Posted on Jul 15, 2015
What's the career transition of a retired Sergeant Major; Chief Master Sergeant; Master Chief Petty Officer?
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For those that decide to stay enlisted and reach to top rank of Sergeant Major; Chief Master Sergeant; Master Chief Petty Officer, what is there to do upon retirement?
As the top senior enlisted leader and advisor, I'm curious to know if there are any great opportunities that lie ahead in the private sector that will utilize those great leadership skills.
I can easily search retired officers and they're probably in an executive role in the private sector. However, when I search for retired enlisted leaders, not much comes up (unfortunately).
I just want to know if the same civilian leadership roles available to retired officers are also available to retired senior enlisted personnel.
As the top senior enlisted leader and advisor, I'm curious to know if there are any great opportunities that lie ahead in the private sector that will utilize those great leadership skills.
I can easily search retired officers and they're probably in an executive role in the private sector. However, when I search for retired enlisted leaders, not much comes up (unfortunately).
I just want to know if the same civilian leadership roles available to retired officers are also available to retired senior enlisted personnel.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 20
I feel that the job options a leader has is based on experience, education, and how they market themselves. For the past 10+ years I have been planning for retirement and surfing various job sites including those at the state and local level. I discovered that I, being a Senior Chemical NCO/74D, qualify for several jobs based on my experience alone. There are other jobs that require a BA/experience. None of the jobs are at the CEO level and none were entry level positions either. Upon retirement what is it that the individual wants to do is a factor as well. Myself, for example, do not wish to be in charge of anyone or anything. By the time I retire I will have 30 years in uniform with over 20 of those years being in charge. After retirement I am not looking for a second career but for something to keep me busy. I have grandkids and I want to spend as much time as I can with them.
I know of some retired Senior NCOs who have worked hard and made it to the CEO level but they were driven and wanted a second career. A kid joins at 18-19yrs old + 20-22yrs in uniform = 38 to 40yrs old upon retirement. Some people feel that they are still young enough to seek out that second career.
As a leader I have told every individual I have ever served with, regardless of rank, that the day they join the Army is the day they must prepare to get out. Because tomorrow is promised to know one and if they were to get hurt and are unable to remain in uniform they must have a plan to survive.
I know of some retired Senior NCOs who have worked hard and made it to the CEO level but they were driven and wanted a second career. A kid joins at 18-19yrs old + 20-22yrs in uniform = 38 to 40yrs old upon retirement. Some people feel that they are still young enough to seek out that second career.
As a leader I have told every individual I have ever served with, regardless of rank, that the day they join the Army is the day they must prepare to get out. Because tomorrow is promised to know one and if they were to get hurt and are unable to remain in uniform they must have a plan to survive.
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PO2 Lewis Brockman
Not a senior nco but after 20 years as a election, I put another 20 in as a police officer, the last ten as chief.
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Honestly, it's about effectively branding yourself as you transition into the civilian sector. I know plenty of senior NCOs who became executives in private corporations. Plus let's face it, most senior NCOs exit with college credits and often with degrees. The problem with most TAP programs is that they do a horrible job of working on personal branding and carting truly good resumes for the civilian side. They are good at working with you for Federal jobs. Also, most folks try to match a civilian job to their MOS. However, the soft skills not included in your MOS can be some of your most valuable. I actually did an article on this for Every Veteran Hired - http://www.hangar30.com/2015/03/25/you-are-more-than-your-mos/ - and quite a few accomplishments can be pulled out of NCOERs. One thing I will say is that expectations need to be managed. For example, O-6s are not CEOs. CEOs have to actually raised money through investors or selling things. O-6s do not. As an E-9 (or O-6), you have management and leadership experience and you can draw on this and find a great position.
You Are More than Your MOS - Hangar 30 Inc
For many veterans, translating one's MOS to relate to the needs of civilian employers is a challenge. Here are some tips to prove you're more than your MOS
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The short answer is: Yes, But.
Specifically--There are not class differentiations outside the military so in order to compete at the same level as senior officers do when they retire, you must develop yourself by obtaining off-duty, civilian education, seeking out certifications, and finally, by crafting and shaping your transition message to ensure you are giving yourself credit for the scope and range of responsibility you had.
I've read a significant number of resumes from retiring senior enlisted leaders that contained words like, "advised, assisted, recommended, warned, etc." These words clearly tell a story of someone who has always "helped" the boss, but hasn't BEEN the boss. Post-retirement resumes for senior enlisted leaders should read, "managed, oversaw, led, directed, guided, shaped, etc."
If you (1) get educated and (2) bill yourself as a senior leader, civilian jobs are available.
Specifically--There are not class differentiations outside the military so in order to compete at the same level as senior officers do when they retire, you must develop yourself by obtaining off-duty, civilian education, seeking out certifications, and finally, by crafting and shaping your transition message to ensure you are giving yourself credit for the scope and range of responsibility you had.
I've read a significant number of resumes from retiring senior enlisted leaders that contained words like, "advised, assisted, recommended, warned, etc." These words clearly tell a story of someone who has always "helped" the boss, but hasn't BEEN the boss. Post-retirement resumes for senior enlisted leaders should read, "managed, oversaw, led, directed, guided, shaped, etc."
If you (1) get educated and (2) bill yourself as a senior leader, civilian jobs are available.
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