Is your military experience enough to get you a job to support your family? Or is education just as necessary?

Sgt Andrew Hindal — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 22:42:30 -0400

I have found that my military experience had a huge impact on who I am, but would not have been enough to land a decent paying job. My education in combination with my experience is what allowed me to get a job and excel.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 1:20 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 01:20:30 -0400

I think it really depends on what field you were in the military and what field you are looking to go into. If you were infantry it will not really translate if you want to go become a chef. However, leadership skills will look great. The education comes into play and the military leadership and diversity will help give you a boost. Though, unfortunately sometimes the military experience will count against you as well.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 10 at 2014 7:20 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 07:20:36 -0400

Andrew, a combination of military experience and education is what is needed, and as, Brian mentioned, it depends on the occupation you intend to pursue.

Education can be a high school diploma or it can be an MBA or anything in between. Regarding education, the point is that you need to demonstrate a capacity to learn and expand your perspectives. Regarding military experience, employers will realize you've been put in leadership and management positions, you held a steady job under less than ideal circumstances, and you understand the discipline that goes with maintaining employment.

Response by MSG Sommer Brown made Aug 17 at 2014 7:26 PM

MSG Sommer Brown — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:26:17 -0400

I agree with your question. I have a degree and it seems almost impossible for me to find a good paying job. They want experience and the 3 deployments every 5 years has made it very hard to build up experience that counts for anything being offered. I am feeling completely unqualified for the simplest of jobs.