How many Reservists and Guardsmen have civilian jobs that are very different from their military job?

2018-08-07T03:39:24-04:00

I was always curious about this. I often times will see Medics working in EMS/Hospitals, or MPs working in civilian LE. I always wondered though, just how many of you out there do something completely different than your military job? Like a Medic being a Police Officer, an MP working in EMS, an SF guy working in finance, a human resources specialist being a musician, etc.

Mainly asking because when I reenlist I was really thinking about continuing as a 68W and maybe trying out to be an 18D one day, but I really want to work in Law Enforcement on the civilian side. I have a passion for both fields, but (and this might sound dumb) a part of me always thought people might think it's strange or wasteful to have two jobs that have no correlation. I think I just want some reassurance that I'm making the right choice and that it's not going to cause any issues to want to work in both fields at the same time as weird as that might sound.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 3:47 AM

2018-08-07T03:47:53-04:00

I’m a Mechanical Engineering student, but I’m a 68W.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 3:50 AM

2018-08-07T03:50:34-04:00

So I’m a 11B and I work for the Texas Highway Patrol, but I also have a EMT Certification for the NREMT(same one you get at AIT for 68W). I get to do aid on crashes that I report to cause I usually get there before the EMS unit does. With your Combat Medic background, you should take the test to certify yourself as a TR-C (Tactical Responser Certification). You apply for the test all you need is a EMT basic certification as a prerequisite. So If you are in shape and do your time, the SWAT teams like ours have specialty Tac Medics assigned who also are peace officers.

https://www.ibscertifications.org/certifications

certifications

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Aug 7 at 2018 4:09 AM

2018-08-07T04:09:56-04:00

There is nothing wrong with having a variety of skills. A deputy in my department use to be a fireman and he was a certified EMT. He joined the SWAT team and became one of their medics, he carried a weapon and performed SWAT duties, but if a member of the team became injured he would treat them until it was safe to move them.

Response by SPC Carlos R. made Aug 7 at 2018 5:12 AM

2018-08-07T05:12:17-04:00

I worked in finance while being a medic.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 6:54 AM

2018-08-07T06:54:26-04:00

I just re-enlisted and am slotted to attend 68W school. I work for the FBI on the civilian side. I believe it is all about what you are capable of and what does your unit need to accomplish the mission.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 8:47 AM

2018-08-07T08:47:44-04:00

When I was a drilling Reservist, my "day job" was as the junior man on a residential electrician's installation crew...on Drill Weekend, I was the OIC for the Operational Support Unit, NOSC-Knoxville. I can tell you that that definitely sucked in terms of trying to blend military/civilian life into a "comfortable" arrangement.

I'd think that if there's ever a way to "combine" those careers, it's a benefit. Not only are you adding skills on both ends that aide in both roles...but your brain doesn't have to do the "slingshot" each time your rotate.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 7 at 2018 9:23 AM

2018-08-07T09:23:38-04:00

There are tons- I saw/had HR types as grunts, bankers as Armor, etc.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 3:00 PM

2018-08-07T15:00:02-04:00

You frequently see medics doing that because 68W training requires EMT-B certification, and there is a civilian need. Most of the other branches don’t have a direct link, other than MI and MP, which usually has a fair number of Soldiers doing the same things on both sides.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 6:38 PM

2018-08-07T18:38:34-04:00

I'm Preventive Medicine for the Army and a phlebotomist for my civilian employment.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2018 10:29 PM

2018-08-07T22:29:22-04:00

Infantry officer and finance career

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Sep 7 at 2021 10:38 PM

2021-09-07T22:38:41-04:00

I was Air Force supply mostly warehouse, Training, and QA over 15 years. Day job was as site then state level environmental manager for a major manufacturer.