Have you carried any of your actual MOS relative training into your civilian careers?

Sgt Seth Welch — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 10:22:57 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2016 10:24 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 10:24:37 -0400

I was trained as a Medic many moons ago. I use those phlebotomy/IV skills daily in my civilian job.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2016 10:26 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 10:26:35 -0400

Yes. the leadership I learned is one of them. I also helped a car accident victim because of lifesaving techniques I learned as an infantryman.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 1 at 2016 10:26 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 10:26:43 -0400

Oh Yeah! CTO1 Cryptologic Technician Communications First Class. Right out of the Navy I went to work as a Network Analyst for H.L. Yoh contracted to Sprint for Quality Assurance/Test/Turn-Up of Fiber Optic Rings (Networks). Then as a Network Operations Specialist. Being my Primary job was COMSEC, I'm still doing Security just now Physical Security so I would say that my Past is still in Play.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Aug 1 at 2016 10:29 AM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 10:29:40 -0400

I was a 3C0X1 (turned 3D0X2). I have a degree in Information Assurance. Now I'm a sys admin and in a week, will be an IT Specialist in the VHA. So yeah. My AFSC carried over nicely into my civilian life.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Aug 1 at 2016 10:30 AM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 10:30:43 -0400

Greetings,
I find it very odd, my grunt training parallels my civilian small business. Just, without the end result of physical confrontation/destruction.
Economics is war appears to be correct.
M. Morris RVT

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2016 10:35 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 10:35:36 -0400

Yes I am NDI and I work with metallurgy and NDT in my "real life".

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Aug 1 at 2016 12:00 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:00:24 -0400

Personally I would say no. I have seen several other infantrymen on here say that they have used first aid, leadership, etc. that they learned but those are things that were taught to everyone no matter what their MOS. Using most infantry related skills in civilian life would result in spending some time in prison.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 1 at 2016 12:06 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:06:18 -0400

Actually I did. As a 12B, I learn a lot about explosives. As a professional guide, I used lots of explosives in building and clearing trails. Came in real handy.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 1 at 2016 12:37 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:37:37 -0400

Yes. As an Information Systems Technician I have worked strictly in the IT field since I got out. Multiple roles from Systems Administrator, to Deployment Tech (deploying new workstations), to Service Desk Analyst, to my current role as a Security Administrator.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 1 at 2016 12:42 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:42:49 -0400

My 92y training helps, and maintenance MOS helps too.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Aug 1 at 2016 12:46 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:46:14 -0400

Yes I was trained as a 68WM-6 which is an LPN and even though I also had a 4 year college degree I started as an LPN in a State Gov't job I worked my way up from there and am now retired!!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 1 at 2016 12:55 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:55:17 -0400

Surprisingly yes. I wanted to work a job that was similar to my MOS because I enjoy what I do. I did not expect to find a civilian job doing my exact MOS. I even had to reactivate my training profile to continue my certs/quals.

Response by SGT Christopher Bake made Aug 1 at 2016 3:02 PM

SGT Christopher Bake — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 15:02:44 -0400

I was on tanks and now I have a business degree and run a business. I in no way use any training I got from actual tanking. The mission planning, logistics, and training like that are used every day though.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2016 3:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 15:45:06 -0400

Not really. I use skills that I learned outside of the schoolhouse, like networking and presentation skills, every day though.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Aug 1 at 2016 6:12 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 18:12:39 -0400

Yes, In fact all of it transferred. An Air Force 241X0 Ground Safety Specialist/Technician/Manager transfers exactly to the civilian position of Occupational Safety and Health Specialist/Technician/Manager.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 1 at 2016 8:04 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 20:04:42 -0400

Every day since I retired and started civilian employment.
I was an Army Engineer and served in heavy construction units building roads, bridges, airfields, pipelines and all sorts of structures. So pretty much all elements of my MOS training have come into play.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2016 8:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 20:33:37 -0400

nope

Response by SPC George Kendrick made Aug 1 at 2016 11:15 PM

SPC George Kendrick — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 23:15:20 -0400

Not a single ioda, lol...I was a 31C single channel radio teletype operator...pretty outdated, archaeic equipment...thought they had phased that MOS out, but I see the 31C's are radio operators/maintainers now, just got rid of the teletype.

