Correctional Officer Career Federal or State Level?

I'm an active duty soldier with the US.ARMY my contract ends in January 2007 and I have about enough of the war serving in Iraq.
I'm now looking into a correctional officer career I feel I need a mentor as I have plenty of questions...is anybody in the business? Can you share some tips?
Right now I'm looking into federal prisons but it seems that those jobs are hard to find? What鈥檚 the deal with state prisons???
I will send pictures of war and military stuff to any body willing to help me out with these questions.

I don't know what state you will be living in but I work for a state corrections dept. and I like it. Nothing against federal prisons. I believe the feds may pay better and the benefits may be also like I say it all depends on the state you are thinking of working for. Just check it out, weigh your options and make your choice. But for me it's all about which is going to provide the best training, best retirement, best benefits and of course pay. Another thing ya' might want to consider is some positions in federal you may be moved around all over the country but I;m sure you're used to that or you may be wanting to get away from that. Just a few things to consider but which ever you choose it's a good choice that I think most people know very little about. Were not wanna' be but can't cut it cops. Were not Knuckle dragging loosers. Were not on a power trip or just tryin to push people around or any of those myths. It's a good career and I hope you do come on board.correctional officers are county employees. Many have continuous enrollment, check county websites, my hubby is applying for correctional jobs too...
Yes I can, 15 years for the state of Ohio medium security, wife still working for them, use email if you wish.
I am in Corrections. I started out at the County level working with Adult then I went to the state leve working with kids. The state level pays more and since you want to go federal I would say try state first to see if you like it and then go from there. If you need to talk you can look me up at tiffakabob430 on yahoo messenger
We'll be happy to have you in the MD Corrections system. Inmates killing each other; Inmates killing guards; could use some law and order.

http://www.dpscs.state.md.us - you can find an application and enjoy.
Actually there are always federal openings for a Federal Correctional Officer. In some states the Federal Officer makes alot better, in other states the State Correctional officers make more.

in TN for example a correctional officer for the state starts out at about 25000 a year.

I have years of experience in ILL and GA state systems and was a manager for the Justice Dept that was connected with the Bureu of Prisons. I will be glad to give you some of my years of opinions.