Posted on May 16, 2019
How does your military service affect your post military career?
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I have had two breaks in service so far. I have been on law enforcement, security, and management across a few different agencies and companies. One thing that I learned is that no one really considers your prior military service as a credential for most civilian occupations. It's the same issue why service members have difficulty writing resumes. Honestly no one cares that you are at Pathfinder qualified when they are trying to buy a house. Now in the past I liked to hire veterans because they have a very solid work ethic. It doesn't matter what their job was. Just because someone has a badge doesn't mean they will be a good employee.
What have you seen when you transitioned or as a civilian?
What have you seen when you transitioned or as a civilian?
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
Civilians
Transition Civilians
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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While it may be true that military service is difficult to paraphrase in a resume it still is a plus when talking in the interview. Vets are more self assured, more mature and know how to better express themselves. That’s not ego but rather well developed leadership skills that only the military can provide. I managed to land a very good position in a company after my retirement, worked my way up the ladder in the civilian company and eventually became their Vice President for HR AND SAFETY. I then became the chief hire person for the company. I always loved interviewing vets of all ranks. They almost always had their act together, knew how to report for the interview on time and dressed appropriately. They got hired.
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CPT (Join to see) I am retired/disabled, so I would say my military career greatly affected my post military career.
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Employers do care about "soft skills" experience and how the military experience has a very positive impact on most when it comes to things like you mention "work ethic", commitment, team player, the ability to learn and adapt quickly, taking initiative, critical thinking, excel in diverse environments, security clearance, accountability. These are a few examples of attributes that most employers really care about and the expectation is they will find these qualities in most military Servicemembers or Veterans.
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This is definitely an issue. It took me awhile and a lot of help to translate military experience to civilian “speak” to put on the resume.
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LTC Stephan Porter
The bigger issue is that military focus on ‘responsibility’ an the industry focuses on ‘accomplishment’ instead.
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1SG Eddie Smith
Now days transitioning Servicemembers must attend a 3-day Department of Labor workshop where the primary focus in on translating military job, skills, additional qualifications, and experience into an effective civilian resume, and how to prepare for an interview; there is also a separate class offered that focuses solely on Federal Govt. resumes. Part of the DOD/VA Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
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I live outside an Army Base, use the PX and Commissary, it isn’t really cheaper but it isdoing my part.
I paid $12 plus tip fora haircut on base, doubled in the past year.
I paid $12 plus tip fora haircut on base, doubled in the past year.
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Sgt Dale Briggs
As an officer you led men and women, that ability isn’t taught in a book, it isn’t taught in a college class room. You get that from time and practical experience on a daily basis serving a war time military. It doesn’t have to be direct combat, supporting mos still have a job to do to support those in the field, and without adequate support Soldiers and Marines get hurt. Imo it’s a valuable asset that employers should look at as a way to separate candidates. Just my opinion.
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CPT (Join to see)
Sgt Dale Briggs I agree but the planning process is the bread and butter for officers. Usually Junior and field grade officers don't have an issue being sought out by employers.
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