What are some transferrable skills from the Infantry that I can use in the Civilian world?

SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 23:07:38 -0400

This is a question I've gotten a lot from some of my Infantry buddies. Here are a few obvious choices to pick from:
1. Law Enforcement (Federal, State, County and City)
2. Armed Security
3. Bodyguard
4. Paramilitary Contractors
5. Coaching/Trainer

Now the top four I know are real obvious. But the 5th one is probably the most coolest. As an infantry Soldier you're fit and energetic. On top of that very disciplined. One of the most sought after Coach today in the world of Sports is a Strength and Conditions Coach. There are a lot of other jobs out there but this to me takes the cake. It's different but at the same time you're helping Head Coaches not only whip these young souls into shape but with disiciplining. The most important part of this job is that you build a team on values you know works. And in turn help these young people be better Citizens.

What are some jobs do you know fit Our Combat Veterans?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 6 at 2016 11:27 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 23:27:19 -0400

1. Route delivery (basic map reading, PMCS, driver's training)
2. Radio / Fleet Dispatcher (combat commo, forward observer training, ect...)
3. Quality control inspector at fire arms manufacturing plant (anyone that went through armorer school)
4. Robotics assembly line operator (mine clearance vehicles with the remote arms)

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2016 11:51 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 23:51:18 -0400

SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu As a veteran, you are disciplined, a planner, and have developed leadership traits. The question should be what do you really want to do for your new career? Be bold! Once you know what you want to do, find out what education and skills are required, and go for it.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 6 at 2016 11:51 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 23:51:51 -0400

Transferable Skills:
1.) Time Management
2.) Problem Solving
3.) Small Unit Leadership
4.) Supervisory
5.) Teaching / Instructing
6.) Team Building
I could go on. But, I strongly encourage you to stop thinking like a gun-slinger. No matter what you do in the civilian world, you will be a professional (fill in the blank)!

Best of luck, SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 7 at 2016 12:34 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:34:48 -0400

SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu Please do not hesitate to seek professional guidance re: what your personality can adapt to. I didn't test, but simply proved I was not cut out to be a salesman!

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Apr 7 at 2016 7:29 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 07:29:25 -0400

As a few folks have mentioned, focus more on the skills not the occupation. The skills you learned to be a successful infantryman are transferable to many jobs. My other encouragement would be to use the GI Bill earned to advance your education. These days some doors simply will not be open to you without it. I don't agree with it but that can be the case. Even getting and AA will open some doors.

You've earned the benefit don't be afraid to use it.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Apr 7 at 2016 9:43 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:43:06 -0400

First line supervisor in any unskilled labor field, many manual labor fields need lots of these and offer a lot of room for advancement. once your 2 or 3 rungs up that ladder all your doing is management of people and mission. you should start on rung 2 or get there within the first year.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 7 at 2016 3:26 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:26:36 -0400

Logistics, Operations, Manager, Coordinator. Break down companies and see conceptually where you belong in the company due to your extensive experiences :)

Response by SGT William Howell made Apr 7 at 2016 4:31 PM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:31:11 -0400

So I have been a gun slinger since 1996 in some form or fashion. Cop, soldier, contractor, mercenary, gun dealer, and trainer.

Being a soldier does not put you one up on a carrier in law enforcement. Nobody cares that you can run and gun. What they do care about is that you can think on your feet, defuse situations, and that you have usable skills (Computer, math, sociology..).

Armed Security would be fine, but it is not a career. It is a filler till you can find a real job.

Bodyguard. If you use the term bodyguard you are going to get laughed out of any place you apply and if they use the term then you don't want to work with that bunch of hacks.

Contractors are something that is hard to get into. If you are combat arms then you have a better chance, but most guys are looking for E-6 or above. Contracting is not about shooting it up it is about keeping the company in a job. Shoot the wrong person and the wrath of congress will fall on everybody.

Coaching/Training. I hate a bunch of those guys. Just because you were a infantry guy don't mean you know tactics. Sure you cleared buildings, that does not mean you know everything there is to know. I have met several "Trainers" that I would never let behind me with a gun.

Start thinking out of the box. Think about your leadership, the ability to work with diverse groups of people, being a team builder, a quick thinker. Those are the things that employers are looking for.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Apr 7 at 2016 4:41 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 16:41:02 -0400

SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu This question is slightly different but there is some good information in here for you.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-job-opportunities-are-best-for-an-infantryman-11b-after-being-discharged

What job opportunities are best for an Infantryman/11B after being discharged? | RallyPoint

What are some fields and occupations where others have been successful? Is there anything that an 11B has been particular good at once they get into the civilian sector? Or maybe even particular companies that really "get" what an 11B has gone though and taken the appropriate time and training to make them successful? Any guidance or thoughts about Infantryman transitioning back into the workforce is welcomed.

Response by PO1 Gene Barfield made Apr 7 at 2016 9:29 PM

PO1 Gene Barfield — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 21:29:46 -0400

When people talk about transferring military skills and experience I think they often overlook some of the most significant ones.

Whatever your MOS/NEC, when you go to use those skills in the civilian environment your new employer will often require you to undergo some sort of training you're probably already familiar with, at least in general terms. But they want you to learn it "their way." Sometimes the training seems redundant, but you already have an advantage your civilian counterparts can't often point to.

Unless you were thrown out of the military for substandard performance you've already demonstrated the following attributes, and your service record documents these things. From boot camp through whatever level of training and rank you got, each step along the way you proved beyond doubt that:

1. You are capable of being trained. Some people just aren't. Your military record proves you've already passed any point of being concerned about that. They can throw all kinds of stuff at you with a high level of confidence in your ability to master it.
2. When necessary, you can function with comfort and ease in a fast-paced, demanding environment. There's little about military life that isn't demanding and you're already a proven success in this regard.
3. You can function with a high degree of success as part of a team. In fact, you're more likely than not capable of providing more insight, guidance and leadership for that team than others of your age group who don't have the benefit of military experience, even when you're just another humpy and not actually in charge. How many civilian 22-year-olds have been trusted already with the responsibility of maintaining millions of dollars worth of sensitive equipment? Not many.
4. You can be trusted with sensitive work, either work that is of a confidential nature, or work that has to be done very carefully and according to "the book."
5. You are familiar with and comfortable in a work environment where tasks are addressed methodically, to improve reliability of outcomes.
6. Right along with #5 above, you are also familiar with sudden and rapid changes in processes and priorities, and all tasks necessary to respond appropriately.
7. You're familiar with the strange, for some civilians, requirements of being dependable. You're used to showing up to work every day, on time.
8. You've already demonstrated your ability to work with diverse kinds and groups of people, including sometimes in environments subject to a great deal of stress.
9. You are well trained in when and how to ask appropriate questions when the need arises.

There are other similar traits nearly every veteran can demonstrate. I list those above just to get you thinking. You're already a proven performer even if you only served one hitch. Find a way to remind the people doing the hiring of the advantage to their organization of your being part of it. It's real, and it's good. It works, because you already have. Good luck!

Response by CPL Evan Garrison made Apr 9 at 2016 10:20 AM

CPL Evan Garrison — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 10:20:52 -0400

Being able to think on your feet, improvise, and adapt are some of the best qualities you can bring with you.

Many employers while supportive and thankful for a service members time in service, will not hire you based on that. Many will also retrain you (as others have said) mainly because you may know how to (fill in the blank) but you do not know how to their way.

Start thinking about you cognitive skills, try to complete a degree before you exit from the service so at least you bring education with you.