| Author | Message | ||
     Geforce |
I've decided to leave the military service after 9 years. I have plenty of reasons and most of them are medical. I have some opportunities to stay put in Missouri and do the government job thing but I don't have enough faith in the contract system at the moment to stay. I am optimistic that I will find a job within a few weeks of moving back home with the family. We are moving back to Texas... not sure what area just yet. Currently we are looking at Midland/Odessa or the Austin area. I've got my resume up on: Monster.com Career Builder.com HireVeterans.com ClearanceJobs.com Any other websites I need to paying attention to? Any leads or companies to research would also be helpful. I'm going to try and shoot for a supervisor/manager position. I will be done with my business degree by the end of next year so anything that I can step into and learn the ropes first is great. (Assistant Type Position) Also going to be looking into the oil/gas industry. I don't guess Erik Buell Racing needs any security/body guard/business guys do they? Ha! | ||
| Two_seasons |
Congrats on your decision and thank you for your service to our country. Regarding posting resumes up on the internet, not worth a plug nickel. You'll have many people wasting your time and most aren't qualified to offer you a new career. Posting resumes on the internet is the equivalent to giving to United Way. Why not just contact the party you are interested in rather than going through an intermediary? | ||
| Ducbsa |
I get recruiters calling me from my resume being posted on some of those sites. It's free, so it doesn't hurt anything to try. I have had less luck applying at individual employers' websites. Just keep up efforts in all available areas. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
I don't want to rain on your parade but I would wait a couple more years if I were you. Take a look at Texas' unemployment website and see how many people are applying for the positions you are interested in. I can tell you that in my area that number was around 150 per position and it took me over seven months to find a new job. | ||
| Cataract2 |
By 2016 I will also have to be thinking about if I should stay in or leave Geforce. By then I will have 10 years. I'm thinking that I will just suck it up and drive on to 20, but who knows. Good luck with your job hunt. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
There are times where I really regret not staying in to 20. That retirement money would come in really handy. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Khazakistan is hiring for oil pipeline security; Heavily. | ||
| Two_seasons |
The best way to get a new job/career is to find it through your contacts list. In the military, that is difficult to establish in your first several years. If you can get in front of the hiring manager(s) and spend 5 minutes with them, they and you will know if further discussion is warranted. Would you be willing to expose yourself among friends and list out for us what you've done pre/post military with your life? Even with the little info you've given us, this board is offering suggestions! | ||
| Kenm123t |
What can you do? | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I'd stay in. The job market sucks balls. | ||
| Bcordb3 |
What Ft__b said+1 | ||
| Whitetrashxb |
Austin rocks  | ||
| Zane |
Job market is bad and I believe not going to get better any time soon. Here in Florida we've had 6 months of modest improvement but last month unemployment stalled and is expected to start heading back up. If you can stick it out in the military, that's your best bet. You're half way to a pension, and that is no small thing. | ||
| Geforce |
Trust me when I tell you that the option to remain in the service is dwindling due to medical issues. I've been banged up pretty good the last few years (just had two surgeries this year and another two are scheduled by the end of the year to keep my lower body together) and I will be facing a medical board very soon. Either way, I will be leaving with a hefty chunk of disability even at my age due to compounding injuries. With that in mind, staying in isn't going to be an option, either I leave under a medical retirement, or I get the boot in a couple of years when they crack down on P3 profiles. My active duty Army career is over. I don't disagree with the job market not being in good shape, but I am not worried about getting a job to pay the bills. I'd like to find a new career though. I know there is a big difference and those aren't as easy to come by these days. My wife will be teaching elementary so that helps provide a little stability during the transition. I would be more than willing to let anyone take a look at my current resume, NCOERs, ERBs...to help get things polished up or to pass the word on. I haven't attended the TAP workshop yet as the next available