Why is perspective important? Do veterans have a perspective advantage in the civilian workforce?

Sgt Matt Medhat — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 08:19:23 -0400

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 10 at 2021 9:02 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 09:02:11 -0400

Perspective is multi-faceted. The ability to consider an effort from the perspective of the various groups involved gives the commander (manager) information to choose a path that can be defended. The force commander (corporate management) directs the mission. It is important for the on the scene unit commander (local management) to understand where this mission (task) fits into the overall theater (corporate) objectives. The local commander (manager) must then evaluate the forces (workers) he has to accomplish the mission. By communicating the necessity of the mission to the local forces (branches and workers) he can then understand and communicate local capabilities and shortfalls to upper management to gain any augmentation required, or if necessary, justify revision to the plan to ensure success.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Apr 10 at 2021 9:27 AM

SSG Samuel Kermon — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 09:27:50 -0400

I think so. We are trained to improvise, adapt, and overcome. This works well 8n the civilian environment. Oohrah...

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Apr 10 at 2021 9:29 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 09:29:46 -0400

We do, I believe. We are taught from day one that the only thing that matters is we function and survive as a unit. Sometimes that unit is just one person. We know our objectives and goals and set out to accomplish them. Most civilians only care about three people, me, myself & I.

We have a better grasp on the things happening around us and know how we should handle most situations.

Just my 3 cents worth..

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 10 at 2021 11:03 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 11:03:04 -0400

As much as opinions so far point out the positive aspects, there are negative ones as well that Vets have to deal with. First, the the civilian workplace is different than what you grew up with and Vets have varying degrees of success shifting the flag to the new norm. Perspectives of how it could be collide with how it is. Prospective employers want to know how you'll enhance their operation and not hear about how you'd militarize it. The management chain is looser than the MIL Chain of Command. That doesn't make it bad. It makes it more suitable to the overall makeup of the work force. Vets are a minority in general, save for the ones who band together to make coffee, beer, and other enterprises. So for whatever advantage MIL perspective has, it will be offset by the inability to shift the perspective to accepting reality and then optimize on that. I had to balance dual realities in my position as a Reserve O-6 working as a CIV in the same Navy organization with the same bosses. You see the collisions of perspective every day in these blended organizations. I did 27 years of that and can assure you neither side being "fixed" are not options in our culture. There is better blending and cultures closer together in places like Israel, which in the best of times, maintains a national wartime footing. Understanding the differences and lending your strength to help things more forward every day is what's important. The rest of the stuff will fall in line as you go.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 10 at 2021 12:53 PM

SFC Stephen King — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 12:53:14 -0400

Perspective or our unique perspective has both advantages and disadvantages. This all relies on balance. Insight and what one has experienced is essential to perspective. Personally, I felt my experiences have been invaluable to my employment. Just my perspective

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 10 at 2021 4:53 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 16:53:44 -0400

That’s a pretty broad question.

Response by CMSgt Marcus Falleaf made Nov 21 at 2021 8:36 AM

CMSgt Marcus Falleaf — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 08:36:12 -0500

I believe so... When I came out of the Corps at barely 21, I had seen the best and the worst in leadership and competence. I never had a bad leader in the Corps but, being on a joint command base, I saw my share at a young age. Everything seemed easy after the Corps, my job in a foundry, part-time college, family, etc. Now, I've had my share of problems but between God and military experience, I've been able to deal with them.