Start a Career in the Military, Finish it as a Civilian

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice




If you are searching for a new career, the best place to start may be the military. The Armed Services offers unparalleled opportunities for on-the-job training, leadership development and technical skills. However, for many, being a lifelong military man or woman is not the goal. Fortunately, military careers can easily segue into civilian jobs once your service is complete.

Benefits of a Military Career

Whether you are just graduating from high school or are a few years out from the classroom, joining the Armed Services can be the right way to quick-start your career. As an enlisted man and woman, you can access to outstanding military education benefits. You also learn in an atmosphere devoted to fostering excellence.

Adding military service to your list of employment can give your resume a significant boost. Civilian employees are drawn to those with military experience because they know veterans have the skills and traits that make them exceptional employees.

Military service teaches veterans how to be:


• Self-disciplined
• Motivated
• Leaders
• Problem-solvers
• Team players

Transitioning from a Military Career to a Civilian Career


There are 140 occupational specialties in the Armed Services, and almost all military careers can transition to the private sector after discharge. Although not all occupations are available in each branch, you can find military careers in the following fields:


• Aviation
• Food Service
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Combat Operations
• Manufacturing and Power Plant Operations
• Computers
• Media Arts
• Law Enforcement
• Maintenance


While many military careers have direct civilian counterparts—such as mechanics—others do not. However, even in those cases, the skills you learn in the military will undoubtedly make you valuable to civilian employers.


If you plan to enlist in the military for a short time, consider your service as a period of career training. To get the most benefit from your service, make sure you know what you plan to do post-military. Just as students go to college with a major and career in mind, so too should you join the military.


Once you have determined your desired career path, it is time to visit with recruiters from each branch. Remember that each sector of the military offers different opportunities. If you want to be a doctor when you get out of the service, be sure to ask about healthcare training and jobs within that branch.


The military is no longer the last resort for people with no other options. Instead, it is now the first choice for smart, career-minded individuals who are looking for the latest training in cutting-edge technology. Then, after your Armed Services commitment is complete, you may find that you have your choice of high-quality, civilian jobs waiting upon discharge.




Thinking about a career in the armed services? Take a look at ArmedServicesJobs.com to see what types of jobs are available. That will help guide your decision.

Maryalene LaPonsie is an accomplished writer who has extensive experience reporting on education, career advancement and workforce development topics. She specializes in sales and marketing consultation as well as general copywriting services.
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