Veterans/Retirees, are you doing anything like what you did in the military?

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:04:24 -0400

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 25 at 2015 3:10 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:10:04 -0400

I've got my cat, Emily, whom I adore. I am involved in a relationship. And I am a photographer.
I am a Soldiers' Angel. I have three groups on Facebook; two for veterans, and one for Active Duty:
http://www.facebook.com/groupforsuicidalactivedutyandforsuicidalveterans
I also have a photography group on Facebook.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Aug 25 at 2015 4:21 PM

SFC William Farrell — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:21:14 -0400

I haven't killed anybody since I left Nam so I can say no to your question! :-)

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Aug 25 at 2015 4:23 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:23:59 -0400

SPC Margaret Higgins - Yes ... Working for a corporation that provides para-military security forces for the US Government's critical facilities, as well as armed security guards for less critical federal facilities, is very much like what I did in the military.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 25 at 2015 4:30 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:30:54 -0400

I was at Ft. Irwin at the NTC years ago. As one of my soldiers said "Ma'am, all this sleep is making me tired..." In retired land I am feeling it! LOL

Response by SGT Denis Donovan made Aug 25 at 2015 4:32 PM

SGT Denis Donovan — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:32:07 -0400

Yes I was an MP in the army and now I am a police officer, prior to that a corrections officer

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Aug 25 at 2015 4:38 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:38:17 -0400

Not one bit. In the Navy I did construction now I'm learning to shoe horses.

Response by MAJ Nathan Potter made Aug 25 at 2015 5:04 PM

MAJ Nathan Potter — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 17:04:57 -0400

Heading up a maintenance and custodial department for a school district is about I think as close as you can get to the functions present in leading a forward support battalion...

Response by SGT Eric Dziekan made Aug 25 at 2015 5:07 PM

SGT Eric Dziekan — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 17:07:42 -0400

Not even close. Before being placed on permenent disability I worked as a RN in the emergency room, on active duty I was a 12B Combat Engineer in the Army. Before nursing I worked stints in retail, loss prevention, security and LE.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Aug 25 at 2015 5:19 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 17:19:03 -0400

Once a Nuke, always a Nuke! After I got out of the Navy (nuclear electrician's mate on subs), I got a degree in Physics (I was going to teach Physics in a high school setting).

Ended up at a commercial nuclear plant training operators all the "science-y stuff" as well as systems, procedures, etc. Did that for 12 years (including getting two Senior Reactor Operator certifications), then moved into Emergency Preparedness. I used to teach operators how NOT to break the plant, then I taught operators what to do AFTER the plant was broken. I gravitated to the security and law enforcement side of Emergency Preparedness as part of the huge world-wide security push after 2003 (as a result of 9/11).

Became a "Road Warrior" about 7 years ago. Travel all over the US doing every phase of EP, including "Active Shooter" and "Hostile Action" work for universities, hospitals, etc. I'm one of the few commercial nuclear guys who is qualified and experienced in command-staff level Incident Command / National Incident Management Systems.

I use what I learned in the Canoe Club EVERY SINGLE DAY, and that's NO LIE!

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 25 at 2015 5:54 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 17:54:00 -0400

With the exception of the level of activity, I would say, somewhat. I no longer perform HUMINT Collection, but I do instruct it, and though I am active, NOTHING like I was while I was in, but still have the desire to stay fit, to include reduction in drinking and smoking. For the most part, removing as much stress as possible and actually enjoying life for once in a great while... Life is good! :)

Response by PO3 Jonathan Monson made Aug 25 at 2015 6:39 PM

PO3 Jonathan Monson — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 18:39:56 -0400

Nope was a heavy equipment and light mechanic in the navy now I scrub floors for a state college

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Aug 25 at 2015 9:36 PM

MSgt Aaron Brite — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 21:36:22 -0400

Not even close. Avionics on active duty and supply in the air guard. Corporate environmental manager in civilian and retired life. Slight cossover with my sub specialty in hazardous material supply operations but that's it.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Aug 25 at 2015 10:32 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 22:32:02 -0400

I am doing the exact same thing that I did for my last five years on active duty...providing graduate-level education to future health executives. Same academic discipline, but different university and different students. It was a simple, easy transition.

