What job opportunities are out there for retired E8's and E9's?

There are a lot of opportunities for retired E8/E9’s…Question is what are you looking to do? Are you looking for a position as an executive or willing to take a lower position and move up. As a recruiting/marketing consultant as well as a healthcare recruiter I see a lot of high ranking officers and enlisted apply for positions. Most never get selected. Why? Because most still think your rank and position follow you in the civilian sector and it does not. I have worked with many high ranking officials and have had to tell them to check your ego at the door. While in the military we know what you have done and accomplished – but in the civilian world that can come off very scary and intimidating to others. When I retired in 2007 I did not need to work, I did because I was bored. I started at a lower level position and have moved up the ladder.

You have asked two questions of which I can only reply to the first:

There are a million possibilities based both on what specifically such a senior NCO brings to the table in terms of both management and specific technical/industry knowledge and how that person is perceived by a civilian hiring authority (HA).

To list specific job titles would be tedious and may as well be copied from a text of most all management jobs possible but the most likely position that jumps out at me -as a headhunter who recruits technical/management talent- would be a General Manager or Project Manager role.

It is easy to suggest a technical role for a technically-trained senior NCO or a Logistics/Materiel role for a Logistics/Material oriented NCO and I don't believe such a person needs such obvious input.

But for those senior NCO's who are more generalized in their management expertise, the doors are both more available and possibly less obvious, at the same time. Were we to discount the disconnect between the military style of management and the civilian style of management, assuming someone is in the nexus of these two circles, then as I said, a GM or Project Manager role would suit such a person. Aerospace is an obvious employer in this case and elsewhere, in the civilian market, where there is a need for a general manager.

Ideally, a senior NCO taking on such a role would want to do so with the understanding they would be encouraged and support would be provided so that person could progress up through the organizational chart. In such a case, a senior NCO could find themselves becoming a Divisional Manager or even Divisional President at some time in the future.

It goes without saying such an NCO would be bringing Management, Forecasting, Logistics, Budgeting and perhaps Design experience with them.

Over the past few years, the civilian employers I have dealt with have matured and improved their understanding of what the veteran candidate brings to the table. Many have hired veterans to work in HR and management functions to help educate their recruiting staff on being better able to read and understand vet resumes, branch of service differences, rank, and MOS'. These companies recognize the value of the experience, leadership and maturity that a senior Non Commissioned Officer brings to their workplace over a their civilian counterpart of the same age. My advice is to seek out a reputable firm that you can speak honestly with, that you feel understands your background, and recognizes your wealth of knowledge and integrity. Door open for those who knock..and knock...and knock... Sometimes you have to knock harder and longer than you expect. Hang in and don't give up hope.

Im a retired Army CSM and during the school year I substitute teach, the nice thing about it is I can opt out on days I have other things going on. Of course to do this U need to have a Bachelors or Masters degree.

A good buddy and high school classmate of mine retired as a SGM out of Recruiting Command and landed a job as the Sales and Marketing lead for military accounts for a company that produces the kind of products that were typically handed out as retention incentives. I think you can look for sales and marketing opportunities in industry that look to reach the military market with their product line. Step right into executive level management quickly after demonstrating your superior leadership skills...and they will be superior.

I agree with all of the post as they all address different opportunities to enter the job market.
If I we to give you advice it would be in the form of questions as to what your intent is.
1). Are you going to follow positions that you can use your military experience, or are you going to use your degree?
2). Are you mobile? Are you willing to move to a new location to get your initial entry into your job?
3). Is your family supporting your efforts and are they willing to move?

4). How strong is your resumé? Have you been able to explain how your military training and time support your qualifications for the position that you are applying for.
Translate your military language into civilian language.
5). If you get an interview, make sure that you dress for the interview. It's better to be overdressed, clean
Shaved or trimmed to look the part. Answer all questions honestly and don't be afraid to ask questions. Not only are they interviewing you, you are making a decision of are you willing to take the position of offered.

All of the above helped me I n my decision making process as well prepare for the position that I was applying for.

Hi GySgt (Join to see), when you say "civilian executive level positions", I assume you mean SES (Senior Executive Service) positions which are GO-equivalent. Some but very few officers get those immediately upon retirement. I have heard of E8s and E9s who retire, become GS 9/11/13s and rise to GS-15 (O-6 equivalent). Some of them have probably become SES's too.

I agree with LTC Salerno. Networking is the key. Additionally, I would recommend finding those pursuits that interest you and see if there is a way to capitalize on these. It is better to do a job you "love" rather than a job you "have to". My transition had its ups and downs but I was able to network myself into two positions, one teaching as a professor for the US Naval War College (now in my 19th year) and running our local Chamber's Small Business Development Center (18th year).

I view military experience a lot like a college degree, "results may vary." In the government sector, it gets you 5 to 10 points on your app, so if your qualifications are in the running, it's enough to put you over the top. I got out as an E-4 and was amazed to discover I had more authority as a Sgt than the directors I was working for as a civilian. (Get your degrees and certifications while you're in, so you can hit the ground running once you're out.)

I am glad to hear of those retired senior enlisted obtaining civilian executive level positions after a successful military career but as for me, I do not have a success story to tell. After serving 26 years as a 92A (Supply Chain/ Logistics Management), Designated as a Demonstrated Master Logistician, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified, served as Assistant Inspector General, I am certified as a Peer Support Specialist and also have a Bachelor Degree in General Business Studies, minor in Leadership Studies and an Associates in Supply Chain Management, and I have not had an open doors to civilian employment.
The common response that I have received: Over qualified, fully qualified but not selected, this has gone on for 6 years now.
I have several resumes and have changed them numerous time to fit the specific job announcement, used various resume services, spoke with staffing organizations, hiring managers, HR representatives, attended job fairs and workshops and my search continues.
I am open to any suggestions or assistance and can be reached at: [login to see]