Does GPA matter for civilian employment?

I think you are being a little hard on yourself, but sounds like you found some motivation. I think employers care more about the quality of the university and the relevance of the degree rather than the GPA.

look at it this way... the first and and last graduate of medical school are both called doctor

I had a 4.0 undergrad and likewise with my masters - not once has someone asked me my GPA.

For employment, GPAs are normally important in two cases....1) if you don't have any relevant work experience in your field and 2) if your grades are really bad. In the former, your grades are just about the only thing a prospective employer may have to evaluate your potential. In the latter, the poor grades may reflect a bad work ethic. Otherwise, grades shouldn't make much of a difference. I've never heard of a case where someone with work experience was selected based on their grades. A few employers here and there might use them, but overall they become irrelevant once you have work experience. It will be that work experience and how you perform in the interview that will set you apart. Grades are a big factor when it comes to pursuing higher education though (admission, scholarships, assistantships, etc.).

I can only speak to times where I have been part of the hiring process, but I've never seen it come into play on the decision. I've never even seen a this school vs. that school come into the decision, although I think it could for a really technical position.

I only looked to see if you had the degree or years of experience required for the job. If that box was checked, it counted the same as everyone else who had that box checked.

Every time I've done a review of resumes for hiring a civilian it has always come down to seeing if the experience listed in the resume fits the position your being hired to fill.

I don't think a GPA has much bearing on hiring, its that You finished school and received a degree. The other, and main factor is experience that qualifies You for the job You are applying for. Usually grades aren't even asked for, just the credentials that You had actually completed the course of study. The better the total picture looks the better chance of Your resume or application being noticed and even resulting in an interview then its presenting Yourself along with Your past experience and educational credentials.

A big thing that you'll have over many other applicants is military service. I got my first job as a sportswriter without a college degree over so many other people that did have college degrees. My experience in public affairs in the Army, as well as the simple fact that I was in the Army put me above every other candidate for the job. They know they're not going to have to worry about you showing up on time and that you'll know how to handle yourself in pressure situations.

No.

Responding to this bit: "What do you call a doctor who passed with D's? A doctor." - in most cases, a medical student performs in an environment much more rigorous than undergrad. I'd bet that a medical student who graduates near the bottom of her or his medical school class was much closer to the top of their undergrad, so this analogy doesn't really work!

To your big question, I would look at it this way: HOW does your degree/education matter for your employment? If you're aiming for a competitive position in a Fortune 100 firm, where you went and how you performed probably matters. If you're applying for some middle management position at some local business, the degree is probably a formality more than anything. In the military I imagine GPA matters a bit less than the degree itself, but I admit that I'm not knowledgeable on officer accessions.

Play it safe and stay as motivated as you can. Good luck!

I agree with the previous responses. What job do you want in the civilian world? Once you decide what your career goal(s) are, find out what the requirements are for those positions, including education.