Exploring career paths after retiring from the military

I’m nearing retirement after a long military career. What are some popular job options or sectors that typically hire former military professionals?

Former military professionals have quite a range of job options due to the diverse skill set they typically possess. It greatly depends on your area of expertise in the military and what transferable skills you've gained.

1. Defense Contracting: Many military professionals transition into defense contracting. Companies like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman often look for former military members due to their security clearance and military expertise.

2. Government Jobs: The federal government hires a significant number of veterans. You could work for a variety of departments with various roles depending on your interests and expertise. Positions may focus on policy, security, or technology, among other areas.

3. Information Technology: Many military roles require working with sophisticated technology and cybersecurity, which are in demand in the private sector. Jobs in IT or cybersecurity might be a good transition if you have experience in these types of military roles.

4. Law Enforcement and Security: Many law enforcement agencies and security firms value military experience. This can translate into roles such as city or state police officers, security consultants, or private security officers.

5. Project Management: Military careers often require coordinating and managing large projects or teams, making project management a natural transition. This could be in a variety of fields from tech to logistics or construction.

6. Consultancy: If you've served in a leadership role, business consulting firms might be interested in your management skills and the strategic planning experience gained in the military.

7. Logistics and Supply Chain: If you were involved in deploying resources or managing logistics in the military, you could consider roles in supply chain management in sectors like manufacturing or shipping.

Remember, your transition from military to civilian life is also an opportunity to explore completely new interests or fields. You can leverage the skills you've acquired throughout your military career to move into a sector that you're passionate about. If needed, consider pursuing further education or vocational training to help facilitate your move into a new industry.