Do you think military service, given today's climate, really gives you a heads up in the civilian job market?

SSG Robin Lawson — Mon, 20 May 2019 16:37:59 -0400

When I started my current career (Public Safety) a lot of vets worked in this job. Now almost no one does I am the only vet here.

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made May 20 at 2019 4:52 PM

1SG Eddie Smith — Mon, 20 May 2019 16:52:29 -0400

Yes! DOD Transition Assistance Program does a tremendous job ensuring transitioning Servicemembers are well informed; primarily through the three-day Depart of Labor workshop.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 20 at 2019 5:13 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 20 May 2019 17:13:18 -0400

SSG Robin Lawson: I was not transitioned out of the Army. I was very afraid of being homeless; again, back in 1978. I ultimately lived with my sister; for awhile.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2019 6:09 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 May 2019 18:09:43 -0400

It does in the sense that it has allowed me to have 6 guaranteed years of employment, thus allowing me to save money. It is also paying for my 2nd bachelors degree and hopefully will pay for my PhD.

The real heads up is that I get to avoid ugly student loan debt.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made May 20 at 2019 9:57 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Mon, 20 May 2019 21:57:33 -0400

I recently decided to apply to a different school to teach at. It wasn't my previous teaching experience that got me the job...my military experience was what put me over the top.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made May 21 at 2019 7:50 AM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Tue, 21 May 2019 07:50:56 -0400

If asked that question nine years ago, I'd have said, "no". Now, I'd emphatically say, "yes"... but with disclaimers. The Military provides some "soft" and "hard" skills that are directly translatable...I think the former are the most valuable. "We" generally understand how to adapt to adversity, accept responsibility, and conform to regulation. That's not universal, and there's many gradients exemplified, but from what I can tell...for better, or worse...we do stand out in a crowd.

Response by SGT Jim Humphrey made May 24 at 2019 3:49 PM

SGT Jim Humphrey — Fri, 24 May 2019 15:49:36 -0400

Without a doubt.........