Help Translating Military Job Descriptions to Civilian Equivalent?

I'm a junior in high school considering the military but also want a clear idea of how military roles can convert to civilian job descriptions later on. Does anyone have experience with this translation process?

Sure, I can provide some guidance on this. When considering how to translate a military role into a civilian job description, there are four components you should focus on: skills, experience, relevance, and language.

1. Skills: Take note of the skills you've acquired in your military role, especially those that are transferable to civilian jobs. These might include leadership, teamwork, crisis management, strategic thinking, and adaptability, among others. You'll want to highlight these transferable skills on your resume and in interviews.

2. Experience: Outline your responsibilities in your military role, such as managing teams, operational planning, or equipment maintenance. Remember to highlight specific instances where you demonstrated initiative or leadership, or where you accomplished a significant task.

3. Relevance: As much as possible, try to connect your military role to the civilian job you're interested in. If a specific experience doesn't seem overtly relevant, think about the broader skills it requires that might be useful in a civilian job (e.g. problem-solving, data analysis, etc.).

4. Language: One significant part of the translation process involves demilitarizing your language. Avoid using military jargon, acronyms, or ranks that civilian employers might not understand. For example, instead of saying you were a "squad leader," you might say you were a "team manager." Use civilian-friendly terms that clearly communicate your role and responsibilities.

There are also online tools available that can help convert military job codes into civilian occupations. The US Department of Veterans Affairs has an online tool called VetGuide which might be a useful resource.

In the end, employers will want to see how your military experience can add value to their organization, so focus on the skills and experiences that show you can be a strong contributor in a civilian role. It can be a delicate balance, but with thought and preparation, you can effectively translate your military skills into civilian job descriptions.