Hey, I've been contemplating enlisting in the military. However, I'm slightly taken aback about what career opportunities might be available after deployment. Are there full-time jobs specifically for ex-military post-deployment? Let me know, thanks!
Absolutely, transitioning from your military service back into civilian life can open up a number of career opportunities. The skill set you acquire during your service could be highly transferable to many fields. Here are some career paths that many veterans often take:
- Federal Government Jobs: Many veterans transition into federal government roles. Some of these professions are directly correlated with a soldier's military occupational specialty (MOS), such as intelligence. Others are more general, like project management or operations. The Federal Government gives preference to veterans in its hiring process, which can be quite beneficial.
- Corporate Sector: Many corporations actively recruit military veterans for a multitude of roles because of their leadership, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. These roles can range from operations, logistics, management, information technology to security, and beyond.
- Defense Contractors: Many veterans find jobs with defense contractors because they bring firsthand knowledge of defense products and the armed services' needs. Engaging with these companies can lead to careers in fields such as Information Technology, Aviation, and Project Management.
- Law Enforcement and Security: Veterans often transition well into the field of law enforcement or security because of the skills, discipline, and training they received during their military service.
- Entrepreneurship: If you've got a business idea, several resources can help veterans start their own businesses. Organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) have resources specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.
Remember to start preparing for your civilian career while you're still enlisted. There are several programs offered by the military to help; one notable one is the DoD SkillBridge program, which allows service members to gain civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of service. MOAA (Military Officers Association of America), also offers numerous resources including career fairs, networking opportunities, education resources, and resume writing services.
Overall, your military skills are valuable, and there are myriad careers out there waiting for you post-deployment!
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