Are there traits or experiences you think give veterans an advantage in life over those without service experience?

Shell Oil Company — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 09:27:39 -0400

Shell considers military experience to be a valuable asset, and the company appreciates the expertise and life experiences veterans have earned, and the sacrifices they have made. The organization understands how skills learned in the military, such as leadership, teamwork, and commitment, can translate into successful careers in civilian life.

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Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 26 at 2016 9:37 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 09:37:35 -0400

Absolutely. Those who serve have certain traits well in excess of those who haven't that are traditionally associated with maturity. To be perfectly honest, I wish that I had served before spending all those years in college and law school. There is no doubt in my mind that I would have been more serious and taken better advantage of them. As a consultant through most of my post military life, I worked in many more places and with many more people than most. I could always spot those with prior military service in their work habits.

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Aug 26 at 2016 9:45 AM

SSG Steven Mangus — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 09:45:43 -0400

Military members compared to their civialian peers have certain pride of ownership and loyalty that they bring to civilian businesses. I myself work transitioned to civil service and work with a number of non veterans. From what I have experienced non vets look at the job as 8 hours with a sacrifice of 2 hours of overtime whereas veterans look at the long term and do what they must to ensure the "mission" is a success..

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 9:55 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 09:55:31 -0400

I joined the military later in life... previously I was a Unix and Systems Security Administrator for several companies from the time I was 19 until I joined the military at 25, and I am a better person for it. Much of that I attribute to the military in the way of maturity and understanding of the world. While I joined at 25, with more maturity than many initial entry trainees, I realize looking back that I was still painfully naïve. The military brought structure and an environment of continually being tested and assessed that establishes a quiet confidence in a person that nothing in the civilian world can even touch. I am a student of warfare currently because through my career I've found myself continually fascinated by how our profession of arms allows us opportunities to affect and effect global politics, and how tactical and operational realm operations mold the strategic environment, though at tactical levels Soldiers are typically unaware of many of the driving forces. Leadership is perhaps the greatest trait that the military instills, and the Army does it the best because it is able to codify and enumerate the process of leading and decision making in an extremely succinct manner (hence why JSOC uses the Army leadership and problem-solving models over the other services). That being said, not everyone uses their military experience to make them better people as they carry into the civilian sector. People who are driven to excel are going to excel, wherever they are. The military simply gives a person the tools, but the individual has to use those tools to shape themselves.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 9:58 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 09:58:11 -0400

I have an uncanny ability to survive and thrive in the midst of beaurocracy. That's skillz.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 10:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 10:33:54 -0400

I'm just a guy, in the middle of an empty field, sitting on top of a cannon, watching dragonflies. Patience.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 26 at 2016 10:55 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 10:55:10 -0400

I think for a majority- personal accountability is huge. Military hones that into you and covers from being on time to completion of a task. Short order being a team member as well.

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Aug 26 at 2016 1:12 PM

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 13:12:55 -0400

Absolutely in the military if you do not have the traits you certainly learn them especially if you have deployed and you find yourself in a life or death situation. Being in the middle of nowhere and you only have 70% of information and 100% of contact and engagement. You have to use your decision making skills to come up with the 30% of the information that you dont have and be decisive to implement the plan, be held accountable for the plan and adjust as necessary to accomplish the mission. So that will certainly be value added to whatever organization you serve in. In some ways it gives a little advantage but it is all your perspective.

Always remain a student of the game of life.

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Aug 26 at 2016 1:16 PM

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 13:16:54 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 1:40 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 13:40:38 -0400

The military instills leadership, discipline, dependability, accountability, pride, teamwork, and loyalty. These are all major traits that are exhibited by outstanding employees.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 26 at 2016 5:15 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 17:15:21 -0400

I am a photographer; a Soldier's Angel, and a Facebook coach.
I am also a Disabled American Veteran.
I was a Squad Leader, in the Army: such that I learned compassion, putting the needs of others before my own and leadership skills.
I learned precision, in the Army....which makes me a good photographer. I also pick up my home; such that everything is in its place; and is straight and neat.
Being a disabled veteran, has helped me to become resilient and perseverant.
I have also become stronger; and more confident; seeing as how I have had to overcome many problems.
Though I have been through my share of trials and tribulations- I don't regret anything. I try not to look back, but I try to stay in the present moment and I plan for the future.
Though I had a past full of a lot negative experiences; I am very happy now.
-Margaret C Higgins US Army (Ret)

