MOS pipeline to the civilian world

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 14:21:19 -0500

If you were to create a pipeline of military specialties that have some direct skill sets that relate to the civilian world, what would that pipeline look like?<div>A few examples that come to mind for me are logistics specialists to companies like FedEx, aircraft/vehicle maintenance troops to the automotive or airline industry, security forces to physical security companies, and civil engineering troops to construction firms.  I'm looking for more abstract examples you might be able to think of.  As military members, we have a tremendous amount of skill sets at our disposal.  What direct relation can you see these skills being used in a specific company or industry?</div>

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 27 at 2013 2:26 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 14:26:00 -0500

Companies are already working on things like this. The problem is that while a lot MOS skills can translate fairly easy, the civilian world doesn't always understand how to best go about looking.

I've spoken to several transitioning Veterans and they keep repeating the same thing; "how do I put that in terms they'll understand?" For example, I was a 25Q Multi-Channel Transmissions Operator Maintainer. When I went through the "wonderful" ACAP program, they kept pointing me be an antenna installer. But I knew my skills with networking planning and management could get me a better job. Thankfully, I found a Marine who was willing to help out an Army guy like me and together we sat down, went over my duty description and I was able to secure employment.

Response by CPL Sarah Waymire made Dec 27 at 2013 2:30 PM

CPL Sarah Waymire — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 14:30:23 -0500

I agree Sir however, it seems that unless you know someone with some pull who can get you into a specific company- you won't make it on your own anyway. I'm not trying to be a pessimist, Im being a realist. I have been looking for work for over a year and I have skills. Not only do I have logistic training, but human rescources experience as well. I also have a Bachelor's degree and I started my MBA... I cannot find a decent job to save my life.

I feel that military members do have awesome skill sets, but I still dont see them getting us anywhere sadly.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2013 3:35 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 15:35:56 -0500

My MOS, Human Intelligence Collector, pretty much directly relates to intelligence-related jobs in the civilian world like CIA, DIA, etc. 35P (crypto) translates to jobs at the NSA, etc.

Generally us intel folks stay in the intel field just working for a different agency or contractor.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2013 8:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:18:50 -0500

A big chunk would be medical like myself. As well some of the MI and commo specialties.

Response by PO2 Pete Haga made Dec 28 at 2013 1:06 AM

PO2 Pete Haga — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 01:06:34 -0500

Most of the Naval mos transfer over to the merchant marines and some land based jobs such as hull techs and electricians or engineering jobs at power plants and civil service as water purification, police force, shipyard work. also about any of the aviation jobs look in to it. and make sure you list your Military service on your resume and also the employment application some employers look at the application first and not the resume. and make it a point to break down your accomplishments. and awards but don't over do it. 

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 7 at 2014 6:09 PM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 18:09:01 -0500

Sir, the Coast Guard has a number of rates/MOSs that parallel civilian career tracks in the maritime world, aviation, law enforcement, IT and logistics. With respect to each, there are already required skill development courses which lead to military job certifications that closely align with civilian professional licensing requirements. It is not uncommon for cutter sailors, small boat operators and marine engineers to have concurrent military certifications and civilian maritime licenses. The same can be said for aviators and IT folks who routinely obtain training through the military which allows them to challenge regulatory exams for various bodies that sanction individual professions.

I think the problem is that very often people on both sides of the coin, military & civilian, don't realize or recognize how closely some military skill sets align with outside world; or if they do, they don't understand how to go about obtaining the appropriate civilian licenses or certifications.