This question is for the Combat Arms veterans. What civilian field did you find employment in? Did you settle, or was it a good match?

2016-06-16T23:14:16-04:00

Response by Sgt Joe LaBranche made Jun 16 at 2016 11:23 PM

2016-06-16T23:23:07-04:00

Maj John Bell, I went into Bank and Credit Card Fraud Investigations and Countermeasures and enjoyed every minute.

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Jun 17 at 2016 9:31 AM

2016-06-17T09:31:02-04:00

Records Management because of my clearance. It sucks, I hate it, Im probably going back in.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jun 17 at 2016 9:56 AM

2016-06-17T09:56:30-04:00

A lot of answers to this question would provide insight into just what kind of civilian work a SM finds on the outside, coming from a background of pure infantry, eg rifleman, mortarman, machine gunner, which may not have a technical skill that is directly transferrable into a civilian occupation.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 17 at 2016 7:53 PM

2016-06-17T19:53:05-04:00

The Leadership learned and earned, the get it done, no matter what, no excuse..then because lives were at stake, now because customer satisfaction and biz reputation is.. The organizational skills, critical thinking process, the planning skills honed.. all have come to great use for me on the civilian side.
The only direct skill I have transferred besides those mentioned above was physical security... the program manager a former marine and I as the fleet manager have used to secure our equipment. And I suppose to some degree cyber security and protection of PII, which was played fast and loose when we came on board.

Response by SFC Casimir Vital made Jun 17 at 2016 8:14 PM

2016-06-17T20:14:03-04:00

I changed jobs a few times while in service, but have helped a lot of my old friends get jobs through resume support "translating job skills. Etc...". They all seem to be doing well and enjoying their new careers. If you are at the door just let me know.

Response by SSG Marshall Paul made Oct 12 at 2017 2:19 AM

2017-10-12T02:19:50-04:00

I joined the police. They are not soldiers and only tangentially military in thought. But my recon background was useful.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Oct 12 at 2017 9:11 AM

2017-10-12T09:11:14-04:00

Just because you were combat arms Doesn't mean that is what you have to do for your whole life. You have already done one of the hardest jobs in the world. You need to find something you like, something you will enjoy doing everyday. A job that gives you satisfaction at the end of the day. Something that gives you the same sense of self pride the Military gave you. It is a huge step for most of us to make the transition. Some of you have served for many years and gained rank. The thought of starting over from the bottom can be very daunting. But it all comes down to you. There is absolutely nothing worse than getting up every day and going to a job you hate. The awnser is in you and it is different for each one of us.

Response by SFC George Ashford made Oct 19 at 2017 2:48 AM

2017-10-19T02:48:41-04:00

Law enforcement

Response by Wayne Soares made Feb 28 at 2021 8:30 AM

2021-02-28T08:30:09-05:00

Thanks for the question Major Bell

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Feb 28 at 2021 10:48 AM

2021-02-28T10:48:31-05:00

Whatever choice you make, be careful with your words. Don't tell fat bodies to get a dam hearing aid or to get off the ****ing phone there is work to do.
If you do, you might see me in the compassion and sensitivity class they send you too. Just don't sit next to me. I'm trying to keep quite and get out of this revolving mandatory class. It's pure hell Maj.

Response by PO1 Darren Martin made Jul 10 at 2021 2:58 AM

2021-07-10T02:58:19-04:00

MOS does not matter. I work at a L/S hedge fund now. I was one of two prior enlisted guys in my MBA program and in undergrad I probably met 2 other vets the whole time I also never joined a vet organization. My roommate in undergrad was in ROTC and I never told him until right before we graduated. He only found out because I had an old photo on Facebook of me in Afghanistan. when I first retired I wanted nothing to do with the military I told everyone I took a double gap year and then went to a junior college for two before transferring.

You have skills but it’s up to you to add to those skills be a leader and set the tone of the organization. The biggest skill I got from being in the military is how delicate relationships are and how to politically maneuver through an organization.

I very rarely talk about my military service with people because most people will not understand nor will they care but I do find that by setting a good example it might give someone else an opportunity. When I am asked about my service by coworkers or peers at other firms I try and set a good tone and impression.