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Aug 25 at 2015 11:08 PM

Col Lyman Faith — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 23:08:27 -0400

Yes, while on active duty I served as a missile maintenance officer. My current job is program manager for ICBM ground systems. Same equipment and some of the same people.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Aug 25 at 2015 11:12 PM

SSG Toryn Green — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 23:12:33 -0400

I'm still in the Reserve, but yes, I do virtually the same job in the civilian world that I do in the military, just at a much higher pay. My military training prepared me perfectly for my current position and my civilian job has certainly enhanced my knowledge and allows me to practice my MOS on a daily basis.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 26 at 2015 7:51 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 07:51:16 -0400

I have used what I learned in the military as building blocks and have created a job I love. Thanks Uncle Sam

Response by SSgt Dean Bolyard made Aug 26 at 2015 12:55 PM

SSgt Dean Bolyard — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:55:57 -0400

Nothing even close, got out of the air force in 92, got a job in a factory for the next 14 years and then went into the coal mines. Best job since the military!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2015 2:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 14:52:30 -0400

Yes with respect to endeavors in my life. I conduct the close, intermediary, and deep fight. It just makes sense for me.

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Aug 26 at 2015 6:07 PM

CSM Michael Lynch — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 18:07:00 -0400

I absolutely am I am still in a recruiting capacity and with my new job I still work with Veterans so it continues on. I still get to talk daily with my brothers and sisters in arms and I would't have it any other way.

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made Aug 27 at 2015 1:34 PM

LCDR Jeffery Dixon — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 13:34:16 -0400

Yep.

Response by SPC Tymon Z. Kapelski made Aug 27 at 2015 6:32 PM

SPC Tymon Z. Kapelski — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 18:32:18 -0400

I did some DOMEX style defense contracting for a few years. I found it difficult to be away from the military after I first got out, the second time I got out it was a little easier, but the contracting weened me off it. I just left all that to go to college though, we'll see how this turns out!

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Aug 27 at 2015 11:26 PM

Cpl James Waycasie — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 23:26:25 -0400

No, I was a 1345 ( heavy equipment Engineer) Spent part of my out years as a Master Technician in Yarn mills, Spent 10 years running my own business, and the remainder in retail Management

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Aug 28 at 2015 12:16 AM

SGT Michael Glenn — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 00:16:41 -0400

I wish!!!! Its been a skosh over 3 months since my spine surgery and I am now waiting on hip replacements, when thats all done I hope to be active again...Ohhhhhh snap !!!!! I know!!!! The answer is YES!!!! I am !!!! I am setting around a lot and waiting!!!!does that count????

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 28 at 2015 4:40 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 04:40:44 -0400

Yes. I was an IT in the Navy and now I'm a systems administrator for a defense contractor.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 28 at 2015 4:51 AM

SSgt Terry P. — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 04:51:12 -0400

This may sound unusual,but yes, i camp and hunt which is somewhat like my early military.

Response by SSgt David Swart made Aug 28 at 2015 8:37 AM

SSgt David Swart — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 08:37:21 -0400

Yes, I was an AGE/Ground power mechanic in the Air Force working on Engine generators, A/C and heating equipment used to service aircraft on the ground. When I was discharged after working a 5 month job in an almond huller and 3 months in a sheet metal shop I got my career job with the FAA working on engine generators, A/C, heating and ventilation equipment and visual NAVAIDS. I did that for 16 years and then cross trained to the electronics side of the FAA (made a lot more money) and worked on VOR, TACAN, DME, ILS, communications equipment and weather systems, I did this for another 16 years and retired after 32 years with the FAA. Even though I'm retired I still have my own business maintaining weather equipment at airports that aren't maintained by the FAA. Joining the Air Force was the best thing I ever did it got me off the farm!

Response by SPC Tyler Frampton made Aug 28 at 2015 12:10 PM

SPC Tyler Frampton — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 12:10:35 -0400

does shooting and camping count?

Response by SPC Candace Leach made Aug 28 at 2015 12:12 PM

SPC Candace Leach — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 12:12:54 -0400

I was Supply in the Marine Corps and now a Human Resource Specialist in the National Guard but I don't do none of these job in the civilian sector. I'm a computer programmer analyst and wish it was something that I did while I was in the Marines.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Aug 28 at 2015 2:29 PM

MSgt Manuel Diaz — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 14:29:16 -0400

No, even in the military I rarely did what I was trained for. Tried getting civilian work related to my Army MOS; however those jobs were always not hiring or being taken from within by those already in the system. Funny when I think back, my father was in the medical field and was always on call so we seldom if ever allowed to use the phone, a dial land line phone. I never used the phone but did see how it operated. Went in the military never used the phone as there were none in my section only in the orderly room and pay phones. Always wrote letters. Then ended up working for the phone company. Many guys in the phone companies were previously in the militaries communications section. While In the phone company I took first aid and some of us advanced to become emt's and were trained by state and national certified instructors that were previously medics in the military. So I guess it depends on what's available at the time you apply and where.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Aug 29 at 2015 2:08 AM

SSG Leo Bell — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 02:08:54 -0400

No I'm on permanent disability not suppose to work at all.