Response by SSgt Duane Meinen made Aug 2 at 2016 6:34 AM

SSgt Duane Meinen — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 06:34:13 -0400

My training as an electronics technician and diagnostician have helped me in several of my civilian jobs. Especially since the equipment I worked on was from the 1950/60's, I have a better understanding of the inner workings of some of the "Black box" systems that are out there. In my current position it has kept me ahead of my peers and employable. While being a part of my company's interviewing team, I have helped many men and women coming into the civilian sector understand that a lot of their non-technical skills, experiences and habits add value to their value as potential employees.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Aug 2 at 2016 7:14 AM

SFC Gary Fox — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 07:14:34 -0400

I had four different MOSs, but do not use the skills from any of those in my current position. I do use the leadership skills I learned and developed from the Army in my job daily.

Response by TSgt Michael Newman made Aug 2 at 2016 8:02 AM

TSgt Michael Newman — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 08:02:20 -0400

Absolutely. I was an turbine engine mechanic and UH-60 mechanic in the Army. I was a C-130 crew chief in the Air Force. Now I'm a safety Inspector for the FAA. The Army paid 75% for me while on active duty to get my Airframe and Powerplant License. No other employer would pay for that and give you a paycheck at the same time.

Response by CPT W Brown made Aug 2 at 2016 8:31 AM

CPT W Brown — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 08:31:20 -0400

Yes. Leadership.

Response by Sgt Daniel Dombrowski made Aug 2 at 2016 8:51 AM

Sgt Daniel Dombrowski — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 08:51:30 -0400

The short answer is "No."

My first four years were spent in amphibious assault vehicles (1833). I was shocked that the Ford Motor Company plant near me wasn't hiring for their amphibious assault vehicle product line. I went back in after two months out and did a lateral move to the Marine Corps Exchange (4133) thinking that would help me in the civilian sector. My thought process was gain experience in business and get a degree in business.

When I got out after my second four-year term, I got a job as a federally commissioned law enforcement officer and earned two B.A. degrees (Communications and Organizational Management). I'm currently working on a B.A. in Law Enforcement Administration with a minor in International Security and Military Studies. I guess my plans were subject to change.

I use a lot of the traits I learned in recruit training and NCO courses, but nothing from my actual MOS.

Response by SPC James Johnson made Aug 2 at 2016 9:02 AM

SPC James Johnson — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 09:02:25 -0400

Yes. MOS was 42F HR Information System Management, I now work for county government criminal courts as an Information System Coordinator.

Response by SFC Johnny Hastings made Aug 2 at 2016 9:02 AM

SFC Johnny Hastings — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 09:02:28 -0400

Yes I was a 76p. When I got out in 92 i went right in to Warehouse management.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 9:15 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 09:15:02 -0400

I was an Air Force Security Police officer (81X0). I transitioned to the corporate world first as an IT Security Manager and then to Director and Vice President of Corporate Security. My Air Force training and education helped me in the corporate world.

Response by PO1 Leon Berard made Aug 2 at 2016 9:18 AM

PO1 Leon Berard — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 09:18:20 -0400

I was a Tradevman E6 retired in 1973. Went to work for the US Naval Amphibious school as WG- 11 electronic mechanic to work with active duty Tradevman. I later held jobs as TV technician, Chief engineer of radio and TV stations. At age 65 I retired from Formosa Plastics as Chemical process operator.

None of this would have happened without the excellent training and experience provided me by the US NAVY

Response by CPO Bryan B. made Aug 2 at 2016 9:26 AM

CPO Bryan B. — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 09:26:36 -0400

Not at all. My military career was in a field that was mostly warfare and I didn't want to work for a beltway bandit, praying from one contract to the next. I went to college and became a paramedic which i enjoyed up until the time that I realized how the business ran (kind of like a beltway bandit on the local level). They used people until they had no more to give and then let them go. I was doing well (and staying as far away from the political BS as possible) until an injury that ended my career.

Response by SPC Missy Lee made Aug 2 at 2016 10:00 AM

SPC Missy Lee — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 10:00:55 -0400

I was a 62F crane operator. Unfortunately I have never touched a crane since I got out. :) I am a supervisory management analyst for the Army and nowadays only thing I operate is a computer....

Response by CPL William Harper made Aug 2 at 2016 10:15 AM

CPL William Harper — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 10:15:59 -0400

Absolutely! 92G was very transferable into the civilian sector! I worked in several high end restaurants in addition to using the managerial aspects in ministry! Team building was also useful as well as planning and production! Hope this helps you!

Response by MAJ Mark N. made Aug 2 at 2016 10:44 AM

MAJ Mark N. — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 10:44:39 -0400

Yes. First decade moving thru the officer ranks: leadership, organization, discipline. Second decade - functional area Public Affairs. Actual PA work daily including combat deployments. Experience, background and training put me on track for my current civilian career...post retirement.

