Finding Former Military in the Civilian Workforce

After my enlistment in the Army ended I was fortunate enough to actually have quite a few employers look at me for employment a few months before I got out. I actually took a mileage pass back home three weeks prior to ETS for an interview process with a large company. I ended up with what I would call now, my dream job. However, as with all good things in life, it came to an end when the company went through a series of bankruptcy filings. I left the whole career field I was trained for in the Army and took two other jobs in a completely different and unknown field.

About two years ago, I had applied with a company in the career field I was trained in and after about eight months, received a call for an interview. Fortunately, my soon-to-be new manager was retired from the Air Force and hired me on the spot, largely because of my military background. It was about a year later when I learned that my director of operations an d many more mid-level and upper lever managers/directors were all prior service.

Because of what the military teaches you, both in MOS and how to conduct yourself in any type of situation, I am now a manager myself of the entire Los Angeles market area for my company with a large department and several employees.

I owe everything in my life to my service in the Army and often use my experience to speak to young adults, with no direction in their lives, on how the military can help them achieve so much.

Yes, transitioning can be difficult, however, if you have a good plan in place and know what you are looking for, it can be much easier. I recommend not making an uneducated decision to just leave the military. Know what is out there in the world, and if what you want seems too far out of reach, take a harder look at other options the military can give. I was fortunate with my situation, but I have regretted leaving the Army since the day I officially signed out.

(Submitted by Dan Webb)

Comments

[Peter sammarco]

Hi Dan,

I see you still have a really sad feeling leaving the miltary. And Feel your thoughts as I read your words....Good for you for transitioning as well as you can. I am about to teach more courses on transitioning and love to share your story with others and if you have any feed back or how I may help you just can us here...

aloha from VANCOUVER BC CANADA
PETER