Can enlisted military work as civilian contractors post-service?

I've heard that some veterans continue to work in military settings as civilian contractors. Is this a common career path for enlisted military personnel? What kinds of roles are available, and how does one get into this field?

Absolutely, transitioning to a civilian contractor role is indeed a path that some veterans take after they complete their military service. This can be an appealing option because the skills and experiences one gains in the military can very directly apply to contractor roles. Moreover, familiarity with the military environment and structure can smooth out the transition from military to civilian life.

Civilian contractors often fulfill roles that are vital to military operations but aren't directly associated with combat. Some key areas of work for military contractors can include logistics and supply chain management, security, intelligence, translation services, training, or IT and technology services. It's a broad field with numerous opportunities depending on the individual's particular expertise and interests.

As for the path into this field, one typically starts by gaining relevant experience in the military. From there, it varies quite a bit depending on the sector you're interested in. For many contractor jobs, degrees or certifications could be an asset – for instance, roles related to cybersecurity might require IT certifications. Generally speaking, networking can also be crucial to land a contractor job, as with many professions. Lastly, there are resources and job boards tailored to veterans seeking civilian employment, which could be a handy tool in your job search.