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Aug 2 at 2016 11:02 AM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 11:02:27 -0400

Definitely. I was a computer technician in the Navy. Got out in 94. Still doing IT today.

Response by Cpl Adam Avitabile made Aug 2 at 2016 11:03 AM

Cpl Adam Avitabile — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 11:03:50 -0400

Yes, I was a 01 while I was Active Duty. I served as the Admin Chief for my company of Marines and this role directly transferred over to a career in Human Resources. It was a smooth transition.

Response by Sgt Ken Crouse made Aug 2 at 2016 11:21 AM

Sgt Ken Crouse — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 11:21:35 -0400

0311 in USMC so not a lot of rifleman skills transferred, but the larger issues of team work, work ethic, reliability, honesty are things that carry through a lot. I'm a consultant to the wireless industry doing real estate site development and am known for my integrity and problem solving skills - and there isn't another person who can outwork me... all of which I learned in the Marine Corps.

Response by PO3 Robert Bohner made Aug 2 at 2016 11:29 AM

PO3 Robert Bohner — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 11:29:00 -0400

Sure does, I was an Aircraft Electrician. Crossed right over

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 11:34 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 11:34:15 -0400

My 3 long dark years as a USAF Recruiter paid off for my current gig as a Veteran Service Officer. My "real" job in the USAF? Not as a Hydro/Air Refueling Specialist, but I could have applied to the BNSF Railroad as a Foreman using my Production Superintendent experience. The only difference was the experience working the KC-135 versus the Railroad Locomotives... once it got away from that, it was a line, by line description of a Flightline Pro Super. I just didn't want that 24/7x365 type of job, but I lucked out and landed a gig as a VSO.

Response by SPC John Lebiecki made Aug 2 at 2016 11:46 AM

SPC John Lebiecki — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 11:46:11 -0400

At the beginning, yes. Simply because I used it as a stepping stone to progress and expand my knowledge. Now, my work is primarily focused in the Network side.

Beyond the technical skills, I also have to admit that my problem solving and my time management skills have also carried over from the military.

Response by TSgt J.L. Brown Jr made Aug 2 at 2016 11:47 AM

TSgt J.L. Brown Jr — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 11:47:39 -0400

I was a aircraft weapons tech, now I knew loading bombs and missiles after the military was going to be slim after military, but spark chasing is a part of my job. When it comes to spark chasing I already knew how to do that. So I can't say yes.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 12:15 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 12:15:20 -0400

In a matter of speaking , I have. In the 70's it was mainframes, Cobol and Fortran. When the Desktop came my skills transferred to PC, DOS and Basic. Then LANs and WANs.

Response by SFC Richard Giles made Aug 2 at 2016 12:28 PM

SFC Richard Giles — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 12:28:34 -0400

I did with the job I had for about 2 months after I retired, which is why I'm not working for that company anymore.

Response by SP5 Barry Wahl made Aug 2 at 2016 12:33 PM

SP5 Barry Wahl — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 12:33:50 -0400

I was a 67P20 working on Army helicopters, went to Spartan School of Aeronautics and got my A&P license. Worked as a mechanic for many years, retired now.

Response by SN C J Brown III made Aug 2 at 2016 12:43 PM

SN C J Brown III — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 12:43:33 -0400

Through our Veterans Career Camp program FROM DEPLOYMENT TO EMPLOYMENT many of the Veterans carried their actual MOS into civilian employment. REMEMBER - It takes a Vet to know a Vet.

Response by SFC David Davenport made Aug 2 at 2016 12:58 PM

SFC David Davenport — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 12:58:42 -0400

Yes. General leadership experience and abilities translate over very well to the civilian world. In my case I work as a financial advisor now. The last few years of my military career I worked in Civil Affairs. There is a lot of direct crossover application of skills from one field to the other.

Response by LCpl Bradley Otto made Aug 2 at 2016 1:22 PM

LCpl Bradley Otto — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:22:56 -0400

As a Marine I bring all the training and leadership I was tau gu t into every environment I am in. The Corps taught me how to be a better man and whole person. I rely on honesty and integrity to help guide me. Problem solving comes with experiance and knowledge, if it doesn't work out.....call in artillery!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 1:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:31:00 -0400

Yes. My last three jobs as a contractor working on military aircraft!

