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

lThe Navy used to have a program for logistics managers. They would do an internship at about the GS 9 level but within about 2 years they were working at the 13 level then some went up to 14. At that point you are on your own. I don't know where you live. I saw this program in practice at SPAWAR San Diego they might be able to point you to an entry point if you are interested. SPAWAR is a major command Space and Naval Warfare Command involved in the development of various systems for the C4ISR community.

LOL, on every big post I've ever been to, the retired E8s and 9s were driving buses.

Off post, I've run into some who went into education, as either teachers or administrators. Private schools will value the outlook and experience.

I also know several retired 8s and 9s who are top executives, but they weren't active duty lifers.

I am looking to fill a position right now and would like to contact retired E-8's and E-9's with USAF Civil Engineering and Seabee backgrounds!

Given the skills acquired by E-8's & E-9's in leadership and decision making alone they would be more than qualified for 90% of civilian jobs available. Whether it's retail, manufacturing, Energy and at least 17 more sectors the experience of these men & women would be invaluable to almost any company. My personal experience has taught me that within the 6 prime military contractors and the 13 sub-contractors they are always looking for ex-military enlisted over civilians or Ex-Officers.

The same opportunities that are available to retired E5's through retired E7's...is this a trick question??? Do E8's and E9's have special qualifications that a lower rank doesnt??? An E5 has just as much knowledge as a plt SGT or 1Sg or Sgtmgr (or should have), in fact I believe they have more because the playing field is always changing for the new NCO's as are requirements . For the Most part an E8 or E9 has come to the end of the career chain and isnt required to have to have college to obtain the next rank unlike an up and coming E5-E7.A LOWER ranked NCO has more duties and responsibilities, than someone who just more or less sets in an office waiting for retirement and uses the down hill chain to make a BN or Bgd work.

My dad retired from the Air Force in 1979, since that time he has been a salesman, OTR driver, set up and taught electronic at the local collage and a prison guard. The opportunities are there, you just need to know what you want to do. Good luck in your search

I suppose it rests with your education. All officers are presumed to have at lest one degree. Your command experience etc. net working helps. Follow your boss to USAA! I read in where a lady hired Admirals because they make great Logistians, So there you go.

The one piece of advice I can offer is that connecting with a hiring manager that was a veteran does help. They understand the situation and want to help especially due to the reliability and adaptability a vet retiree has to offer. Many organizations bill themselves as vet friendly so that is where you usually find those types of hiring managers.

Hopefully you have perused the listings on USAJOBS.com I haven't looked latetly, but last year I was looking and it was slim pickings. Otherwise, from my limited experience on the matter I've seen several retired E-8s and E-9s 'cap out' as it were in GS12 positions. There are exceptions I'm sure depending on what field you are in and what degree(s) you have. On the other side of the coin I've seen COLs take their uniform off on Friday and comeback on Monday in a tie as a GS15 just feet from their old office. I'm not saying it's bad or good, just right place and time with specific skills and connections.

I would also suggest this non-profit org to start looking for: http://warriors4wireless.org/
I work to American Tower and we have been participating on relocation our warriors to a civil job.
Even our CEO is a former 1st Gulf War air force pilot veteran.