The Value of Service Continues: Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

By Jeff Slotnick, Setracon on March 11, 2026 | , |
Jeffrey A. Slotnick, CPP, PSP, is the president of Setracon and a member of the SIA Veterans in Security Advisory Board. He served as a command sergeant major in the U.S. Army before retiring.

The year 2025 was the first full year for SIA Veterans in Security, a Security Industry Association community dedicated to supporting veterans and transitioning service members, as well as security industry businesses and organizations eager to benefit from their experience. During the course of the year, the community established a strong foundation, built meaningful partnerships and demonstrated the value veterans bring to the security profession.

The SIA Veterans in Security community focuses on the unique issues, challenges and opportunities facing veterans who are already in the security industry or are considering it as their next professional chapter.

Equally important, the program supports active-duty service members approaching separation or retirement by helping them translate military experience into successful civilian security careers.

Strengthening the Talent Pipeline

A core objective of SIA Veterans in Security is to strengthen the security industry’s talent pipeline by connecting highly qualified veterans with employers seeking mission-focused leaders. In 2025, SIA took a significant step forward with the launch of the Veterans Employment Exchange, a platform that connects veterans directly with security industry employers.

SIA member companies can post job openings and review resumes at no charge. Hourlong introductory demos to the platform are held the last Thursday of every month or by appointment. These sessions provide guidance for HR teams and insights into effectively recruiting veteran candidates.

Other Highlights From the Year

Veterans in Security accomplishments in 2025 also included the following:

  • RISE to Service Dinner at ISC West: In partnership with the SIA RISE community, Veterans in Security held the RISE to Service dinner, raising more than $8,000 for the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership. Building on that success, the 2026 RISE to Service event, coming up March 25, will benefit Purple Heart Homes, further extending the program’s commitment to service.
  • Honoring Service: Veterans in Security veterans and supporters together for a Veterans Day reception at the National Museum of the Marine Corps near Quantico, Virginia, in November, reinforcing the program’s commitment to honoring service while building professional community.
  • Industry Dialogue: Three other members of the Veterans in Security Advisory Board (Steven McCory of ViewScan, James Marcella of Axis Communications and Jeff Huggins of ASSA Abloy Door Security Solutions) and I had the privilege of discussing the value that vets bring to the security industry in the “From Service to Security” session in the ISC West Career Zone.
  • Veteran-Focused Resources: Two brochures were released – one highlighting the advantages veterans bring to security companies, and another showcasing the diverse career opportunities the security industry offers to veterans.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, the focus of SIA Veterans in Security will shift from foundation building to expansion and impact. SIA will seek to continue to increase participation in the Veterans Employment Exchange, expand educational programming and strengthen partnerships that support veterans during their transitions and throughout their careers.

For veterans, the message is clear: Your experience matters, and the security industry needs your leadership. For companies, the call to action is equally direct: Engage, participate and invest in veteran talent.

SIA Veterans in Security will continue to honor service, not only by recognizing the past, but also by building strong, meaningful futures within the security industry.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.

This article originally appeared in Mail Call, a newsletter presented by the SIA Veterans in Security community.