Response by Cpl Richard Poplawski made Aug 2 at 2016 2:22 PM

Cpl Richard Poplawski — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 14:22:28 -0400

I was a baker in the Marines, not by choice, but because I signed up for a 3 year enlistment and couldn't get the school I wanted. (open contract means cook or grunt, nobody told me) Being a farm kid I had a work ethic already, but the leadership traits I learned working with KP's and other people who didn't want to be there taught me a lot. There is only one best way to do something, and we always looked for it. Still do until this day.

Response by CPT Craig Clark made Aug 2 at 2016 2:29 PM

CPT Craig Clark — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 14:29:03 -0400

I have a business degree and my PMOS was combat signal platoon leader. The Army sent me to Letterkenny Depot and game me a management analyst secondary MOS. Almost everything I did in university I did at Letterkenny. Great OJT and prep for the business world. I was very lucky

Response by CPO David Sharp made Aug 2 at 2016 3:17 PM

CPO David Sharp — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:17:22 -0400

As a Builder Chief from the Seabees, I have worked on, been leadman and Construction Manager for many projects. These were from small projects to multi-million dollar endeavors. Part of a team and individual responsible for many projects. My Military career has trained me very well to perform my professional life and succeed in a career path.

Response by SGT Aaron Sisk made Aug 2 at 2016 5:09 PM

SGT Aaron Sisk — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 17:09:53 -0400

I originally tried to get into Maricopa CountY Sheriff's Office, but failed to pass a physical. For the past couple years however, I have been working with a defense contracting company. I take new military vehicles out and push them to the limits via terrain tests, drive train test, combative vehicle maneuvers, and the like. In addition to that, I've managed to use my passion for photography and graphic design to complete the catalogs.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 5:13 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 17:13:36 -0400

Everyday: I am reserve legal administrator and work as a civilian for the Office of Soldiers Counsel as a paralegal in charge of my own office.

Response by PO2 Mark Lucier made Aug 2 at 2016 6:05 PM

PO2 Mark Lucier — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 18:05:31 -0400

While in the Navy my job was Hull tech, in 1980 when I was discharged I became a plumber not much work so I went into welding. I spent 24 years as a certified weldor from boilers, ship yard bridge and building components. At present my military job is still with me as a Certified Welding Inspector, so yes get a military job which can transfer to civilian life.

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Aug 2 at 2016 7:06 PM

SGT Tim Fridley — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 19:06:39 -0400

Yes as a mechanic many aspects of my MOS have transitioned into my civillian employment

Response by SPC Kevin Busto made Aug 2 at 2016 7:50 PM

SPC Kevin Busto — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 19:50:45 -0400

No, but yes. I don't work in the medical field, however I work on digital imaging systems that are incorporated in to endoscopes, XRay, MRI, Blood Analysis, DNa Sequencers, etc.

Response by SFC Derrick Graves made Aug 2 at 2016 8:01 PM

SFC Derrick Graves — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 20:01:57 -0400

As a former Infantry platoon sergeant/Recruiting Station Commander I was able to utilized those skill sets in obtaining a GS-11 position in Human Resources for the Civil Service.

Response by MSG Don Burt made Aug 2 at 2016 8:18 PM

MSG Don Burt — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 20:18:59 -0400

Straight Up! If it wasn't for my MOS training and electronics tech school afterwards, I would never have been accepted as a Quality Control Tech for GE Mobile Radio Dept., Bionetics AF PMEL Tech II, Manufacturers Rep company Field Engineer and as a NASA Sr. Electronics Equipment Specialist!

Response by SFC Scott Lachut made Aug 2 at 2016 9:15 PM

SFC Scott Lachut — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 21:15:22 -0400

I use all of my 20 years as a 88M4X Motor Transport Operator with Drill Sergeant/Instructor every day. I am now a Safety Director for a trucking company. I am in charge of all the hiring/firing, training and federal safety compliance for the company. The driver training is the same. The leadership and people skills are directly transferable. The ability to read regulations and enforce them are the same.

Response by MSG Jim Gawne made Aug 2 at 2016 9:30 PM

MSG Jim Gawne — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 21:30:48 -0400

In a very tangential way, yes. Long before you were around, I was trained to use the M-18 Field Artillery Digital Automatic Computer (FADAC) in the Honest John/Lance Fire Direction Computer school at Ft. Sill, OK. That training included a lot of theory, and a more than general understanding of the operation of a computer (Thank you, MSG Noeding.) As computers have advanced from that beast originally made by Magnavox in 1948 to the iPad I am using right now, the basic theory and operation have not changed. In my career now, I provide desktop support to physicians, nurses and all manner of hospital support personnel. In almost every repair, install or training that I perform, that information that I learned in 1974 comes into play.

