Posted on Dec 27, 2013

MOS pipeline to the civilian world

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If you were to create a pipeline of military specialties that have some direct skill sets that relate to the civilian world, what would that pipeline look like?<div>A few examples that come to mind for me are logistics specialists to companies like FedEx, aircraft/vehicle maintenance troops to the automotive or airline industry, security forces to physical security companies, and civil engineering troops to construction firms.  I'm looking for more abstract examples you might be able to think of.  As military members, we have a tremendous amount of skill sets at our disposal.  What direct relation can you see these skills being used in a specific company or industry?</div>

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Edited 11 y ago

Posted 11 y ago

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Responses: 6

SGT Ben Keen

Posted 11 y ago

Companies are already working on things like this. The problem is that while a lot MOS skills can translate fairly easy, the civilian world doesn't always understand how to best go about looking.

I've spoken to several transitioning Veterans and they keep repeating the same thing; "how do I put that in terms they'll understand?" For example, I was a 25Q Multi-Channel Transmissions Operator Maintainer. When I went through the "wonderful" ACAP program, they kept pointing me be an antenna installer. But I knew my skills with networking planning and management could get me a better job. Thankfully, I found a Marine who was willing to help out an Army guy like me and together we sat down, went over my duty description and I was able to secure employment.

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Capt Brandon Charters

11 y

Glad you kept pushing for bigger and better things. We all should. One of the great advantages of RP is that most of us are connected to folks from previous units with similar MOSs. To those veterans who have made the successful jump, it's great to be able to reach out and ask them, "how'd you do it"? I think we all know MOS or skill translator gadgets don't work. Find the right people who have successfully made the transition and pick those brains.

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SGT Ben Keen

11 y

I totally agree with you Brandon. That is why when I learned about this site back in the early summer I signed up right away. We all have had different walks in life, no one person has all the answers but together we are able to move mountains just like we did in our units.

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SGT Ben Keen

11 y

I also think its important that the Veteran remains completely engaged while looking for a job. I know it can a hard pill to swallow being on a job site and throwing 100s of resumes at different positions and not getting a call, but if that Veteran stops, he/she is giving up on him/herself. And you know know, the next application could result in an interview and that could lead to an offer.

You really need to look over your resume, make it work FOR you. Don't sale yourself short! We all have worked in small and large teams with a diverse group of people in a highly stressful position. NCOs and Officers have mid-level to senior-level management skills. Lower enlisted have a proven record of working well with little supervision. And the list continues. Don't expect the company to come look for you. Seek them out. Got to hiring events dressed for success and plenty of copies of your resume. Yes, it's great to have programs like the "Hire Heros" program and other national programs but in the end, the company wants a good, solid, reliable employee; you have to show them that you are worth their time, effort and money to bring on board, training and pay for your skills.

Sorry, getting off my soapbox now.

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SGT (Join to see)

11 y

Excellent response!!

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CMC Robert Young

Posted 11 y ago

Sir, the Coast Guard has a number of rates/MOSs that parallel civilian career tracks in the maritime world, aviation, law enforcement, IT and logistics. With respect to each, there are already required skill development courses which lead to military job certifications that closely align with civilian professional licensing requirements. It is not uncommon for cutter sailors, small boat operators and marine engineers to have concurrent military certifications and civilian maritime licenses. The same can be said for aviators and IT folks who routinely obtain training through the military which allows them to challenge regulatory exams for various bodies that sanction individual professions.

I think the problem is that very often people on both sides of the coin, military & civilian, don't realize or recognize how closely some military skill sets align with outside world; or if they do, they don't understand how to go about obtaining the appropriate civilian licenses or certifications.

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