Become A Financial Advisor

We’re more focused on hiring leaders who understand and have a passion for serving the military community than we are hiring people with prior financial services experience. So while sales experience and financial knowledge are a plus, thanks to our robust training program they are not a prerequisite.

The depth and breadth of our training program goes a long way toward explaining why prior financial services experience isn’t mandatory. In addition to the support you will receive during the time you’re studying for your securities and insurance licensing exams, you will also receive in-depth instruction on our planning philosophy, the products we sell and how to effectively prospect and sell when you attend our Fast Start Academy at the First Command Home Office.

You will have to prospect for new clients, but we do not advocate cold calling or door-to-door selling. Our Advisors are encouraged to introduce First Command to their friends and associates, engage in local marketing efforts and participate in base recognition and sponsorship events. Once you have built a solid network, you can continue growing your business by earning referrals from your existing clients. For many, this is not an easy task, so we offer extensive training on how to do this and be successful.

For the first three months of the Fast Start Program that will kick off your career, you will be paid hourly, with potential monthly earnings of $2,500. For the final six months of the program, you will be paid a monthly salary of $4,000 plus incentives. Upon completion of the Fast Start Program, you will graduate to Independent Contractor status and be compensated through commissions and bonuses based on your production. You’ll also be eligible to participate in First Command’s generous deferred compensation and bonus plans. Your District Advisor can provide more detailed information.

The amount Advisors earn varies widely and depends entirely on their productivity. Perhaps the most informative way to break it down is by experience level, because as a successful Advisor builds his or her practice over time, their potential for income growth increases. For example, the median income for first-year Advisors is about $60,000. For second-year Advisors, median income is around $75,000, and median income for Advisors with more than five years of experience is greater than $250,000. It should be noted that these income figures are before expenses and that they include commissions and bonuses.

Each of the company’s five divisions has a dedicated Deputy Director Operations (DDO) who is available to advise you on the best way to market your business. In addition, First Command’s Home Office Marketing Department offers a broad array of marketing support – including social media, brochures, presentations, videos, letters and more. 

First Command is proud to partner with national organizations that support military families, including Hiring Our Heroes and the First Command Educational Foundation. We also support the athletic programs of the U.S. military academies: West Point, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy and the Coast Guard Academy. 

Just as importantly, our local First Command offices sponsor Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) activities, Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) and base recognition events. First Command has also long been recognized as a military-friendly employer with nine out of ten of our Advisors coming from the ranks of veterans or military spouses.

Leadership development is critical to the long-term success of First Command and it remains one of our strategic priorities. Accordingly, we have developed a Career Path program that establishes career milestones and defines potential career paths in both the field and in First Command’s corporate office. 

Yes, you will be asked where you want to live and work and every effort will be made to place you in the First Command office in or nearest to your desired location.

The first step in your journey to become a Financial Advisor with First Command is to attain the licenses or registrations necessary to serve our clients. First Command partners with top-rated exam preparation companies that will provide you with comprehensive online study materials. Taking and passing the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 6, Series 63, Series 65 and State Life & Health insurance exams are required to become a licensed First Command Financial Advisor. Many seek additional credentials including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM certification and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP^®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP^® (with plaque design) and CFP^® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

First Command provides structure and support to help you through the licensing, orientation and certification process. We pay for your licensing study materials and for your first attempt at each exam. The sooner you pass your securities exams, the sooner you can launch your business. You should expect to spend approximately 220 hours studying and pass your exams in 12 to 16 weeks.

First Command offers transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses the opportunity to build a second career as an independent financial advisor. Our Advisors consistently identify the opportunities to stay connected to the military community and build their own business as primary factors in their decision to pursue a career with First Command. As an approved DOD Skillbridge partner, we provide a military transition pathway and comprehensive training, with the potential for increased earnings, a more flexible work schedule, and advancement to leadership positions. First Command is consistently recognized as a top Military Friendly® and Military Spouse Friendly® employer.

We are proud to rank among the nation’s top employers of military veterans and spouses and offer rewarding financial services careers for those who serve. We welcome all professionals interested in supporting military families in their pursuit of financial security. Visit our Reviews & Ratings webpage to learn more about the industry awards and honors First Command has received for our dedication to excellence. Check us out on Glassdoor to hear directly from current and former employees about the benefits of joining us on our mission.

First Command offers complimentary financial planning with no minimum net worth requirement to eligible active-duty service members. As a First Command Financial Advisor, you will work with eligible clients to create a personalized financial plan. These plans include recommendations for various financial products and services based on the unique needs of each client. Fees and commissions may apply to some of the products recommended for a client's financial plan.