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Aug 2 at 2016 11:16 PM

SGT Stanley Bass — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 23:16:30 -0400

I was a clerk typist by MOS. My last Military job I did flight, hotel, and rental car reservations for people coming in for training. When i chose to go to college I chose a major close to that. Now I use skills from both military and college. Doing supply and ordering. Keeping track of inventory, and scheduling shows for my business

Response by SCPO Carl Wayne Boss made Aug 2 at 2016 11:29 PM

SCPO Carl Wayne Boss — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 23:29:40 -0400

Yes I have Sgt. Welch, and have used the training I received in my military service specialty called Damage Control, almost every day during and since I was discharged from active duty in 1976.

I've also received additional training in the same and similar ratings, such as Firefighter, Fire Inspection & Prevention Technician, while a member of several different Reserve Components, which went a long way toward strengthening and enhancing promotability in my civilian Fire Service Jobs.

The Management and Leadership Training as well as being a trained and experienced Instructor from the Military also helped immensely. I worked for a number of years teaching Fire Prevention in local Junior Colleges and as an instructor in the Local Fire Dept. Academy.

All together I spent more than 35 years in the Regular U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Select Reserve, Arizona Air National Guard/U.S. Air Force Reserve... I retired as an E-8 and was in the top 5 on the E-9 promotion list. I also served for over 46 years in 7 different Fire Departments and retired at the Rank od Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention/Fire Marshal.

The thing is... you must carefully select you Military MOS so that it equates to something that you can use in civilian employ. Needless to say, if your MOS is hanging bombs or rockets on the wings of Fighter Aircraft, that doesn't translate very well to a civilian job.

But if you're an Airframe and Power plant mechanic for any kind of aircraft, whether fixed wing or rotary wing... you'd have a very good chance of finding work both as a Reservist and/or as a civilian airframe/power plant mechanic. I even got some training as an airframe and power plant mechanic myself while on Active Duty when I had some spare time.

Hope that answers your question to some degree Sgt.

Response by SPC Walt Mandeville made Aug 3 at 2016 12:37 AM

SPC Walt Mandeville — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 00:37:34 -0400

I was 05C, radio teletype operator. Typing that I learned in AIT is the most valuable skill I learned that helped me through 11 years of undergraduate, professional, and graduate school in college and a skill that I have used every day in my professional career as a veterinarian.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Aug 3 at 2016 12:50 AM

1LT Rich Voss — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 00:50:05 -0400

Sgt Welch, the answer is "sort of". I already knew how to drive a farm tractor and some heavy equipment prior to my service. So, having learned to drive a tank and other tracked vehicles during OCS helped me in civilian life operating way more kinds of heavy equipment. But the leadership training and practical daily work with the men under my command helped me move in to business management and have success there AFTER I left the steel mills. An office is a much safer/friendlier environment. Sadly, there are no civilian tank units, so I can't use ALL of my Tank Unit Commander skills. Too old now anyway, possibly.

Response by Cpl Tommy Salmon made Aug 3 at 2016 12:51 AM

Cpl Tommy Salmon — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 00:51:45 -0400

I am a good shooter and a prior service Marine. As a Texas State Trooper, I served as Firearms Instructor and taught Raid Entry to all the Troopers in my Region as well as to all the Narcotics Officers in my Region

Response by SGT Wayne Coulter made Aug 3 at 2016 2:30 AM

SGT Wayne Coulter — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 02:30:41 -0400

I was both Infantry (13.5 years) and Military Police (14.5 years) during my 28 years total in service. I'm retired now (since 2008), and I got involved in WWII Living History doing an Infantry Impression. I'd been retired for not quite a year when I began doing this, setting up displays to educate the public about WWII and paying homage to our WWII Veterans. After doing this for four years after my retirement, I ran across someone who knew me as an MP and asked me to head up the MP section for Patton's Third Army Living Historians out of Texas. Since 2012 I've been working with this group doing public displays. Not quite civilian employment, but I am still using and teaching my skills as an MP.

Response by PO2 Suzan Reed made Aug 3 at 2016 3:52 AM

PO2 Suzan Reed — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 03:52:43 -0400

Yes, I was an electronics Technician and also an electrician, then I got out and worked for Xerox as a service technician and Hughes Air Company as a Support Systems Engineer.

