Infantryman (Airborne)
Infantryman (Airborne)
Posted on Aug 18, 2015
What job opportunities are best for an Infantryman/11B/grunt after being discharged?
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What are some fields and occupations where others have been successful? Is there anything that an 11B has been particular good at once they get into the civilian sector?
Or maybe even particular companies that really "get" what an 11B has gone though and taken the appropriate time and training to make them successful?
Any guidance or thoughts about Infantryman transitioning back into the workforce is welcomed.
Or maybe even particular companies that really "get" what an 11B has gone though and taken the appropriate time and training to make them successful?
Any guidance or thoughts about Infantryman transitioning back into the workforce is welcomed.
Posted in these groups: 
11B: Infantryman
11B1V: Airborne Ranger
11B2P: Infantryman (Airborne)
Transition
0311: Rifleman
11B: Infantryman 11B1V: Airborne Ranger 11B2P: Infantryman (Airborne) Transition 0311: Rifleman
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 96
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EVERYTHING is an opportunity for a Grunt. Whether digging ditches or becoming a litigation attorney (like I did), there is nothing you can't do. A good friend of mine in the Grunts eventually became Executive VP/CIO of Jos. A. Banks after going to school for IT. And of course my good friend John Baker, who retired as a Gunny and is now a criminal defense attorney and veterans' advocate. Don't settle for what profession others want to pigeon hole you into as a Grunt, just focus on what you want to do and do it. If you are a post-9/11 grunt you have plenty of education benefits and other resources to pursue your education. Don't lose the opportunity.
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SSG Michael Hathaway
SFC Stephen Smithers , congrats on your endeavour. I hope it does great. Being an old producer from Atari, I'll probably be hitting you up when I get out. :-)
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SPC (Join to see)
Just remember to finish school, or else you make up the difference out of your own pocket.
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It's very slim for infantry out there. When it comes to Law Enforcement, I have seen both sides - those who love infantry, and those who loathe infantry.
But I tell you this, unless going LE then have your resume say "Soldier/Team Leader/Manager" instead of "Machinegunner".
But I tell you this, unless going LE then have your resume say "Soldier/Team Leader/Manager" instead of "Machinegunner".
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MGySgt Clint Pearman
I once published a resume on Monster.com that only said "Infantry Operations Chief 0369 - Master Gunnery Sergeant - United States Marine Corps Retired. Capable of doing the unbelievable fairly easy, and the impossible with a little work". I had 11 recruiters or HR's respond. I took a position after a few discussions and more paperwork as the Director Leadership and Management Development. The point is the once thing we know as infantry unit leaders is how to lead and some of us can even teach it. The problem you have once you get out is that many position have an education requirement attached to it like a BA or BS. If you get out with a BA as an infantry leader that are tons of opportunities for you. In fact my company is recruiting them right now, I need about 8 - 10 that are trainable and coach able. If you want to work we are looking for health and wellness coaches that want to learn the trade.
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SGT Shawn Price
Almost forgot, I recently struggled to/finally completed an A.S. In hvac-r technology. Use ur "vet" status like a whore on nickle night. There are jobs out there that are zero customer Interaction type, like a refrigeration tech maintaining walk in coolers, reach in freezers etc. it pays good, is after hours and usually a solo or 2-3 man deal. Might wanna look into that. Hope this helps. Good luck and Airborne.
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SGT (Join to see)
I respect all the answers on my little shred of the thread - but I personally is in no need at this time. I am solid in a decent gig, and it's growing even steadier.
But one never knows. Never.
But one never knows. Never.
