How do you go about applying classified Military training to a job search?

2016-02-19T09:34:30-05:00

When I was in the Navy, I was a Sonar Technician on Surface Vessels. Much of what was learned while at my training base was classified. So for the person who is getting ready to transition to civilian life, how do you apply training that involves classified information to a civilian job application without revealing classified information?

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Feb 19 at 2016 9:38 AM

2016-02-19T09:38:03-05:00

When it comes to military training, it sometimes happens where most of a job is classified. So while I can put on an application Sonar Technician (Geographic), I cannot put what that actually means. Furthermore when trying to convert military experience to college credits, the classified nature of the job field means that only the non classified portions of the training can be converted. So that is why I ask the question.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 19 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-02-19T09:46:52-05:00

I'm not sure of this reference but it may be worth checking out. They supposedly have a system to help veterans translate those skill. It was recommended to me by another veteran with the same issues you describe. Inasmuch as I'm retired/retired I don't have a need for it. I don't even know if it's free or fee based. Please let us know if you check it out and if it's worthwhile...

http://www.certavet.org/

Welcome

Certifiably Successful

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 19 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-02-19T09:46:52-05:00

I used to be an OS crosstrained in EW. STs were behind me in their cave. More recently, I was long term out at Subase Bangor. The maximum you can get out of your knowledge would be to work either for the Government or DoD contractor who makes/services the systems you're familiar with. Past that point, things start dropping off fast because you start comparing apples to oranges. One area to take a look at is the research organizations and oil companies who utilize sonar technology. Way out there would be treasure hunters. The problem overall is many military skill sets have limited commercial application but that has been changing over the past 10 years, especially in the IT crypto world.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 19 at 2016 11:26 AM

2016-02-19T11:26:34-05:00

It may be that your Navy technical skills don't apply to many civilian jobs. If you have id'd a civilian job that involve some of yr technical skills it may help to question the employer to find out exactly what it is the job entails you doing. Could you do that? Sometimes their views of a Sonar Tech are completely different from reality and vice versa. You might suggest some sort of a technical test or demonstration of sorts to illustrate your proficiency on various technology or programming, etc which would show the employer 'hey we can use that'. Maybe you can read and understand and apply complicated complex instructions, directions, procedures, etc which could be transferred to their needs. There might be some civilian type schools, courses, or certifications which the employer recognizes and which you can qualify for, or show a comparability to your service skills. 'Hey we can use that'. Best wishes in your new and next career.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 19 at 2016 11:45 AM

2016-02-19T11:45:24-05:00

I bet LTC Chad Storlie has good advice on this.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Feb 19 at 2016 12:08 PM

2016-02-19T12:08:55-05:00

I'm encountering the same problem working on my resume. I can't discuss what I did or the impact it had. I'm forced to be general and non-specific; it sucks because unless you transferring into the same career on the civilian side, they won't know what it is you actually did.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 1:31 PM

2016-02-19T13:31:21-05:00

You should be tailoring your resume to each job you apply to. See how they phrase the skills they are looking for and see it it's comparable to what you did. You don't have to be specific about what you did exactly however attempt to show what sort of processes you may be familiar with. I have a few base resumes geared towards different fields/jobs that are easy to tweak if need be for specific job postings.

I'm a Black Hawk Crew Chief in the National Guard and I finished my BSBA in Accounting last year. It may not seem like there's any correlation between Accounting and being a Crew Chief but there are aspects of my Guard job that I felt correlated well to skills employers were looking for.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 20 at 2016 5:56 PM

2016-02-20T17:56:57-05:00

Is what you learned still relevant? I worked with a lot of classified stuff, but it is no longer relevant to any job I had 20 years ago.

So can you back to your MOS and look at how it is worded for what is used to sell it to recruits? Sonar technician, challenging position working with cutting edge electronics (assuming you are looking to work on a ship) If you are not looking to work with sonar again, why go to such great worries if it isn't relevant. Held X clearance with background check is usually more than enough on a resume.

Response by PO2 Joshua Reid made Feb 21 at 2016 12:51 PM

2016-02-21T12:51:41-05:00

Follow the portal

Response by PO2 Joshua Reid made Feb 21 at 2016 12:56 PM

2016-02-21T12:56:09-05:00

I suggest taking total advantage of the Transition Assistance Program. Don't be lazy. Write, research, and analyze your job hunt to discover that in which employers are searching.

Response by MSgt Mike Weimer made Feb 25 at 2016 12:52 PM

2016-02-25T12:52:53-05:00

On a resume you simply state the level of the security clearance you had and whether it is current or expired. Use your training - do they have a need to know, the proper clearance, and are they authorized to see/hear it? If no to any of those it's like fight club you don't talk about it.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 25 at 2016 12:56 PM

2016-02-25T12:56:30-05:00

Well does your classified training have anything to do with the job you are applying for? If not, don't worry about it. If it does, you speak in generalities. I mean, the general purpose of SONAR most folks know. The details, they don't, and don't need to.

Response by TSgt Chuck Mankin made Feb 25 at 2016 1:01 PM

2016-02-25T13:01:21-05:00

I would say break it down to the root of the training. For example if you were taught how to make fake IDs you could say Created High Quality Official Documents.

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Feb 25 at 2016 1:34 PM

2016-02-25T13:34:22-05:00

You write your resume', or explain to your interviewer, that you were responsible forthe protection of an $800M piece of equipment, and your supervisor counted on your judgement to keep you, him, 600 others and the equipment safe based on a myriad of decision making tools. I had to build a "wiring diagram" for a prospective employer once, and it was pretty linear. The echlon above me said President and I was asked if this meant the CEO of the company. My job was a Strategic Air Command (SAC) senior command post controller, and I said yes. I pointed out to the interviewer that the word "President" was capitolized. His answer was "oh" and I think he had to go look up the protocol on why one would capitolize this word. I explained that I briefed and received direct instruction from the President and was resonsible for over $1B in mobile assets (36 aircraft) at six branch offices (six Air Force bases) and their dynamic and strategic execution impinged on my understanding of a pre-planned program where expediancy and accuracy was required.
Hope this helps.