Response by Cpl Michael Crowley made Aug 3 at 2016 4:23 AM

Cpl Michael Crowley — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 04:23:30 -0400

I am a 0653 Data Network Supervisor, Marine Corps and I'm a 25N Joint Nodal Network Operator - Maintainer. Everything that I could be working with would be directly applicable, but nobody with consider me without validations for my nine years of experience.

Response by PO2 Michael Fiel made Aug 3 at 2016 5:57 AM

PO2 Michael Fiel — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 05:57:26 -0400

See https://usmap.cnet.navy.mil/usmapss/static/formsdocs.jsp
The department of labour has a list of rates, MOS or NEC that transfer to civilian equivalent
And the department of education can cross over training to college equivalent courses for a associates degree
And yes I have used my training in past and current jobs

USMAP Self-Service System

Response by SGT Frances Richardson made Aug 3 at 2016 6:25 AM

SGT Frances Richardson — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 06:25:38 -0400

Nope bit I've technically only been out for six days now. Working harder at getting into school than I am finding a job.

Response by SGT Monica Brooks made Aug 3 at 2016 7:09 AM

SGT Monica Brooks — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 07:09:45 -0400

Yes. My military experience and specialty were applicable to my career outside of the military.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Aug 3 at 2016 7:35 AM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 07:35:47 -0400

The only thing I carried over was my leadership skills. As a grunt, not much of my skills were needed in my job. Leadership skills, yes.

Response by SSG Donald Duplessis made Aug 3 at 2016 8:17 AM

SSG Donald Duplessis — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 08:17:03 -0400

Absolutely! I started out my career as a 36C. This involved lots of telephone related work. Everything from climbing poles and running cable to fixed plant construction and installing telephones. My goal at the time was to go to work for some telephone company when I retired. Loved telephone work.
At the mid-way point in my career, I had an opportunity to reclassify into a new MOS the Army had developed. They needed technicians to maintain their new mainframe computer systems. Maybe some of you remember the DAS3 systems? The new MOS was 34C. So the second half of my career was working IT (Information Technology). While working in this MOS, I took the opportunity to obtain my BS in Computer Science with the University of Maryland.
After Desert Shield, I took an early out, retired and barely got out of my uniform when I was hired by a university to maintain it's computing equipment. While there, I also assisted on the telecommunications side of the house.
A few years later a new opportunity came my way. A job that doubled my salary the moment I walked through the door. I am the senior computer operations technician for a large state government agency. Because of my background in telecommunications, I also oversee the communications operations.
So much of what I learned while on active duty I have used throughout my civilian career. A few more years and I'll retire again. I'm going fishing!

Response by SGM Bill Johnson made Aug 3 at 2016 8:54 AM

SGM Bill Johnson — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 08:54:34 -0400

Yes, for a year. My third and last MOS was Counterintelligence Agent and after I retired I got hired as a Senior Analyst. But I have found that if your civilian education level does not match the level of responsibility that you had in the military (I retired as a Sergeant Major but only have an Associate's Degree) you will be at a severe disadvantage. I really need a Master's Degree to get the same level job as I had in the Army. My worst mistake was neglecting my college education.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Aug 3 at 2016 9:19 AM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 09:19:04 -0400

I did. My 3 years of 71R20(Broadcast journalist) work with AFN TV and radio in West Berlin was critical in working in that field for more than 20 years. While I am no longer in that biz I still follow it through blogs, broadcasting websites and Facebook.

Response by GySgt Ed Gartland made Aug 3 at 2016 9:55 AM

GySgt Ed Gartland — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 09:55:44 -0400

Shortly after I joined the Marine Corps I was PCSd to Ft Meade, MD for Thai and Lao language training. Along the way I picked up intel analysis/reporting. After 10 years active duty I went in and out of various reserve units where my 0231/0251/2629/2643 MOSs came in handy. Finally returned to Ft Meade as a DOD civilian. Retired as a GS14 and a E-7.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 10:05 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 10:05:17 -0400

Absolutely! Inside of the Marine Corps I was an aviation maintenance data specialist, now after being out I am a desktop support analyst for a very large corporation in upstate NY. I am also pursuing my bachelors degree in management information systems, which is very largely associated to what I was doing inside of the military (just now I will have a degree to show for it). Almost all aspects of my MOS have carried over (e.g. logistics, data entry, analyzing data, etc. and of course the soft skills necessary to be an effective leader/team player) to my current position. In fact, the training and certifications I had received in the Marine Corps had helped me get my current position.