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Aug 26 at 2016 8:36 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 20:36:51 -0400

There is a level of commitment, teamwork, and sacrifice we learn in the military that is very hard to match in the civilian sector.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 27 at 2016 11:01 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 11:01:05 -0400

The short answer is yes! Vets bring the particular technical skills and knowledge that was part of their day-to-day job. It may be IT or diesel engine repair, physical security or aircraft sheet metal, but the military trains service members well and normally allows them to practice their trade or profession gaining invaluable experience. In the process, the Services also instill a set of personal values that invariably lead to success in the private sector job market, because many non-veterans just don't build these values into their lives: dependability, loyalty, integrity, flexibility, innovation, and physical and mental toughness.

Response by SFC George Smith made Aug 28 at 2016 12:01 AM

SFC George Smith — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 00:01:17 -0400

Good opportunity for Jobs...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 10:02 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 10:02:29 -0400

It is a coin flip, many Soldiers who come in right out of high school and get out after their 3 or 4 years have not matured in their mentality. The army is a fraternal organization and too be honest a lot of young Soldiers that ETS need more real world life experience. If I wanted to hire some one out of the military I would be looking for some one with very specific skills. A Soldier is used to having everything handed to them, and regardless what ever bad decision they make they will still get paid, have a job, have a place to live. In the work place none of that is true. The civilian work place is capitalistic, and the military is a communist organization, the two do not complement each other well if the ETS Soldier still has his old mindset. Enlistments should be no shorter than 4 years, and the last 6 months prior to ETS should be completely devoted to life skills Soldiers under 26. This would improve our quality of Soldiers and help the army become the place were employers could look to not have to go to for tax breaks.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Aug 28 at 2016 1:49 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 13:49:55 -0400

Shell Oil Company, thanks for recognizing what veterans bring to the table. I'll give my top 4 which can be an asset to ourselves and our company, but can also be challenges:

Recognizing what we bring and offering challenge and mission not charity is always the best way to engage vets.

1. An unconscious and virtually unavoidable drive to get things done. Mission accomplishment is so ingrained in most of us that we can't resist it. This can make us stubbornly goal oriented and frustrated at bureaucracy and red tape, or dedicated to accomplishing tasks even when we don't believe in the overall mission of the organization (a dangerous place to be).

2. A desire to take care of eachother. We want to take care of our team, Troop Welfare is unconscious and persistent. This can be jarring when we don't find it in others, in our leaders or in our new employer's cultures.

3. A recognition of what is truly important. Do these decisions affect lives? Is anyone going to die or be hurt? Then we better get it right! No? then I can ease off my people a little bit here. We arent immune to stress (for sure) I'm not even anchored at a different point like I think I should be ("I've been shot at why is preparing this document making me so nervous?") but when it comes to how we ride others, I think we can recognize when stuff matters and when it doesn't.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 7:17 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 19:17:46 -0400

Flexibility and adaptability. Strong work ethic. Ability to work individually or as part of a team.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Aug 29 at 2016 12:15 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 00:15:23 -0400

After 10 employer panels with 3 to 6 panel members they always said:
"Veterans always show up to work on time or early."

Response by SSgt Jacob Lenfestey made Aug 29 at 2016 5:12 AM

SSgt Jacob Lenfestey — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 05:12:27 -0400

For people who separate at a younger age the experience and the way it forces you to mature really put them a step up against those who went to college or have minor experience in the field. The formal training is a real plus.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Aug 29 at 2016 10:29 AM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:29:24 -0400

Yes. Both traits and experience set most military personnel above the competition. How else can America have the greatest military fighting force the world has ever witnessed?

The trait to never give up and complete the mission, or die. The experience being involved in serious matters and growing from them. This breds confidence.

There is no such thing as bad weather!

