If you've ever worked in military intelligence or within the special operations community, you know you're different from the rest of the work world. You're part of a very special community trained and deployed to safeguard the security of your country. Sacrificing personal goals to the greater good, your work and your life are often inseparable. Representing the best of the best, you've come to love your work, especially the bright and energetic people with whom you work. Indeed, this is the best job you've ever had. You would love to continue working in this career and community. But all good things do come to an end. Or do they really have to?

What happens when you leave this career and community of special people? Are you able to find employment that is as professionally and personally rewarding as when you worked in military intelligence and special operations? For many individuals, the answer is no. Unfamiliar with the civilian work world, many of these special people simply don't know were to go to find comparable and satisfying employment. ''No more,'' says Mark Merritt, author of the newly released Alternative Careers in Secret Operations. There are plenty of great jobs in the civilian sector for people with backgrounds in military intelligence and special operations.