How has your prior service set you up for success ?

SSgt Obom Bowen — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 20:19:36 -0500

Whats your best TIP you can share for others.

Response by SSgt Obom Bowen made Mar 11 at 2016 8:31 PM

SSgt Obom Bowen — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 20:31:58 -0500

Thanks SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas What do you believe is your #1 attribute?

Response by 1LT A. Uribe made Mar 12 at 2016 11:48 AM

1LT A. Uribe — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 11:48:02 -0500

Helped me get a GS-13 federal government job.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Mar 12 at 2016 7:16 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 19:16:58 -0500

Now that I've been in the civilian work force for the past 5 years, I can say the following (in no particular order)...

1. Punctuality

Those of us who have worked in the civilian work force after having served can tell you that one thing civilian employers LOVE is our punctuality. Showing up late for work is just as much of a pet peeve for a civilian employer has it is for a military CoC.

2. To whine or not to whine, that is the question

OMG all the whining that goes on at work! They whine, whine, whine, but offer very little or absolutely no solutions. Another thing civilian employers love about veterans is our ability to make suggestions on process improvement instead of simply crying about how works sucks.

3. (and it's already been said) Tenacity

When at first you don't succeed, retreat, regroup, and go on the attack again; never give up!

Response by Cpl Christian Troy made Mar 15 at 2016 7:42 AM

Cpl Christian Troy — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 07:42:42 -0400

our unique mentality is something Civvies don't know how to deal with; prepared, on time (30 min early), always at the fore front, hard charging to a fault. Most employers like the spirit and balance we bring.

Response by LCpl Darin McCann made Mar 15 at 2016 10:52 AM

LCpl Darin McCann — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 10:52:36 -0400

It has really helped me in regards to managing employees. I learned in the Corps to expect a great deal out of people, and to help create an environment in which they can succeed. You are only as good as the people you need to take you there, so it's imperative they are in a winnable climate.

Response by Sgt Ronnie Mack made Mar 15 at 2016 11:34 AM

Sgt Ronnie Mack — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:34:21 -0400

The Marine Corps. Truly allowed me to adapt and over come!

Response by SSgt Obom Bowen made Mar 15 at 2016 6:21 PM

SSgt Obom Bowen — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 18:21:43 -0400

Excellent points LCpl Darin McCann thank you for sharing Marine. S/F

Response by SSgt Obom Bowen made Mar 15 at 2016 6:27 PM

SSgt Obom Bowen — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 18:27:36 -0400

Great points, from you all thanks for taking the time to share S/F

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 6:30 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 18:30:02 -0400

I entered the Air Force at age 17 right out of high school.

I left with experience as a civil engineer, a cartographer, and a manager. I also earned a BS in Engineering while in the Air Force.

As a 1LT I filled a major's slot as the person responsible for approx 1300 people producing a product in 3 locations, plus another group who did quality assurance on the product. The budget (in the early 70s) was more than 3 million dollars (not including personnel costs)

Yes, my military experience prepared me for the civilian work force.

Response by Capt Terry Fillmore made Mar 15 at 2016 7:42 PM

Capt Terry Fillmore — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 19:42:10 -0400

The Marine Corps prepared me for the outside world by teaching me self-discipline. In addition, the Marine Corps taught me to set goals and then work until those goals are met. Both of those characteristics helped me to make a difference in students' lives as I taught my math students how to be disciplined, as well as how to set goals. Those characteristics have also helped me as I coach cross country and track.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 7:57 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 19:57:53 -0400

self discipline and a level of professionalism when dealing with different people. of course, most of us aren't going to like/love EVERY person you work around, but being able to maintain your bearings and diffuse a situation is paramount. tried explaining this to some civilians(relatives included) but they just don't understand. oh well

Response by Cpl Glen Grable made Mar 15 at 2016 11:40 PM

Cpl Glen Grable — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 23:40:09 -0400

Self discipline and attention to detail

Response by Sgt Harlin Seritt made Mar 16 at 2016 8:29 AM

Sgt Harlin Seritt — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 08:29:01 -0400

Adapt quickly to changing conditions. Attention to detail. Going along with BS policies (you know where it's going to lead but you carry on with an Aye Aye, Sir!). Being super competitive even though a lot of times I start out saying I deserve some slack and I'm going to coast. You know you cannot help but sprint to the finish every time though. It's now in your blood and DNA. But something that hurts me is being critical of other fellow employees because they don't have the same drive which is really unfair. They think you're nuts. Blessing and a curse but I wouldn't change it -- I just don't know anything else.

Response by Maj Ken Brown made Mar 16 at 2016 8:37 AM

Maj Ken Brown — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 08:37:24 -0400

Our platoon sergeant asked me: "Lieutenant, why do we always have to practice to be miserable?" So, make the best of it, make your surroundings as good as you can. Live each day as if it was your last. Remember to treat your people according to the old proverb: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish and you feed him for life."

Response by SPC Byung Kang made Mar 16 at 2016 11:07 AM

SPC Byung Kang — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 11:07:55 -0400

Capability to adjust fire in a rapidly changing industry. This requires being prepared at all times, maintain critical relationships within the business, loyalty to your business leadership, and understanding the value each of your colleague brings to the table

Response by Capt Andy Fingado made Mar 16 at 2016 4:57 PM

Capt Andy Fingado — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:57:37 -0400

It gave me great drive and determination. I surround myself with like minded people that look for ways to make things happen, not give excuses for why they don't.

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made Mar 16 at 2016 6:28 PM

MGySgt Rick Tyrrell — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:28:41 -0400

Of course the Corps set me up for success! I spent my career as an infantry man and decided to learn computers along the and even earned a degree. But those are tangible items, it's the intangibles I feel are more important like esprit de corps, a can do attitude, and a overwhelming desire to succeed. So, yes the Corps set me up for success!! But remember you as an individual create your own success and create your own luck. Semper Fi !!!

Response by Sgt Mark Prokes made Mar 17 at 2016 3:59 PM

Sgt Mark Prokes — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 15:59:37 -0400

No matter what the work must be done! And done correctly the first time. The harder you work, the more you will be noticed.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Mar 17 at 2016 4:29 PM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 16:29:02 -0400

learn your job inside out correct what you can be on time or early and stay late when asked or needed
use some manners and try to enjoy .

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 9:35 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 21:35:44 -0400

Prior to being commissioned, I was enlisted and I was glad that I did compared than commissioning without being prior service. Not only it helped me understand the day to day operations and what my soldiers went thru that it helped me improved my analysis / planning processes!