M. Morris RVT

Response by 1SG Jay Vanderford made Aug 30 at 2016 11:08 AM

1SG Jay Vanderford — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 11:08:59 -0400

Personally, what I consider to be a positive trait, I usually call it a weakness as well, my inability to quit. I say this because I will not stop when solving a problem, which I consider to be opportunities. This is a great trait under the right positions, and perhaps a flaw in others. this is what you will get with most Veterans/Retired military members because their are no times you can quit in combat. Hope this helps some to understand the mentality, I found myself having to go back to work as a military contractor, simply because I couldn't understand that breaks were mandatory, even though we were no where near complete.

Response by PO1 Robert Gasser made Aug 30 at 2016 2:42 PM

PO1 Robert Gasser — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 14:42:29 -0400

I'm going to say maturity and willingness to get the job done no matter the cost. I must say for the "most" part of our traits, not all.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 30 at 2016 6:38 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 18:38:42 -0400

Honesty, and integrity.

Response by CPO Lenny Orth made Aug 31 at 2016 1:56 AM

CPO Lenny Orth — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 01:56:46 -0400

No, in my experience the ratio of poor employees in the Navy is no different than anywhere else. Same for good employees.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2016 2:32 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 02:32:54 -0400

Yes, I truly believe that you as a military veteran have an edge over others who are not because of your ability to follow others as well as lead them when the chips are down, but also you are a unique change agent and have been so since swearing an oath of service to our Country and it's people who just really don't understand our way of life.

Semper Fidelis,
J.K.Kaupe

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Aug 31 at 2016 6:51 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 06:51:38 -0400

Discipline & responsibility are two of the traits the military instilled in me. It also instilled one more very important value...ya don't work, ya don't eat!

Response by SGT Don Abbl made Aug 31 at 2016 9:50 AM

SGT Don Abbl — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 09:50:01 -0400

Yes. Everything I do I do better because of that training and time

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Aug 31 at 2016 12:57 PM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:57:33 -0400

Yes!

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Aug 31 at 2016 2:37 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:37:30 -0400

I know Capt Oscar Casillas likely has some valuable input on this conversation.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2016 5:09 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 17:09:22 -0400

Yes.
The will to live, fight, breath and be.
If it is not that one has it inside, then by the faith of those who lead: A reflection, command of appeal and a willing heart goes forth that in civilian life may not occur.

Response by MAJ David Brand made Sep 1 at 2016 9:23 AM

MAJ David Brand — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 09:23:12 -0400

At my college, just outside of Fort Bragg, NC, we get lots of inquiries from companies looking for not only employees, but for new members for their profession with a career to offer. Major Fortune 50 companies come to us looking for military members who are transitioning who would be interested in joining their companies. They want the military for their discipline and their "soft" skills. Major corporations likes CVS, Ingalls Shipbuilding and others want these folks because they feel they can teach them the technical skills - but teaching soft skills is much more difficult. Most military members have these skills - some more than others. As they say - you hire for the technical skills and you fire for the lack of soft skills! Thanks - Dave

Response by SGT William Howell made Sep 1 at 2016 9:34 AM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 09:34:34 -0400

Absolutely, I have to deal with things civilians have no understanding of. They are very basic skills that military personnel have instilled in them.

Right place, right time. I can't tell you the people (including my wife) that think a set time is a suggestion. I have meet 100s of people that think 5 mins late...is on time.

Discipline, doing a job to the best of you ability and finishing it no matter what. I have people that could care less about what they are doing at work. They actually cost money because I have to pay them and then somebody to fix their mistakes.

The list goes on and on. The facts are the youth of today are entitled. They have never been hungry, they have never had to suck it up and sleep on the ground, they have never been forced to work to accomplish a goal, and they have never been lead by a leader.

Response by SSgt Eric Van Pamel made Sep 1 at 2016 11:08 PM

SSgt Eric Van Pamel — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 23:08:51 -0400

I separated from the AF in 1990. For the last 16 years I have resided in South east Michigan. I know hordes of skilled trades people. There is a huge problem that many of these folk have with drug abuse, alcoholism, work ethic, etc.. Of course many are very apt and skilled individuals in their fields, but it is a huge problem nonetheless. I feel I have a much higher degree of work ethic, dilligence, integrity, etc.. than my counterparts who were never in any branch of the service. It is understood that there are many vets who are less than stellar. (I am being nice.) But for me, I would always seek to hire and train a veteran.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 2 at 2016 5:56 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 05:56:38 -0400

Many service members (especially the career people) can't accept defeat. A challenge is seen as a call to action. The more daunting the task, the harder they perform. Working 9-5 and watching the clock is a foreign concept. No matter how many obstacles or walls are placed in front of them, they will find a way over, under, or through. Everything is done like their life depended on it and failure is never an option. If you ever want to see pure determination in action, tell them that something is impossible.....then step back and watch.

