Did anyone pursue a career in-line with their military specialty?

Depends! What you want to do is not outlined in your question. What are you looking at as a career move and for whom do you wish to work? As expressed without a target you are looking for the ole "any job" which has been filled. How do you see your leadership and management qualities demonstrating what you will do for me? I spoke with a General at Lowry Air Force base a few years back and told him the same thing - I know as a general you are a leader, but all this military jargon in your resume will typically not be understood by recruiters. Most military recruiting events that I have been to, where individuals are looing for a job outside of their MOS or not within their security level were individuals not focused. Tell the recruiter/hiring manager(s) what your experiences will do for them. And why an MBA, what do "you" expect an MBA to do for you, oops, more importantly, what will it do for me. I have seen former military crash and burn and seen one take and entry level position and within 3 years be running a port for the largest shipping company in the states. Why not satellite communications? Are you aware of all the positions and responsibilities that exist within the satellite industry. You have industry knowledge, use it! Always keep in mind that recruiters and hiring managers are not paid on how may rejections they have, they need qualified individuals meeting their job specs and qualifications, which often are very difficult to glean from cleverly disguised resumes. What are your value adds and how do you match to the jobs. How many resumes do you have? Resumes should be customized for the job. Don't forget networking, I rewarded my recruiting teams more on passive candidates than on job submittals.

My first enlistment in 1974, I was a 55B, ammunition specialist. I enjoyed this MOS until I was assigned to help with removing WWII chemicals from a bunker. Upon my second enlistment I changed my MOS to 75C, Personnel management specialist and 71L administrative specialist. When I ets'd in 1981 I started working for a Regional Alcohol Center and the 70 series MOS came in real handy. My other three jobs until I retired were also administrative jobs. Between my knowledge of admin and military leadership I did very well in those jobs.

There's more call for science teachers than there are for trained former CBRNE officers, so I stuck with my existing civilian career.

Although my primary occupation is driving a passenger bus for a VA Hospital, I own a side business making and repairing boat seats and covers. I am utilizing skills learned as a Navy Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (Parachute Rigger)! And I have fun doing it!

I was in aviation and I still am today; I actually build heloes now. As far as moving out of your military career field, I think the diversity would moreless be an added bonus. It would in some way help you to see things from the outside

I did, I was an Aircraft Power plant Repairer 68B-20 (now 15B-20) for six and a half years active duty, I got out in 1988, and went to work for a major commercial passenger Airline in 1989.

As long as you are able to show your employers how what you did in the military relates to what they need, you are fine. I was able to translate skills I learned in the military to a very successful civilian career, but I finished a degree that made the transition seem natural.

When I transitioned out of the military, I had my general goals already in mind. I knew internally what I had to offer and how to present it to civilian companies. I did take the easier route and worked for defense companies for a number of years. This gave me civilian experience but with companies who already knew what I did there.

It takes time.

I think most of us have wrestled with this issue. How to make our military experience translate to civilian life? If you were sticking with your MOS, you'd be golden. I did for a while. I got a job as a mechanic the same week i got home. My boss had been a MC in the navy. But it got old so i moved into management, my degree field. When i looked at applications, i needed to see someone who had relevant skills and experience. I needed someone to fill a position with little or no training in order to keep my department efficient. Judging by your beard, i'd say you've been out for a while. If its possible, a general letter of recommendation from your leaders in the service would be awesome. Employers have no means of verifying military service. A letter, including contact info, would be an excellent addition to any resume. And include your references with your resume. Having to call someone to get a list of references was always annoying and more time consuming. Good luck

Yes I did. I was given the gift of working with numbers and money. I was a Financial Specialist in the military after I crossed trained. I was admin first only because I did not have the scores to get into Finance. Retook the ASVAB and got the scores. I'm now a Budget Analyst and won't dream of doing anything else. i have worked with US currency and foreign currency. I love my career. I can't remember names to save my life, but I can figure out where a program is out of balanced.

Good question Chad, I wish transitioning was easier than it is, but unfortunately that is not reality. Your plan to finish your education is good, I suggest that you also consider earning at least one of the following certifications PMP, Lean, or 6 Sigma. Current environment is such that a Bachelor's and certifications will go further than the MBA. I do not wish to discourage you from getting an MBA, but if it is not from a top rated school few employers are impressed by it (too common). I recommend the Program Management Professional certification because the projections is for 15.7 million PM jobs by 2020, veterans are a great fit, and you could get certified in short time. I recommend Vets2PM, they are a PMI approved organization, it is Veteran owned business and you can train online. Check them out Vets2PM.com. Good luck and stay positive!!