Navy (Ret.).
Commander Lippold’s attendance and keynote address
In 2000, Commander Lippold was the commanding officer on the USS Cole when it was attacked by Al Qaeda terrorists in a suicide bombing.
Commander Lippold spoke of the attack, its aftermath and the many decisions he had to make to manage the crisis.
His message was not only how important making decisions is, but to also make decisions with integrity.
Commander Lippold said: “Integrity really is making the right moral and ethical decision regardless of the consequences.”
He later went on to discuss the how being in the military taught him many things, including leadership and how to manage people.
He discussed the importance of knowing the strengths of the people around you and trusting them to make the right decisions.
He added: “You, as leaders, have to be able to trust […] give your people that opportunity and you will be amazed at what they can accomplish.”
“Leadership, discipline, crisis management and problem-solving
US Army veteran and ASIS Professional Certification Board (PCB) member, Eric Kready, discussed the work the PCB have been doing to develop resources for military and law enforcement personnel transitioning to private security.
Kready commented: “It’s no secret that military and law enforcement serve as a talent pipeline to our profession […] Veterans play a significant role in the world of security.”
“Transition resources are vital for military and law enforcement personnel moving into civilian careers.
He concluded: “These resources help veterans and officers leverage their unique skills such as leadership, discipline, crisis management and problem-solving into new opportunities in security management.”
Transitioning from the private sector to the civilian sector
A number of other sessions at GSX focused on the process of transitioning from military and law enforcement into the private security sector.
A crucial part of transitioning to civilian life following a career in military or law enforcement is being able to effectively translate the skills acquired during service to a private industry.
A talk from Michael Reiner (CPP) and Mike Anderson (CPP, PSP) discussed the challenges that can arise when navigating the transition to the civilian security sector from the private sector and what resources are available to help you.
The session highlighted the military-to-civilian career maps created by the PCB.
The career maps were developed in conjunction with security professionals who have successfully transitioned from various sectors of the military to private security.
Other sessions on military and law enforcement
The ASIS Law Enforcement Liaison Community hosted a session with speakers Justin Jackson and Karen Flowers titled “But How Does It Translate: Pivoting Law Enforcement Skills for Career Advancements and Transitions in Security.”
The session focused specifically on strategies for career advancement within law enforcement and transitioning to a career in private security, followed by a lively Q&A.
ASIS International is committed to developing more tools and resources to assist with career transitioning for military and law enforcement across the world.
Transition guides for Metro Law Enforcement and the US Coast Guard are due to be released soon, along with future guides for the US Marines and international militaries planned.
In addition to the sessions on military and law enforcement, GSX also covered a variety of topics such as cybersecurity, autonomous vehicles, cultural intelligence, disinformation, insider threats, professional development and security architecture.
