Defense Sector versus the civilian (business) sector, for those that have transitioned out, what were the benefits of your choice?

2015-02-11T11:03:29-05:00

I am trying to determine which career path is the best option for a soldier with 12 years of varied service. Personally getting out of the military is somewhat disconcerting, as I love the fast pace varied environments that serving in the military has put me in. I see defense sector jobs for a civilian company as something that allows me to get a position that may be closely aligned with what I currently do, allowing me to leverage my clearance and experience to a higher degree. However my concern is that it will limit my growth potential and I may be “stuck” at a certain level. I look at the civilian sector as doing something that would be completely different, my experience as a leader and manager can be leveraged, but that is all; however I assume that this path offers the best opportunity for growth positions based on performance. Please share your thoughts on what your experiences are, I know that the path will be my own, but I always appreciate input.

To caveat, I am not voluntarily considering leaving the Army, there is significant chance that I will be medically chaptered out, but it has not been determined yet.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 4:56 PM

2015-02-11T16:56:29-05:00

Prepare to start over unless you go into defense contracting. I hear over time you move up.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Feb 11 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-02-11T17:23:02-05:00

I got caught in the Drawdown after Desert Storm. I decided to look at the civilian sector. The State has been very good to me.

Response by Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP made Feb 11 at 2015 6:11 PM

2015-02-11T18:11:47-05:00

CPT Diaz, "the best option" is utterly dependent on your priorities - I don't believe there are any "one size fits all" truisms about finding employment after leaving active duty.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the translation of your military-based knowledge, skills, and experience matched to the needs of an employer. Almost certainly, the translation will be much easier for a defense contractor working in an area that aligns with your skills, which will typically lead to more interviews, offers, and ultimately a higher salary simply because you're recognized as something other than entry level.

That said, the civilian sector is generally open to being convinced in certain circumstances, but you may well need to invest greater effort to both do the translation as well as helping the employer understand the translation is accurate.

In both cases, networking is vital and, in my experience, the deciding factor. I've had 3 employers since retiring in 2007 - all were as a result of networking (vice applying for jobs).

An additional consideration is the reality of being a support contractor - I routinely work with active duty military or other Govt civilians who have significantly less knowledge and experience than I do, but who ultimately are the decision-makers, regardless of what advice I provide. I know more than a few folks who go absolutely crazy dealing with this reality.

My somewhat limited (2 years) in the civilian sector taught me that many of the communication skills I believed made me effective were enormously intimidating to folks without a military background and that trusting others to do their job was not a particularly effective management tool.

In other words, the answer depends on you - which is the great thing about it. Approach the transition with humility, a strong sense of who you are and where your priorities lie, and an openness to embracing a new way of life and you'll do fine whichever path you take. Good Luck!