Have you experienced city municipalities, county or state agencies having difficulty equating military service to civilian jobs?

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 11:27:12 -0500

I have a friend who applied for a city job with a city municipality. It was for a park security officer. The posting said six months experience in security with public access entertainment, recreational or amusement. So he applied stating he had enough sentry duty experience with the Marine Corps and Army reserve. His application was denied on the bases that it was not his regular job. They also stated they determined your primary job needed to be security or as an MP.

In my opinion this civil service department is devaluing his military service. And I'm not quite sure they understand or how to equate military service to a civilian job. IMHO someone who is from a combat arms or associated career field would be qualified for the position. Also we know that many individuals are assigned duties or assignments that are not your 'regular job'. Especially since many where plucked from their original duty to supplement what was needed in the war on terrorism. Like armorers being pulled for convoy security etc. Had a buddy in this situation as an example.

So how would you value an individual's experience let's say doing crowd management at a high school football game to an infantry solider or Marine in today's environment?

Response by TSgt David L. made Nov 14 at 2015 11:30 AM

TSgt David L. — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 11:30:48 -0500

The city has lost a good chance at a great hire. They have a narrow view of military service. Too bad they don't see it as a regular job.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 14 at 2015 11:48 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 11:48:53 -0500

No I have not personally experienced any difficulty like the one you described in your question MSgt Private RallyPoint Member.
I have never sought employment from a government agency - to be honest I spent more than enough time working for the Federal government in military service. The longer we are in the military the more varied experiences we tend to have. I can understand somebody with one or two tours in the military that was mostly spent overseas may have difficulty getting matched to a municipal job other that security; but, I would expect state government would be much better at matching military experience to required skills.