Military experience is a good background for a number of civilian jobs. If you’ve worked as a computer programmer in the military, you can land a similar civilian job. However, there are less self-evident skills, like discipline and perseverance that can help veterans to navigate challenges in various careers.
Military-trained veterans know how to lead by example and teamwork is an essential part of the military experience. They often have a strong work ethic and a “can-do” attitude.
1. Executive Protection (EP) agent
EP agents need to think on their feet, remain calm in difficult circumstances and adapt quickly. They may have celebrities, high net-worth individuals or leaders of industry as their clients. Good EP agents put the security and privacy of their clients first and provide them with the know-how and circumstances to keep them safe and productive.
As military veterans are well trained in everything from self-defense to conflict resolution, they are particularly well suited to roles in security. Pacific West Academy is an Advanced Security Concepts (ASC) company that trains many military veterans to become executive protection agents in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas.
2. Management consultant
Management consultants help organizations to reach their goals by identifying strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase revenue. Former military officers who have experience in managing people and resources are often well suited to a career like this.
Management consultants typically need a bachelor’s degree and several years of related experience. Most organizations would regard certain military experience as a good solid background for this career. Military vets can draw from their experiences in the military and apply their know-how to identify areas for improvement in civilian organizations.
3. Firefighter
Firefighters, like military personnel, need to be physically fit. They have to be prepared to put themselves at risk in emergency situations. Firefighters have to control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving property and the environment. The work is often dangerous and shifts can last 24 hours.
Firefighters typically need a high school diploma and training in emergency medical services. Applicants who have additional training or experience, such as military experience, are often the best job prospects.
4. Operations manager
Operations managers plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of an organization. This may involve activities like preparing staff schedules and assigning work duties. Operations managers need to coordinate activities across departments and allocate resources. Formulating policies, planning the use of human and material resources, and managing daily operations are all part of the role.
Operations Managers have to be strong leaders if they want to motivate and guide employees. Military leadership experience is valuable in such a role. A bachelor’s degree in a business-related field is usually required.
5. Emergency medical technician (EMT)
Many military vets gravitate toward jobs as EMTs. They work in a fast-paced environment that gives them the opportunity to help people. Typically, EMTs are the first medical professionals to respond to emergency calls. They perform the first step in caring for critically injured or sick patients. They need to transport patients to emergency rooms quickly and safely while keeping them stable with the help of paramedics.
Veterans who are involved in combat medic training are well suited to a job like this. They may have plenty of great experience in the field but this job does require some additional certification. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians is a good source of information about this.