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Thank to everyone who responded. Hopefully this will help an 11B, Marine or any other service member seeking some professional direction from people who have had the experience. As SGT Joseph Curl stated, "Don't let what you do in the service determine what you do when you get out.” Here's a sample of your consolidated advise:
Go to School:
"If you are a post-9/11 grunt you have plenty of education benefits and other resources to pursue your education. Don't lose the opportunity.” - Sgt Mathew Meyer
"Don't let ACAP deter you. They're gonna say that the ditch digging, warehouse working or security guard are the options you have. Been there done that.” - SGT Jonathon Caldwell
Translate your resume:
- "... into number of people that you were responsible for and dollar
value of equipment that you were accountable for. They want to hear how you were able to coach, mentor, and develop … people bad-mouth ACAP but I believe you get out of it what you put into it. Using my NCOERs and OERs I was able to craft a pretty nice resume” - 1LT Scott Doyle
"Performing close quarters clearing of occupied Iraq is going to be less desirable to most employers then something that focuses on your levels of responsibility, time management, leadership, accountability, project (mission) completion” - Maj Chris Nelson
"Leadership, problem solving, being able to work on a team, being able to work independently, time management, the list goes on and on. Your resume will reflect the characteristics that the employer is looking for.” - SPC(P) Jay Heenan
"Get a resume together now. Use key words like lead, supervised, in charge of. Have somebody help you out with it that knows how to do resumes. Be truthful, but don't hold back on accomplishments. You have to stand out from Joe College.” - SGT William Howell
Some suggested occupations:
Sales and Operations: "Sales of the products you know and love to the customers you know and live to serve. Firearms, tactical supply, flashlights, optics ECT. I can tell you from experience, you make more money, love what you do and no one is shooting at you.” - SGM (Join to see)
"I have found that investigative and business oriented work love infantrymen. The dedication to duty, professionalism, and desire to lead are huge values in those areas” - Sgt William Biggs
Land surveying but stay away from retail: "retail has the potential to be a showstopper, the hours are not predictable and you must have a lot of patience. Surveying is similar to land navigation, easy to learn, and not very strenuous.” - SFC Michael Whipple
"Personal Trainer! You get a lot of respect, and people dig it... Fit, healthy bad ass that will whoop you ass in to shape!” - SGT George Romiti
"I say Law Enforcement is an excellent choice … Infantrymen make great law enforcement officers. You get to continue to serve your country and your community.” - 1SG (Join to see)
"Perfect fit for Security Officer at any Nuclear Facility. Also perfect for Police, Sheriff, Highway Patrol, and Corrections Officer. There is a lot of room for 11 Bang Bangs to promote and etc such as SWAT/CRT Teams, NMT, and so forth. Also Fire Fighters, EMT, etc. 11Bravos are first responder type material and will excel in these fields. Also perfect for the State Department, Border Patrol, DEA, Air Marshalls…The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is hiring 7,000 Correctional Officers NOW! Please do yourself a favor and start the application process now, as it takes about a year and a half to land the job.” - 1SG David Lopez
"I am part of a Security Force at Nuclear Facility. It pays very well and we are armed with M4s and M9s. We train often and shoot a lot. We have war games with blanks and SIMS, and even do battle drills” - CPT (Join to see)
Go to School:
"If you are a post-9/11 grunt you have plenty of education benefits and other resources to pursue your education. Don't lose the opportunity.” - Sgt Mathew Meyer
"Don't let ACAP deter you. They're gonna say that the ditch digging, warehouse working or security guard are the options you have. Been there done that.” - SGT Jonathon Caldwell
Translate your resume:
- "... into number of people that you were responsible for and dollar
value of equipment that you were accountable for. They want to hear how you were able to coach, mentor, and develop … people bad-mouth ACAP but I believe you get out of it what you put into it. Using my NCOERs and OERs I was able to craft a pretty nice resume” - 1LT Scott Doyle
"Performing close quarters clearing of occupied Iraq is going to be less desirable to most employers then something that focuses on your levels of responsibility, time management, leadership, accountability, project (mission) completion” - Maj Chris Nelson
"Leadership, problem solving, being able to work on a team, being able to work independently, time management, the list goes on and on. Your resume will reflect the characteristics that the employer is looking for.” - SPC(P) Jay Heenan
"Get a resume together now. Use key words like lead, supervised, in charge of. Have somebody help you out with it that knows how to do resumes. Be truthful, but don't hold back on accomplishments. You have to stand out from Joe College.” - SGT William Howell
Some suggested occupations:
Sales and Operations: "Sales of the products you know and love to the customers you know and live to serve. Firearms, tactical supply, flashlights, optics ECT. I can tell you from experience, you make more money, love what you do and no one is shooting at you.” - SGM (Join to see)
"I have found that investigative and business oriented work love infantrymen. The dedication to duty, professionalism, and desire to lead are huge values in those areas” - Sgt William Biggs
Land surveying but stay away from retail: "retail has the potential to be a showstopper, the hours are not predictable and you must have a lot of patience. Surveying is similar to land navigation, easy to learn, and not very strenuous.” - SFC Michael Whipple
"Personal Trainer! You get a lot of respect, and people dig it... Fit, healthy bad ass that will whoop you ass in to shape!” - SGT George Romiti
"I say Law Enforcement is an excellent choice … Infantrymen make great law enforcement officers. You get to continue to serve your country and your community.” - 1SG (Join to see)
"Perfect fit for Security Officer at any Nuclear Facility. Also perfect for Police, Sheriff, Highway Patrol, and Corrections Officer. There is a lot of room for 11 Bang Bangs to promote and etc such as SWAT/CRT Teams, NMT, and so forth. Also Fire Fighters, EMT, etc. 11Bravos are first responder type material and will excel in these fields. Also perfect for the State Department, Border Patrol, DEA, Air Marshalls…The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is hiring 7,000 Correctional Officers NOW! Please do yourself a favor and start the application process now, as it takes about a year and a half to land the job.” - 1SG David Lopez
"I am part of a Security Force at Nuclear Facility. It pays very well and we are armed with M4s and M9s. We train often and shoot a lot. We have war games with blanks and SIMS, and even do battle drills” - CPT (Join to see)
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