Response by SFC William A. McCoy made Sep 2 at 2016 7:07 AM

SFC William A. McCoy — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 07:07:00 -0400

Better self discipline, leadership and follower abilities. People oriented. Mission oriented.

Response by 1SG James A. "Bud" Parker made Sep 2 at 2016 1:02 PM

1SG James A. "Bud" Parker — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 13:02:21 -0400

I'm an old retired Army First Sergeant and I have worked offshore in the Oil Industry for decades. Let me assure you that I can tell ex-military personnel out there. But, then perhaps I'm biased. People trained to complete the mission, get the job done, make good things happen are what employers are looking for. They find that in people like us.

Response by SSgt James Tadlock made Sep 2 at 2016 5:59 PM

SSgt James Tadlock — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 17:59:19 -0400

without a shadow of a doubt. your best bet hire the vet.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2016 7:29 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 19:29:26 -0400

Self discipline and persistence.

Response by SSgt Robert Dant made Sep 2 at 2016 11:56 PM

SSgt Robert Dant — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 23:56:25 -0400

I think this is a great question and some well thought out answers. I think it boils down to a few simple traits (skills) that most veterans develop that all companies I have been engaged with want as part of their leadership team:

1. Natural leaders who can translate into Management Leadership
2. Understand the value of linking accountability, responsibility, and authority to successful outcomes
3. Self starters - most can be dropped into any situation, assess, evaluate, decide, action
4. Look inward first when things start to go the wrong direction - we avoid the blame game and move to the aim frame
5. But most of all, none of us think we can do it on our own, it is all about being a team.

Well, that has been my experience and when performing business management consulting services, these were often the top topics CEOs wanted to discuss about their employees.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Sep 3 at 2016 5:29 AM

TSgt Joe C. — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 05:29:41 -0400

I do believe there are, yes.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2016 10:20 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 10:20:42 -0400

Work Discipline is a big one for me. It doesn't take too many pushups or having to change uniforms and report every few hours to get it into your head that you need to be on time and in the right gear, prepared for the mission.

Today I am nearly never late, always prepared, and well planned ahead.

Response by SGT Joe Sabedra made Sep 5 at 2016 4:00 PM

SGT Joe Sabedra — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 16:00:13 -0400

Yes.
Drive, dedication, professionalism and ability to handle stressful situations.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Sep 5 at 2016 7:27 PM

SFC Jerry Humphries — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 19:27:42 -0400

Yes there are, however I would apply them with care. Some traits we have are seen as threatening to those whe haven't served.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2016 9:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 21:39:47 -0400

Yes a lifetime of inappropriate joke

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Sep 6 at 2016 12:09 PM

SFC Jerry Humphries — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 12:09:26 -0400

Since this post is about jobs; Colorado Springs Utilities has an entry level posting for those who would like to get into a power plant CSU . Org

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Sep 6 at 2016 10:05 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:05:33 -0400

True leaders can take a mission, use the TLPs and OPORDs to fruition.

Response by SSgt Khanh Pham made Sep 8 at 2016 11:45 PM

SSgt Khanh Pham — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 23:45:28 -0400

Veteran-in itself does not carry any traits. People can assume what makes them feel better. as a GS 13 in the DEA said to me, do not give anyone credit until they earns it. As a business owner/operator for 2 years with my father, and 11 years in the Air Force, I made the mistake of attributing positive credit to "Airman". always beware the labels and allow people to earn any credits you want to give them

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2016 7:07 AM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 07:07:47 -0400

