Should the DD214 include the related civilian career field?

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 08:53:15 -0400

One of my roles here on RallyPoint as a senior admin is to verify accounts. Each time someone submits a DD214 dating prior to the 1990s, I find it interesting that they used to include a related civilian career field next to the MOS block. Not sure why they stopped doing this but would this aid service members in getting a job search started if it was brought back?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2017 8:58 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 08:58:14 -0400

Sounds like you are describing something similar to a military-to-civilian crosswalk. That is interesting, but I think there are enough resources out there these days to make the right connections. It's easy enough to describe your military role to a potential employer in such a way that they see the benefit in hiring you.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Apr 4 at 2017 9:18 AM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:18:25 -0400

Depending on the field, it can have a broad range of application across the civilian career field. My AFSC was 3D0X2, Cyber Systems Operations (previously 3C0X1, Communication/Computer Systems Operations). In that AFSC, I served as a PERSEC and OPSEC Manager, a COMPUSEC and INFOSEC Manager, a Record Communications Technician (AUTODIN), and a System Administrator. I also had roles as a PHYSEC inspector, and a Network and Digital Forensics Analyst. That's in one career field, and includes a broad list of experience in the field that is normally separated roles and tasks (depending on the size of the organization's IT department). And, with just a little bit of training, I've picked up Network Technician skills which falls under a different AFSC, what used to be (and might still be) 3C2X1, Tech Control. Not to mention that we gain skills and experience that transcend our civilian career counterparts.

While I think it could be a good stepping stone, you also run into the problem of shoehorning. "Oh, your DD214 says this job is what you'd be good at, and we're really looking for this other job type, so we'll have to give you a pass even though your skills and experience clearly make you a qualified candidate for it."

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Apr 4 at 2017 9:28 AM

SFC Andrew Miller — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:28:15 -0400

They stopped doing this when they created the VMET. The Verification of Military Experience and Training. On the DD214 they could only have a couple related occupations. On the VMET, they have O*NET, DOL, and DOT codes for jobs pertaining to every school and duty position held. You can access your VMET at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/tgps/. Every outprocessing service member should be receiving the link and the opportunity to print this out as part of their transition program.

Transition GPS

This post-TGPSP evaluation will ask questions specific to each module or track you have completed as well as questions about the overall Transition GPS Program. Some questions are tailored to gauge the knowledge you have gained from specific modules/tracks. There is no negative consequence if you answer incorrectly; this is simply for us to evaluate if the course succeeded in providing the intended information.

Response by LCpl Shane Couch made Apr 4 at 2017 9:41 AM

LCpl Shane Couch — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:41:45 -0400

I think it would be nice to bring it back. But not to help veterans as a cross reference to a civilian transfer, but to help employers glancing over a veterans portfolio or resume, if they have attached their DD214. An employer may not have any clue what he/she is looking at until the come across the in service job description. Could be the turning point on a pre-interview review between a veteran and a non-veteran.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2017 10:24 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 10:24:27 -0400

They could just use Google.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 4 at 2017 10:46 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 10:46:56 -0400

Block 11 should still show the MOS and narrative of the that job skill?
One thing I would always tell my soldiers when explaining their military skills was that you are what you tell the interviewer. An 88M2O is more than just a Motor Transport Operator...unless they tell the employer they are a truck driver...then they are just a truck driver.

Response by SGT William T. made Apr 4 at 2017 12:11 PM

SGT William T. — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 12:11:02 -0400

Hi Sgt Keen,
To answer your question as to why DOD stopped having the career field block, I can only surmise that it is because with all the new technical careers coming into the military at that time and forward it would have been too narrow the transition to just one. In that case why pigeonhole a veteran into one career choice. Next, when you or any veteran for that matter, exited the military you should have gone through TAPS (Transition Assistance Program) or ACAP. These programs are here to help the service member (SM) as he/she begins the refrad process. During this program, the sm should learn about the difference resources available to them. One of them being O*net https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/. If you look at this page you will find on the right-hand side of the screen you will see a box that says look for jobs like my military career. In this box, the veteran can select which branch of service they were in, and then under that, they can type their MOS or Rate. The next screen that populates should then give a list of comparable civilian careers.

There are other resources that veterans can utilize as well such as going to their local American Job Center which should also be discussed in ACAP, but none the less here is a hyperlink to help with that as well. Once there, the staff can assist the veteran as well.
https://www.careeronestop.org/businesscenter/findjobcenters/american-job-center-finder.aspx.

While this does not cover every resource, and there are a lot, this can be a start for many veterans. the next step of course in finding a career will be to successfully translate those skills from military to civilian speak which would include giving quantitative values to skills learned. For example, if you worked in the motor pool, don't just say you were an E5 mechanic in charge of equipment. Expand and say "As the team leader for my section I was responsible for supervising (x amount) of personnel while maintaining upkeep and care of (x amount of dollars) tools, equipment, and vehicles."
Now I know that could be worded better but I am just giving quick examples.

If anyone has any questions I am more than willing to help further just shoot me dm or pm or whatever they're called on here...lol.

My Next Move for Veterans

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 4 at 2017 1:18 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 13:18:04 -0400

They used to Provide Documentation that provided a definition of what you did and How it Equated to Civilian Jobs and employment ...
DOD Job Equivalency and Civilian Definitions ... I'll post it If I can find it again...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 10:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 10:00:06 -0400

Well I have a question about the civilian career side and the military. Met a young man the other day, said he was in the Guard, engineer unit, we got to talking he claims they gave him an ASI because of his civilian career as the unit environmental person. Well I have had the course for being the environmental NCOIC and that was just an additional duty thing. How can you get an ASI for that?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 2:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:55:35 -0400

How would that be possible ? its a statement that shows what you did as active duty member ON ACTIVE DUTY !!

Response by SGT Allison Churchill made Apr 6 at 2017 1:27 PM

SGT Allison Churchill — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 13:27:00 -0400

That's actually pretty fascinating. I think it would be helpful for the various veteran-focused career websites--they might have an easier time explaining to employers how many different fields are available in the military. I know I had very little luck finding jobs in anything related to journalism on military-focused boards, because I don't think a lot of media companies are aware of the public affairs-related MOSs. I found my current job through a media-specific job site.