Response by PO1 Sojourner "Chancy" Phillips made Aug 29 at 2015 4:31 AM

PO1 Sojourner "Chancy" Phillips — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 04:31:42 -0400

What i do now ia not exactly the same as my military days. But it is close and i use a lot of military knowledg to do my job. Now I spend more time interpreting government security regs to civilians. Which is much like hearding cats.....high on catnip.

Response by MSgt Steve Miller made Aug 30 at 2015 7:51 AM

MSgt Steve Miller — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 07:51:50 -0400

I started my own property service company this past March. I’ve not even managed to add it to my profile, but this type of work falls short of the three different MOS’s I managed to perform while active duty. So, I have to say NO.

Response by SPC Keith Goddard made Aug 30 at 2015 8:15 AM

SPC Keith Goddard — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 08:15:13 -0400

I am not.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Aug 30 at 2015 1:17 PM

SPC Luis Mendez — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 13:17:05 -0400

NOT at all, NEVER did! The MOS though interesting, good, even enjoyable to a certain extent was totally USELESS in civilian life. Unless of course I move 2 thousand miles away from home and maybe, just maybe get a job in a related factory/industry. And that ONLY if I was interested in pursuing such a job in such an industry, which I never was.

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Aug 30 at 2015 2:31 PM

PFC Robert Falk — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 14:31:30 -0400

I was 11b/11h now I am disabled and make custom canes for people.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Aug 30 at 2015 8:03 PM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 20:03:41 -0400

Not hardly. I was a motor transport operator. Now I am a school psychologist. I drive a desk these days.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 31 at 2015 5:15 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 05:15:59 -0400

"Thou shalt not spy on thy Fellow Americans" Nope. Actually what I did was called COMSEC for the most part and I don't think that field even exist anymore with the Integration of Coding/Crypto into the actual computer and no longer being separate entities the closest would be CyberSecurity. No I did stay in the Communications Field as a Contract Network Analyst for Sprint and later as an Employee Senior Network Operations Specialist for Sprint until the Tech Bubble Burst in 2002 and I have been doing Contract Private Security Since.

Response by MAJ Jack Patton made Aug 31 at 2015 9:06 AM

MAJ Jack Patton — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 09:06:05 -0400

No. Was a FA Officer. Went into Business. Other than relationship understanding, had to start from scratch.

Response by 2d Lt Kimberly Twohig-Gaddie made Aug 31 at 2015 3:40 PM

2d Lt Kimberly Twohig-Gaddie — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:40:40 -0400

Trying! Unfortunately I was medically retired with only about two years of service which doesn't really translate well into the private sector (I was a satellite vehicle operator). But luckily the VA has the vocational rehabilitation program where I'm able to go back to school to get my degree in aerospace engineering so that I can keep going with the job I was trained to do.

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Sep 2 at 2015 1:28 AM

PFC Robert Falk — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 01:28:53 -0400

No nothing like my MOS

Response by PO2 Andrew Kay made Mar 25 at 2016 2:01 AM

PO2 Andrew Kay — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 02:01:31 -0400

If only the land-based civillians had a need for a RADAR operator...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2016 10:49 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 10:49:57 -0400

well my answer is no, was a 68wm6/38b in millitary, last 9 years i've been working in factory as material handler, i am a first responder but thats it, let my certifications and license go

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 26 at 2016 1:05 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 01:05:14 -0400

Na, I shoe horses now. Far from what I did in the military.

Response by Maj William Raney II made Mar 28 at 2016 2:16 PM

Maj William Raney II — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 14:16:59 -0400

Yes, kind of. Just quit a contract. Was hired to do something, and not what the "client" had in mind. We all have specific skill sets that aren't necessarily transferable to the civilian world, so migrate to the contracting world. I didn't research and understand who I was supporting, and what the strategy was, won't make that mistake again.

Response by CW5 Bob Klaiss made Apr 2 at 2016 4:15 AM

CW5 Bob Klaiss — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 04:15:38 -0400

Hi Margaret - I was a food safety officer in the Army (640A). After retiring, I worked at a couple of different jobs outside of my field, but soon discovered that there was a pretty good demand for my skill set in the private sector. I've been back in the food safety arena now for the past five years (retired in 2009 from active duty). If you are willing to work overseas, many MOS skills are in demand. I'm currently a General Manager for a food analysis laboratory in Kuwait, and have since acquired many new skills apart from my military specialty which will help expand opportunities to other areas.

Don't forget on your resume/CV to include the ancillary duties you performed as a Soldier, because they really do help to strengthen your resume. Besides the skill set we were trained on, most of us were leaders in one sort or another, we all had to administer programs, we've developed and given presentations, and most of us learned how to review and analyze regulatory documents. These are all skills that many civilian companies are looking for in a new recruit.

