How does military service really affect you later in your career? What do organizations gain from veterans?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 10:58:09 -0400

What is it that makes veterans unique in an organization after their service (or while they are serving in the reserve components)? What sets the military apart form other "strong" cultures such as pro athletes or the Big 4 accounting firms? How do companies get benefits from seeking out and hiring veterans?

Response by COL Gary Gresh made Jul 31 at 2019 11:04 AM

COL Gary Gresh — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 11:04:07 -0400

Well. In my case it militAry experience only helped. I sought a second career in industry after my 30 years in the army. I was hired by the first employer that I interviewed with and was told they liked the experience in leadership I had. I started at entry level pay and rose in just five years to be Vice President of the company. They marveled at my ability to do such simple things as create written policies and procedures called SOPs in the army. The military gives you a unique set of skills sets and not the least of which is to be on time and have a good work ethic, morals and standards.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2019 11:22 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 11:22:14 -0400

At my first job out of the military I reported to a seven person commission. I was told some did not to hire me because my experience was all military. But, after a year I had the support of all seven members.

I think the thing that the military taught me was how to consider what effect my work had on others and how to adjust to maximize that effect and thereby gain the cooperation of them.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2019 11:26 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 11:26:14 -0400

An interesting question MAJ Private RallyPoint Member! I strongly believe that it is both the discipline learned as well as commitment to get the job done, and the respect of authority created within military ranks... Each of us alone develops a certain expertise in the Military and when we complete our duty and go back to a more civilian type of life, the military characteristics don't disappear...at least for those of us who value our Military Service to our Country... I have been very successful, have two college degrees plus, and have had a great career! I have worked for large companies like General Telephone and Electronics (Minuteman Missile Launch Control Facility Test Tech.) and Raytheon Company (FAA Enroute Air Traffic Control System Quality Assurance Manager/ Engineer) and Motorola (Codex Corporation) IT Networking Products (Service Marketing Manager) just to name a few... Without my USAF service, I would probably not have had those opportunities... Now, though retired, I am a DAV Chapter Commander and I am a credentialed research assistant on the VA's Million Veteran Program... and I work one-day per week at my Son's IT Company... And all of this is an extended result of my military training and service! I hope that gives you a perspective from at least one USAF disabled Veteran...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 31 at 2019 11:58 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 11:58:45 -0400

Many corporations want this: Corporate Operations Manager. The Corporate Operations Manager (COM) provides a variety of management and professional support across the organization with an emphasis on planning, performance management, operational efficiency and effectiveness and organizational development.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jul 31 at 2019 12:02 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 12:02:43 -0400

I think if we really want to be honest, it varies a great deal from person to person. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that who I am today is largely an exponent of who I was "then". However, I'd be misleading the uninitiated if I didn't also admit that a great deal of who I am now, is the result of having learned what didn't work from my military past. I'm probably more "disciplined" now than I ever was while in uniform...which makes sense; I'm more directly accountable for my own life. Also, I probably have a stronger work-ethic; I've had to, since I've learned how little in this life is certain. I'm definitely a more "moral" person, and that probably comes from age and life experience. All in all, the Military taught me some things that have shaped my point of view...but perhaps also provided a starker backdrop for me to develop since having left active service.

Response by PO3 Adam Stoflet made Jul 31 at 2019 6:50 PM

PO3 Adam Stoflet — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 18:50:46 -0400

Well I think largely it’s do to the perception of what traits the Military has such as order, discipline and professionalisms. Not to say we don’t have our detractors but those are the main reasons I think they seek us out vs the every day person. We work well in teams and also are capable functioning on our own. We have our dogged tenacity in seeing the job done, if we see something wrong we set down the path to fix it, we don’t give up just because of one set back we keep going, we usually can pick things up with little to no information relatively quickly allowing us to jump right in. Generally speaking we value efficiency and doing things in a manner that make the least amount of work possible but that can also be a double edged sword. Also we like communication so that we understand the task at hand and if we can’t understand it then we ask until until we do. Now on a more cynical note they also get tax breaks or other such benefits provided by the government for hiring us.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jul 31 at 2019 8:03 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:03:12 -0400

I believe a veteran comes with a solid set of skills and characteristics. These include attention to detail, discipline, mission and team orientation, timeliness and an ability to work hard.

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made Jul 31 at 2019 8:41 PM

SPC Angela Burnham — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:41:05 -0400

I don't mean to drag this in here, but it made a world of difference to me. If I hadn't joined the military, I have no clue where I'd be right now. Getting a job as a transgender woman isn't easy. Getting a GOOD job even less so.

The differences I've noticed at the interview stage have been staggering when comparing experiences before and after. If I didn't have seven years of military service and a bachelors in criminal justice (courtesy of the GI bill) on my resume to even things out, I can't say I'd be where I am now. I'm in charge of security for four different locations, with over 20 people under me, have a good salary, and have plenty of excellent promotion opportunities.

Yes, I'll probably never be able to run again because of my injuries from the military, yes I lost people I cared deeply for, and yes the physical pain I have to deal with will only get worse as time goes on; but I will never have to worry about healthcare with the VA, I will never have to worry about paying a single penny towards a student loan, and I will never have to worry about whether I will be able to get a loan for my first home, because with the VA it's guaranteed.

So many people like me wind up homeless or dead by my age. I consider myself blessed to have the military experience I do.