Response by CPL David Zeigler made Aug 3 at 2016 10:35 AM

CPL David Zeigler — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 10:35:06 -0400

Absolutely, first few jobs when I seperated were directly in the Satcom field. My army training and empahsis with technology/electronics has stayed with me throughout the last 16 years.

Response by SGT Michael Kugler made Aug 3 at 2016 10:48 AM

SGT Michael Kugler — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 10:48:37 -0400

100% without question. One of, if not the greatest and smartest things I ever did. 35H with endless employment opportunities when I left. No longer work in the field as we bought a resort here in Branson, MO. but I never forget the wonderful kickstart in life the Army gave me.

Response by CW2 Roy Allen made Aug 3 at 2016 10:49 AM

CW2 Roy Allen — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 10:49:01 -0400

civilian's really do not relate because most of this country has never served or cares!!!!!!!!!
One of the major problems with this give this country away to foreign nations and people
democrat administration

Response by SGT Bruce Miller made Aug 3 at 2016 11:17 AM

SGT Bruce Miller — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:17:35 -0400

Not much use for a mortar crew member on the outs

Response by SGT Tony Muro made Aug 3 at 2016 11:17 AM

SGT Tony Muro — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:17:36 -0400

I went from a Field Artillery Surveyor to a LiDAR Mapping Surveyor. It was a dream job for a single guy.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Aug 3 at 2016 11:38 AM

MSgt Brian Williams — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:38:19 -0400

Yes. I actually had the same job as an MSgt that I took as a civilian. Same office, same desk.

Response by SSG Wayne NeSmith made Aug 3 at 2016 1:01 PM

SSG Wayne NeSmith — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 13:01:46 -0400

Got hired on by the Veterans Affairs Police based on my years as a Military Policeman.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Aug 3 at 2016 4:41 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 16:41:11 -0400

I was a 63B30 wheel Vechicle mechanic and I got a Job working on heavy trucks gas and Diesel Equipment .

Response by Sgt John Utpadel made Aug 3 at 2016 6:14 PM

Sgt John Utpadel — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:14:08 -0400

Yes, I was an Avionics Guidance and Control Systems Specialist, and When I started civilian employment I was an avionics tech. I worked my way up to an Avionics Master Technician, and then an Avionics Manager.

Response by LTC Erik Spike Thiesmeyer, Sr. made Aug 4 at 2016 1:39 PM

LTC Erik Spike Thiesmeyer, Sr. — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:39:01 -0400

Yes, every day. I was trained and served as both an airplane and helicopter pilot. I have my FAA Airline Transport Pilot rating and work full-time as a helicopter pilot in the oil & gas industry. Additionally, I work part-time flying a corporate jet. I could not have achieved either of those things without my military service and training. Oh sure, I could have borrowed the money and got my ratings, but nothing could have given me the experience of military flight hours, especially overseas in a combat zone, over 20 years worth. Add to this years of leadership and operations experience and I find myself doing things in a military manner all the time.

Response by SGT Lee Hopkins made Aug 4 at 2016 4:13 PM

SGT Lee Hopkins — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:13:11 -0400

I was a E5 with the MOS of 62J General equipment operator. Backhoe, Front end loaders Dumps....
I ETS'ed in 89 i put my applicaiton in well over 30 constructions companys in Texas (dallas, houston, austin) i got the same response from 90% my experience in the military had no reflection on civilian projects. Now I am a computer programmer, but I miss the equipment.

Response by SGT James Taylor made Aug 5 at 2016 7:04 AM

SGT James Taylor — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 07:04:40 -0400

