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by Natalie Peeterse
npeeterse@armystudyguide.com
Army Study Guide Columnist

If you have expert weapons experience from your time in the infantry or special operations, you could work for one of the dozens of specialized companies innovating personal protective gear options for soldiers. Your military training, combined with a bachelor's degree in business, is all you need.
Protective Gear Business Booming
Sales of personal protective gear have almost doubled in the last five years. In 2006, industry sales totaled $2.2 billion. This included bullet resistant garments, as well as protective gear for firefighters, hazmat teams and emergency medical personnel. There are currently record-breaking contracts between the military and the companies who manufacture flack jackets and other bullet proof gear.

Education Attracts Opportunities in Weapons-Related Businesses
KDH Defense Systems is one example. A small company specializing in developing and manufacturing custom protective gear, KDH expects its sales of body armor to grow to $20 million in 2007. With locations in Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Virginia and the West Coast, there are many sales opportunities available. KDH is interested in applicants with a weapons background and at least bachelor's degree in business or engineering, depending on the position you’d like to land.

A Career-Launching Online DegreeYou can begin working towards a degree in business or engineering now, using your tuition assistance benefits, and taking advantage of the many online degree programs out there. You can also earn Army Promotion Points for your time spent on civilian education. Just think: you can prepare for an industry saving lives, get a promising career and get ahead in the army all at the same time.

Source
Protective Gear Yearly Sales Information

About the Author
Natalie Peeterse lives in Washington, D.C. She is a freelance writer and teaches on-line courses to soldiers.

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