How does your military service affect your post military career?

2019-05-16T08:38:32-04:00

I have had two breaks in service so far. I have been on law enforcement, security, and management across a few different agencies and companies. One thing that I learned is that no one really considers your prior military service as a credential for most civilian occupations. It's the same issue why service members have difficulty writing resumes. Honestly no one cares that you are at Pathfinder qualified when they are trying to buy a house. Now in the past I liked to hire veterans because they have a very solid work ethic. It doesn't matter what their job was. Just because someone has a badge doesn't mean they will be a good employee.

What have you seen when you transitioned or as a civilian?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 16 at 2019 8:41 AM

2019-05-16T08:41:15-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Positively: I am a PROFESSIONAL SINGER!

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made May 16 at 2019 8:41 AM

2019-05-16T08:41:25-04:00

This is definitely an issue. It took me awhile and a lot of help to translate military experience to civilian “speak” to put on the resume.

Response by COL Gary Gresh made May 16 at 2019 10:25 AM

2019-05-16T10:25:04-04:00

While it may be true that military service is difficult to paraphrase in a resume it still is a plus when talking in the interview. Vets are more self assured, more mature and know how to better express themselves. That’s not ego but rather well developed leadership skills that only the military can provide. I managed to land a very good position in a company after my retirement, worked my way up the ladder in the civilian company and eventually became their Vice President for HR AND SAFETY. I then became the chief hire person for the company. I always loved interviewing vets of all ranks. They almost always had their act together, knew how to report for the interview on time and dressed appropriately. They got hired.

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made May 16 at 2019 11:18 AM

2019-05-16T11:18:06-04:00

Employers do care about "soft skills" experience and how the military experience has a very positive impact on most when it comes to things like you mention "work ethic", commitment, team player, the ability to learn and adapt quickly, taking initiative, critical thinking, excel in diverse environments, security clearance, accountability. These are a few examples of attributes that most employers really care about and the expectation is they will find these qualities in most military Servicemembers or Veterans.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 16 at 2019 11:26 AM

2019-05-16T11:26:32-04:00

The only time I think about my military career is in this forum.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made May 16 at 2019 1:27 PM

2019-05-16T13:27:19-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I am retired/disabled, so I would say my military career greatly affected my post military career.

Response by SSG Matthew Koehler made May 25 at 2019 11:16 AM

2019-05-25T11:16:24-04:00

I have found that employer(s) do not accommodate disabled vets.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 25 at 2019 9:27 PM

2019-05-25T21:27:48-04:00

Leadership can’t be taught in a college class.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 18 at 2021 11:49 AM

2021-05-18T11:49:34-04:00

I live outside an Army Base, use the PX and Commissary, it isn’t really cheaper but it isdoing my part.
I paid $12 plus tip fora haircut on base, doubled in the past year.