How does military service really affect you later in your career? What do organizations gain from veterans?

Well. In my case it militAry experience only helped. I sought a second career in industry after my 30 years in the army. I was hired by the first employer that I interviewed with and was told they liked the experience in leadership I had. I started at entry level pay and rose in just five years to be Vice President of the company. They marveled at my ability to do such simple things as create written policies and procedures called SOPs in the army. The military gives you a unique set of skills sets and not the least of which is to be on time and have a good work ethic, morals and standards.

An interesting question MAJ (Join to see)! I strongly believe that it is both the discipline learned as well as commitment to get the job done, and the respect of authority created within military ranks... Each of us alone develops a certain expertise in the Military and when we complete our duty and go back to a more civilian type of life, the military characteristics don't disappear...at least for those of us who value our Military Service to our Country... I have been very successful, have two college degrees plus, and have had a great career! I have worked for large companies like General Telephone and Electronics (Minuteman Missile Launch Control Facility Test Tech.) and Raytheon Company (FAA Enroute Air Traffic Control System Quality Assurance Manager/ Engineer) and Motorola (Codex Corporation) IT Networking Products (Service Marketing Manager) just to name a few... Without my USAF service, I would probably not have had those opportunities... Now, though retired, I am a DAV Chapter Commander and I am a credentialed research assistant on the VA's Million Veteran Program... and I work one-day per week at my Son's IT Company... And all of this is an extended result of my military training and service! I hope that gives you a perspective from at least one USAF disabled Veteran...

I don't mean to drag this in here, but it made a world of difference to me. If I hadn't joined the military, I have no clue where I'd be right now. Getting a job as a transgender woman isn't easy. Getting a GOOD job even less so.

The differences I've noticed at the interview stage have been staggering when comparing experiences before and after. If I didn't have seven years of military service and a bachelors in criminal justice (courtesy of the GI bill) on my resume to even things out, I can't say I'd be where I am now. I'm in charge of security for four different locations, with over 20 people under me, have a good salary, and have plenty of excellent promotion opportunities.

Yes, I'll probably never be able to run again because of my injuries from the military, yes I lost people I cared deeply for, and yes the physical pain I have to deal with will only get worse as time goes on; but I will never have to worry about healthcare with the VA, I will never have to worry about paying a single penny towards a student loan, and I will never have to worry about whether I will be able to get a loan for my first home, because with the VA it's guaranteed.

So many people like me wind up homeless or dead by my age. I consider myself blessed to have the military experience I do.