All the best from sunny Kuwait ;-)

Bobby K

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Apr 3 at 2016 6:49 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 06:49:26 -0400

Nope. Dermatologist determined that I am allergic to the communications equipment. I think it's the nickel that was causing my finger tips to split open and bleed. Now I work for a sheriff's office in the jai.

Response by CPO Frank Coluccio made Apr 3 at 2016 11:18 PM

CPO Frank Coluccio — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 23:18:01 -0400

Yup...22 years as an ET in the Navy and back at it as an ET in the Bureau of Prisons.

Response by SP6 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2018 11:44 AM

SP6 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 11:44:24 -0400

My active duty MOS was electronics, and since I’ve left AD that’s nearly all I’ve done, minus a stint in law enforcement.
After a break in service, I’m in the Guard now, both my MOS and civilian job are electronics.
Actually hate electronics, but pays the bills...

Response by CWO4 William Johnson made Sep 8 at 2018 8:12 PM

CWO4 William Johnson — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 20:12:55 -0400

Retired USN 27 years ago. Just returned last week from 3 weeks haze grey and underway in westpac.

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made Sep 8 at 2018 9:50 PM

MAJ Raymond Haynes — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 21:50:47 -0400

Still living the dream

Response by SFC Jason MacArthur made Oct 2 at 2018 7:38 PM

SFC Jason MacArthur — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:38:27 -0400

Nope. I went back to school and now work as a biomedical equipment technician. I fix medical equipment. I love my job and am thankful my job as a combat engineer didn’t easily translate to a civilian job. That forced me to go to school and I’m grateful now.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 2 at 2018 9:21 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 21:21:59 -0400

Unfortunately, no. In the Army, I was a Chaplain's Assistant. Today, I work in Retail.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 3 at 2018 12:26 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 12:26:49 -0400

At the end of my career I was in the S2 and the things I did well I but on my resume, The rest is history. HINT!

Response by SFC Jimmy Sellers made Oct 15 at 2018 7:17 AM

SFC Jimmy Sellers — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 07:17:28 -0400

I was in Special Forces and did a lot of instructing to Iraqi soldiers and police on how to shoot. I am now retired and work at a shooting range trying to keep inexperienced shooters from having a.d. and hurting themselves or someone else. So, that is kind of similar.

Response by SGT(P) Troy Williams made Nov 10 at 2018 12:07 PM

SGT(P) Troy Williams — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 12:07:37 -0500

Yes am still fixing generators as a contractor 14 yrs after retirement and have had my CDL since 15, and drive whenever am home for extended time

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 11 at 2019 8:19 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 20:19:50 -0400

YES, I was fortunate to stay in the same career field!

Response by SSgt David Marks made Sep 2 at 2019 1:03 PM

SSgt David Marks — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 13:03:20 -0400

No. When I was medically discharged in 1988. Only 1 police dept in the entire state of Texas was hiring, and I didn't meet the qualifications for chief of police. So I started driving 18 wheelers. Did that for 27 yrs. Now I'm retired.

Response by PFC Teiana Po made Apr 9 at 2020 12:15 PM

PFC Teiana Po — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:15:14 -0400

I am not. I'm a Acquisition Program Specialist. I was a fueler. It took me some time to get here. I'm praying I can get into logistics so I won't have to set at a computer all day!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2020 10:15 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 10:15:57 -0500

Former 0351 (Assault section in Wpns. Plt. In infantry Co.) Now, I'm a firearms instructor. On a regular basis I'm demonstrating safe and correct usage/handling/cleaning procedures of numerous weapons systems and getting the new guys & gals up to speed in their training on said weapons systems.

Thankfully, running and humps and fast roping out of perfectly good aircraft aren't required. Back & knees couldn't handle that anymore. Otherwise, job is about 50% the same.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 18 at 2021 11:45 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Tue, 18 May 2021 11:45:32 -0400

I am not calling in Artillery or shooting people. That was my soldier job, everything else was training

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made May 19 at 2021 10:44 AM

SGT Herbert Bollum — Wed, 19 May 2021 10:44:50 -0400

Not even close--I repaired radars then got an Associates in electronics technology and found that the employers wanted to pay only $7 / hour for experience and degree, went to warehouse and other jobs that paid about twice that.

Response by 1SG Scott Buchanan made Sep 13 at 2021 12:29 PM

1SG Scott Buchanan — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 12:29:23 -0400

Nope; I retired at 44 and thought that was too young to be truly retired. I went to law school (Thanks VA education benefits!) and now I’m an attorney working for a tribal government. I love my job.