Posted on Sep 14, 2017
Capt Ross Nussbaum
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SSG Steven Mangus
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Writing a resume that civilians can understand and avoiding all the military jargon "we" use. Make sure you use all the ACAP resources and you will be fine..good luck.
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SGT Dave Tracy
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Edited 8 y ago
I was going to make a joke, but I'll pass-this time.

Focusing on Infantry related civilian jobs is a no-go, and if that is what someone is trying to do, they will fail. The closest jobs that are akin to Infantry are cops and firemen; however, I did know a guy who applied for a cop job back home and was told the job of a policeman is to shoot last; whereas the job of a grunt is to shoot first, and weren't interested in him. Or so he told me.

Infantry does operate in stressful environments and are trained to both follow precise instruction (attention to detail), and conversely, to think outside the box-whatever it takes to accomplish the mission, because its Mission First! Infantry also develops leaders. Even the lowliest Private is being trained to step up--and on occasionally has to--and take charge.

These attributes can be translated into the civilian workforce, even if Battle Drill 6 really can't.

The key is obviously find something you want, make sure your normal skillset aligns, and then apply these other useful Infantry acquired skills to the job. It may require translating into civilian-speak those skills to the interviewer, but they are tools in your bag to pull out and make use of.
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CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret)
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When I first ETS'd in 1983 I thought I would be a shoe-in anywhere - who wouldn't want to hire a stellar airborne infantryman? I learned real fast - hardly anyone. No college, just a high school diploma and 4 yrs airborne infantry. So, I sucked up my pride, took a security job and went to school - three years later I found my calling - as an AZ State Trooper. No regrets and what a blast! I'm still in the Reserves (39 yrs) and having fun.

I expect you have at least a 4 yr degree, use that plus translate your military resume into a civilian friendly one. Focus on abilities, skills and experience in a more general way (as applicable). You might even consider a good, reputable resume service. First, figure out what you want to do (be realistic) and map out what it will take to get there (reverse planning). I knew sitting behind a desk wasn't for me so that eliminated a lot of careers. To answer your question: It's finding out what you want to do (for me at least). I didn't have a plan other than going to school - doing that full-time and working full-time was VERY difficult and I had to cut back. Once you narrow down what you want to do it's finding the right employer. For me, it suddenly hit me one day - I wanted to go into law enforcement. Don't apply for jobs just to get a job unless you have to as job hopping doesn't look too good (usually). On the other hand a friend of mine (MAJ, Reservist) who's an engineer seems to have a better job every six months or so.

If you're interested in US government jobs - get on USAJOBS. Local governments also have similar job sites. Good luck!
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Cpl John Barker
Cpl John Barker
8 y
CW4...so they do exist. I thought you were just a legend lol
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CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret)
CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret)
8 y
Cpl John Barker - I am a legend, what're ya talkin' about?!
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