Careers & Benefits
Employment After the Military
While the Military can be a rewarding, lifelong career for many service members, it can also serve as the foundation for a civilian career. Whatever the case may be, service members will have resources and skills to transition into life after serving.
From Service to Success
Discover how military experience builds the momentum that powers lasting success through service and beyond.
Length 1:46 View TranscriptTranscription
HART: I'm Torrance Hart the founder of Teak & Twine. Teak & Twine makes custom gift boxes for weddings events and corporate gifting. I was in the Air Force for four years three of those I was a protocol officer which is sort of like being an event planner for the Air Force I had a lot of fun doing that job. The great part of boots to business is that they not only give you the tools to figure out what kind of business you want to start or if you are the kind of person who wants to start a business but if you're already on your way like I was they also give you a lot of tools about different ways that you can raise money. And then what I have found to be the most helpful the outreach and the advice that they provide on a continuing basis after boots to business. And they have been awesome about talking to me on the phone even coming to my house giving me advice once they saw how we put together our gifts how our production line is organized so they've really given me great advice every step of the way. I absolutely love running my own business and it's just been a fantastic transition to move from being active duty to being a full time entrepreneur but as important as it is to absolutely love what you do it's even more important to be passionate about the nuts and bolts of running a business and that is growing a team doing your accounting working on marketing and thinking about what processes you're going to put into place to make your business successful and those are the nuts and bolts that they emphasize in boots to business and at the VBOC.
From Service to Success
Transition Programs
Navigating military benefits after separating from service can be a challenge, but service members are never alone. The U.S. Departments of War, Labor and Veterans Affairs run the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which is designed to help veterans with all aspects of returning to civilian life. Services include financial and legal information, access to transition counselors and assistance for job seekers. It is a great resource for active-duty service members, reservists, veterans and their families.
Military-Friendly Employers
Service develops integrity, responsibility and perseverance — qualities that appeal to employers in the civilian world. In fact, many U.S. employers have recruiters who look specifically for candidates with military backgrounds. These companies understand that service members are prepared with the best possible training and work ethic and make an effort to employ those who have served. The organization GI Jobs is also an excellent resource for those who may be transitioning out of a life in the Military.
Find the Career That Fits You
Take on any career with a strong skills foundation from the National Guard.
Length 0:38 View TranscriptTranscription
Speaker: The Guard will allow you to find your purpose. They will guide you and they will transition you into the person that maybe you inspire, or person that you want to be like. You are now in physical shape and mental stability. You will get the courage, you will get the discipline, and so then you can move into your life. Young 20s and going into your 30s into a career field, that now you have all the tools you need. You want to become a doctor, you want to become a technician, you want to be a welder - it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter what you want to be, these are the tools to success, and the Military is willing to give that to you.
Find the Career That Fits You
Finding The Top Military Employers
The Military Friendly® organization evaluates employers annually, based on specialized criteria, to determine which companies offer service members the best opportunities. Their website offers a searchable list of company profiles that show how each employer meets or exceeds the Military Friendly standard.
Service in the National Guard or Reserve
Following their active-duty commitment, many service members continue serving in the Reserve component of their Service or with their home state’s National Guard unit. Both options allow an individual to train close to home while pursuing a civilian career, and many of the same benefits of active-duty service are available to Reservists and Guardmembers.
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Individual Ready Reserve
Some service members may serve out part of their commitment in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Individuals in the IRR are former Active Duty, Reserve or Guard service members who may be called back into service if needed. While they retain their military IDs and uniforms, they are not required to drill or train and need only notify the Military if they move to a new address. Service members in IRR have limited benefits and are not paid unless they are called to serve.