r/defensecontracting

Hello, I'm currently thinking about going back to college to get into Intelligence Analysis. I was kicked out of the Army and my Mos was 35 Fox and there's a really good chance i'm not going back in. I was attending Community college and hit about 35-40 credits before dropping out.

1)How hard are the interviews?

2)How important is having connections?

3)What degree should you get into if you want to get into Geospatial intelligence/ or anything more technical than just pure Intelligence Analysis?

If you hold clearance and work for one of contractor. Are you legally allowed to set up LLC and do side gig like going after civil sector contracts? Or even commercial? Does that need a reporting to FSO or employer?

I am an a Volunteer Assaulter in Ukraine. I have shot down many drones and have been involved in heavh fighting Since January 2025 and i want to give feedback and Anti drone ideas to U.S Defense industry companies. How do i do so?

Hello me and my friends are volunteer fighters. prior U.S military and we have been fighting in Ukraine and are looking for options in Ukraine or abroad. Does anyone know any U.S Defense opportunities that will give us an opportunity for consideration. Or has anyone known of any new companies willing to start in Ukraine?

Data drives the future of national security. Today, we are excited to launch our newest feature tracking the 50 largest publicly traded U.S. defense contractors.

In defense, winning tomorrow requires investing today. As the administration pushes for a more resilient, high-tech, and modernized industrial base, the critical question is: Which companies are actually building the future?

Our new tool lets you cut through the noise. You can now track, isolate, and compare the top 50 defense firms across the metrics that matter most for long-term growth:
▪️ R&D Spending: See who is pioneering next-gen tech
▪️ CapEx (Capital Expenditures): Track real investments in infrastructure
▪️ Financial Health: Compare margins, revenue, and backlogs

Whether you are an investor, policymaker, or industry analyst, this dashboard gives you the hard data to see who is putting their money where their mouth is.

Try the Public Companies Tool today on DefMetrix its free!

https://defmetrix.com/tools/public_financials

https://preview.redd.it/jiymqchh0ejh1.png?width=1401&format=png&auto=webp&s=05200d17ae53a32cb1ceacd883ea2b8e2ffab4e0

I’m currently 25 and working toward a bachelor’s degree in Project Management. I’m also planning to have minors in Business and Global Studies. I should graduate around early 2028, and I’m trying to figure out what I can do between now and graduation to make myself a stronger candidate for an 1811 position.
My current professional background is in construction. I work as a construction superintendent and have experience managing projects, coordinating subcontractors, working with owners/architects/engineers, handling documentation, resolving problems in the field, enforcing safety and project requirements, and being responsible for day-to-day project operations.
A few questions for people familiar with 1811 hiring:
● Would construction superintendent experience be considered relevant professional work experience for an 1811 application, even though it isn’t law enforcement or investigative work?
● Does professional experience need to be obtained after completing a bachelor’s degree, or can experience gained while attending college still count?
● Is a bachelor’s in Project Management with Business and Global Studies minors a reasonable educational background for 1811 positions?
● What agencies would you recommend I focus on with this background? I’m currently looking at HSI, DEA, FBI, USMS, DSS, and similar federal investigative positions.
● Between now and graduation, what could I realistically do to make myself more competitive? Internships, languages, certifications, federal employment, particular types of work experience, etc.?
● Would it be worthwhile to start applying for federal positions before I graduate as a way to get my foot in the door?
I’m not expecting my degree or construction experience to guarantee anything. I’m mainly trying to figure out how to use the next year and a half effectively instead of graduating and only then starting to prepare.
I’d appreciate any advice from current/former 1811s or people who have been through the hiring process.

Hey all, looking for honest advice.
Background:
• 23, close to 3 years of career experience total — Logistics Analyst at a defense contractor, supporting a Navy program.
• Work is mostly maintenance/configuration data and technical documentation, including writing Return & Replace (R/R) manuals for Navy equipment in naval cabinets.
• Before this: two supply chain internships/co-ops (SAP-heavy) one as a Supply Chain Intern for GKN Aerospace and another one as Supply Chain and Logistics Co-op for Collins Aerospace
• Economics degree. Active Secret clearance.
What I want to know:
1. Am I doing “well” for 23? Is ~3 years experience + a clearance + working for a prime ahead, behind, or normal?
2. How do I make the most money long-term in this field — stay and climb, get certs, switch companies every few years, aim for a higher clearance, or pivot roles eventually?
3. Any general career advice for someone at my stage? I care more about money and stability than “passion.”
Appreciate any honest input.