Throw me in a board room with some punk that graduated Harvard with his MBA and some E7 that just separated and I can pretty much hand the 7 the keys to the company. The MBA has a whole bunch of theories and simulations under his belt but wont measure up. The gifted talent from the civilian world pales woefully when put aside to polished brass on the dress collar of a serviceman. Yet thanks to hollywood and the other 99.55% of the populations we have 200+% unemployment of vets. One thing for sure is that we do the jobs that others think are beneath them. That's the refreshing thing about the military, an O4 can walk past an overfilled trash-bin and get pissed off, but if nobody else is around and his next meeting isn't immediate HE WILL change that bag. I've seen it done. Hell, an O7 is not beneath pouring an E4 coffee. In the civilian world the people think their shiest doesn't stink and that they should be paid for 5 hours a day of facebook. Civilians spend upwards of 2 to 3 months of the work year playing games and avoiding work. If they took a more military ethic we could get the same pay and work 35 hours a week still producing more. In fact, with a military work ethic we wouldn't need to punch a time-card because it wold be objective based and we would be goal completion oriented. Just writing that makes me want to throw rocks at construction crews ripping up perfectly good roads and paying 4 guys to watch while the military guy they hired digs.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Sep 9 at 2016 5:56 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 17:56:29 -0400

1. Analyzes the mission
2. Gives the organization a heads up
3. Recons the mission
4. Issues the mission plan
5. Conducts Sync meetings
6. Rehearses the mission
7. Refines the plan
8. Executes command and control during mission
9. Conducts battle assessment
10. Conducts AAR

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Sep 13 at 2016 4:35 AM

COL Jeff Williams — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 04:35:12 -0400

Caring for your now fellow employee (vice Soldier) is something I saw. In my transition I saw many fellow managers (non-vets) who didn't seem to care about anything but production. One particular incident where a mother had to attend to a sick child at school, she came to me for help when he told her, if she left work she would be "written up." My reaction was WTF? Needless to say, I am not with that organization anymore

Response by CPT Douglas Griffith made Sep 14 at 2016 12:45 AM

CPT Douglas Griffith — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 00:45:57 -0400

I always tell folks it's relativity. Like right now it's not raining, no one is shooting at me, I know I will sleep in a warm bed tonight, I can wear whatever clothing I want. It's all about the situation and how you handle yourself and when you've been put under a great amount of stress and had to do that, everything else seems easy.

Response by SGT John Ryder made Sep 15 at 2016 10:26 AM

SGT John Ryder — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 10:26:57 -0400

It's very interesting to see how many of the responses so far have shared common themes:
1. Collaboration: Leadership, Teamwork, Integrity, Loyalty.
2. Delivery/Getting the job done: Dependability, Accountability, Pride, Punctuality, Discipline, Commitment, Drive to Succeed (Mission Accomplishment).
3. Working in challenging environments: Resilience, Perseverance, Compassion, Mental Toughness.
4. Thinking outside the box/Unique perspective: Flexibility, Adaptability, Innovation.

If you are able to collaborate effectively with others in order to get a challenging job done while utilizing innovative thinking, you're going to be successful wherever you are. I absolutely believe that military experience instills these traits.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 4:46 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 04:46:13 -0400

Yes anyone who has served knows what hard work dedication and teamwork really is

Response by SSgt Judd Deszeld-Lyons, MHA made Sep 17 at 2016 12:33 PM

SSgt Judd Deszeld-Lyons, MHA — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 12:33:34 -0400

Absolutely, there is a laundry list of life skills garnered from one's time in service.

Response by SPC Edward Lavoie made Sep 19 at 2016 1:21 AM

SPC Edward Lavoie — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 01:21:07 -0400

DISCIPLINE

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 5:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 05:57:01 -0400

Not really. I mean individually some people may gain discipline or essential skills for the workplace, but as a whole there isn't a "veteran boost" to performance in the civilian world.

Response by SGT Alan Dike made Sep 19 at 2016 7:24 AM

SGT Alan Dike — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 07:24:53 -0400

I haven't read the responses yet, but I would guess the tolerance to doing menial and useless bs while being treated as a sub human piece of refuse is part of it. The fact that we can stand that while getting paid pittance is probably a bonus ;) Now get out there and pick the grass from my rock lawn...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 3:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:16:53 -0400

There are traits and experiences that give military veterans an advantage and disadvantage in the civilian work force.

Advantage: Veterans Improvise Overcome, Adapt; and all the good that comes with it.

Disadvantage: Veterans are more accustomed to settling differences in a one on one exchange and aren’t accustomed to office politics that are commonplace in civilian positions. It took me a number of years to figure out that one.