Posted on Nov 14, 2015
MSgt Electrical Power Production
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I have a friend who applied for a city job with a city municipality. It was for a park security officer. The posting said six months experience in security with public access entertainment, recreational or amusement. So he applied stating he had enough sentry duty experience with the Marine Corps and Army reserve. His application was denied on the bases that it was not his regular job. They also stated they determined your primary job needed to be security or as an MP.

In my opinion this civil service department is devaluing his military service. And I'm not quite sure they understand or how to equate military service to a civilian job. IMHO someone who is from a combat arms or associated career field would be qualified for the position. Also we know that many individuals are assigned duties or assignments that are not your 'regular job'. Especially since many where plucked from their original duty to supplement what was needed in the war on terrorism. Like armorers being pulled for convoy security etc. Had a buddy in this situation as an example.

So how would you value an individual's experience let's say doing crowd management at a high school football game to an infantry solider or Marine in today's environment?
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Responses: 2
LTC Stephen F.
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No I have not personally experienced any difficulty like the one you described in your question MSgt (Join to see).
I have never sought employment from a government agency - to be honest I spent more than enough time working for the Federal government in military service. The longer we are in the military the more varied experiences we tend to have. I can understand somebody with one or two tours in the military that was mostly spent overseas may have difficulty getting matched to a municipal job other that security; but, I would expect state government would be much better at matching military experience to required skills.
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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You would think they would have a reasonable approach to valuating experience. But I suppose it would depend on who is evaluating that experience.
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TSgt David L.
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The city has lost a good chance at a great hire. They have a narrow view of military service. Too bad they don't see it as a regular job.
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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I agree and wonder who their resident expert is on military service! Makes you wonder if this is a common occurrence in many places. And many are portraying themselves as veteran friendly and encourage veterans to apply. Pretty much a double edged sword!
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