I've managed ,over the last 18 years since I got out, to use (or find use for) almost every aspect of my military training. I was a 52D Power Generation repair and distribution. As such I had quite a bit of free time to learn other jobs in the Army and in the motorpool. Of course I learned how to drive large trucks, maintain and repair just about anything that had moving parts and wire up/reconfigure and distribute power to all those who wanted it. While stationed in Germany, I did that more than anything, but the LT's fought over me because not only was I a hell of a "Fix it Guy", I was also fluent in speaking German, so they wanted a translator every time we went to the field.
When stationed with the 101st, I got to learn a lot more. Took many different classes such as TacSat, EOD, radio repair and programming and of course Air Assault and Wilderness Survival.
When leaving the Army, I actually had a job lined up with the Sheriffs Department, but that didn't work out, so I took a job driving a big truck coast to coast for a couple years and got to see our great country first hand. My military posture and security clearance actually came in very handy, so I got to haul quite a few military loads and since I still had a military frame of mind, many customers requested me for repeat business.
Once I decided to settle down, I filed a job application and resume with a temp service to find decent paying job and had 4 offers in industrial repair and maintenance. I worked that job to pay the bills and as soon as my house was paid for, I quit and started in motorcycle repair.
Today I am half owner in a motorcycle shop, where I've seen a lot of active duty, retired and many disabled veterans come through just trying to find their way in life. Many of them are in need of a friend who understands, where they've been, what they've seen and sometimes just a shoulder to cry on. 18 years later, I find myself gone full circle and I'm now getting into Veteran Support. I still have the bike shop, but when ever I find a Veteran in need, I know who to send him to and I can stop what I'm doing, buy him a beer and listen to his story.
In almost every aspect of my life, today, I can be thankful for my military training. It truly has guided me to where I am today.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Aug 5 at 2016 11:08 AM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 11:08:58 -0400

Yes. I am an LVN and got a job as a Nursing Supervisor. Great transition.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Aug 5 at 2016 12:54 PM

SSG Jeremy Sharp — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 12:54:02 -0400

Each and every day. There is little difference in being a police officer in the military and in the civilian society if one approaches the role as a guardian, protector and defender with the mindset of serving the public for the good of order.

Response by LCpl Jessica Hall made Aug 7 at 2016 1:27 AM

LCpl Jessica Hall — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 01:27:49 -0400

Nope!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 8 at 2016 11:15 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 11:15:11 -0400

Plenty for me. Documentation, inventory, troubleshooting, and the list keeps going if one can word it right.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 8 at 2016 1:00 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 13:00:59 -0400

Yes, 66S transfers directly to civilian critical care nurse.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Aug 8 at 2016 11:34 PM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 23:34:29 -0400

My USAF Security Forces (formerly Security Police) background was parlayed into a Federal civilian law enforcement career with DHS; 3 years as a Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Officer, 2 years as an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent. The various overseas contracts I've worked in the past 5 years were also thanks in no small part to my USAF SF experience.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 3:41 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 03:41:24 -0400

God no, not even a little. I wanted to for sure, but loadmaster jobs are few and far between and I didn't want to be LE or an armed courier. Used the GI bill instead- ended up doing a double major in middle eastern studies and journalism. Now I'm in law school.

Response by SFC Dave Parker made Aug 10 at 2016 6:02 AM

SFC Dave Parker — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 06:02:56 -0400

The TEST MEASUREMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SPECIALIST (94H formerly 35H) MOS translates very well to a civilian career. Nearly all metrology labs insist on military PMEL (TMDE) school or equivalent training or experience. There are several national and regional calibration services companies, along with most internal corporate labs, that prefer military training. The school, currently at Keesler AFB, is one of the few places in the nation that provide this highly specialized training.

Response by SSG Stephanie Somers made Aug 12 at 2016 10:08 PM

SSG Stephanie Somers — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 22:08:27 -0400

I feel I use my military intelligence training MORE in my civilian business than I did while I was in. I was always a bit miffed that I felt like I'd learned more in training than I ever really got to apply on day-to-day mission work. Now, as an Innovation Strategist for freelancers and coaches, I can readily use everything I learned from reporting to data mining to the way analysts are taught to consider information on a daily basis to help my clients.

Response by Sgt Gabriel Benavides made Aug 22 at 2016 8:04 PM

Sgt Gabriel Benavides — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 20:04:58 -0400

I was an 0861 Forward Observer, and nothing in my military MOS transferred. The only thing is a personal like for teaching, which you may already know as you pick up rank you really don't have a choice in wether you want to teach or not, you just do it. But, had and still have the knack for teaching, so that trait serves me well in my field of education. A hard lesson I learned was how everyone says your leadership skills and your discipline will make you attractive to employers, while that may be true to some extent, it is not an end all factor, what employers want is can you do the job, do you have the experience and the qualification to do the job. So make arrangements well ahead of time to acquire the skill and or education you need.

Response by MAJ Frank VansEvers made Aug 28 at 2016 8:50 PM

MAJ Frank VansEvers — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 20:50:50 -0400

yes

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2023 8:51 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 May 2023 20:51:53 -0400

Nope, haven’t used a single bit of my training since I left the US Navy. Where am I going to go as a submarine Independent Duty Corpsman??? What a waste of training and experience. Oh well, retired in 2002 and just traveled and relaxed ever since…