What jobs can you get with military experience?

I'm curious about the types of civilian jobs that are available after serving in the military. How does military experience translate to roles outside of service, and are there particular industries that value it more highly?

Military experience can translate into a wide range of civilian occupations. The exact job opportunities can vary based on the specialized skillset and training a veteran has, but here are some examples:

1. Defense Contracting: Many companies that provide goods and services to the military actively seek out veterans to develop and manage contracts.

2. Information Technology: Military service often includes experience with advanced communications and networking equipment, making veterans well-positioned for IT roles.

3. Security: This includes everything from cybersecurity to physical security roles. Veterans may also consider working in private security firms or as private military contractors, where their specialized training can be highly valued.

4. Law Enforcement: Many veterans transition into federal, state, and local law enforcement roles. The skills and discipline developed in the military can be valuable in these fields.

5. Project Management: The military often requires personnel to coordinate complex operations and logistics, making project management a natural fit for many veterans.

6. Healthcare: Those who have served as medics, nurses, or doctors may transition into similar roles in the civilian sector. Moreover, specialty healthcare roles, like physical therapists, occupational therapists, and mental health professionals, may also be an option.

7. Education: Veterans often pursue teaching or administration roles, particularly if they've served in instructional roles or training units.

Many industries value military experience due to the leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that veterans possess. The security, defense, technology, and logistics sectors often have a particular interest in hiring veterans. Furthermore, several companies have veteran hiring initiatives and actively recruit people with military experience.

Keep in mind that there is also a wide range of resources for transitioning into the civilian workforce. The Department of Defense's SkillBridge program, for example, allows transitioning service members to gain civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service.

Remember too, that any military experience can be further enhanced with additional education or certifications depending on the field you're interested in. Overall, the invaluable experience gained in the military can open doors in a variety of civilian sectors.