one is next month. I won't be on terminal leave and eligible for employment until 01MAR2012 so I still have plenty of time. I am calling friends/family in the oil industry and back home to help put the word out and sending copies of my resume along with them. I have also alerted all my industry contacts and senior military contacts about the ordeal and they are working on it also. As for a quick snapshot of military service… MOS - 12B3P5W8 (Combat Engineer, Airborne, Jump Master, Instructor) CLEARANCE - YES RANK/GRADE - SSG/E6 (2002-2005 - Combat Engineer, FT Bragg, NC) Member of a team/squad of paratroopers. Our mission essential task list required lots of additional training and support given to "cool guys". Operation Enduring Freedom Parachutist Sapper Leader Course Graduate Rough Terrain Parachutist (2005-2007 - Team Leader, FT Bragg, NC) Responsible for 3-4 Soldiers, awarded the Bronze Star for performance and actions in Combat. Operation Enduring Freedom Warrior Leader Course Jump Master (Senior Rated) IED Defeat (2007-2008 - Squad Leader, FT Bragg, NC) Senior squad leader and a few months as platoon sergeant. NCOER bullets to back up performance. Combatives (2008-2009 - Sapper Leader Course Instructor, FT Leonard Wood, MO) General subjects instructor for 10 classes (280 days of student/instructor time). Responsible for training Army leaders in advanced patrol, combined arms techniques and leadership skills in adverse conditions. Instructor Training Course Advanced Leader Course - Distinguished Honor Graduate (2009 - PRES Instructor/Training Developer, FT Leonard Wood, MO) Requires an in-depth knowledge of the JCIDS process. I lead the development and implementation of training devices/products for the entire U.S. Army in my designated lane while working with Army Material Command to further the program. I also supervise a team of instructors which consists of a team of military and civilian contractors. I monitor their performance and refine the program of instruction while acting as the primary instructor (subject matter expert) for the team. Systems Approach to Training Awards & Decorations Sapper Tab Combat Action Badge Bronze Star Purple Heart Army Commendation Medal x3 Army Achievement Medal x3 Education - BSBA Management with emphasis in Leadership. Current GPA 3.8 Expected Graduation Date- December 2012 I would like to find a position where I can I learn the ropes from a senior manager/supervisor for about a year until I graduate. Using that time to learn the position and completing my degree would be the optimal choice. I might be qualified after my degree is completed to work project/program management and consultant positions. I have extensive experience working with people and coaching/mentoring folks to do their best. I'm not picky about the industry or position at all. I fully expect to start of as entry level at this point. I've also been looking into instructor positions. Most of ones I have found are primarily IT or medical equipment in the private sector. (Message edited by Geforce on July 25, 2011) (Message edited by Geforce on July 25, 2011) | ||
| Geforce |
Forgot to mention... thank you for reading and taking the time out to reply.  | ||
| Cityxslicker |
there used to be several boots to hardhats, bullets to teacher type programs. The transition from military to civilian is not one I did well with, I never should have left. Most of the oil work is off shore/overseas, too many environmentals and politicos are not happy about us finding,drilling,shipping, processing, or refining our own crude. | ||
| Blake |
Suggestion: Define all acronyms and terms like "sapper" that might be unfamiliar to civilians. | ||
| Moxnix |
Austin. Thinking about moving the family there. Recently listed as having one of the vibrant economic futures. | ||
| Geforce |
I totally forgot about that. Good catch Blake. "Sappers" are combat engineers who (combat arms) who utilize explosives and demolitions to shape the battlefield. We assist the infantry in clearing routes, destroying fortifications and providing technical skills on the battlefield. When we are not engaged doing our primary job, we serve as infantry. I am not a degreed engineer by any means but I have limited construction experience. The majority of my occupational skills are in the deconstruction expertise, and rigging/mountaineering. Sapper Leader Course is a grueling 28 day course hosted by the US Army Engineer school to train selected leaders in adverse conditions. We take NCOs and Officers and put them through two weeks of detailed, technical training along with hard physical tests. The students then spend another two weeks as a patrol out in the woods of Missouri applying all of their skills under very stressful situations. One of the biggest challenges of a course like this is learning time management, discipline and task management. There is always one period where students go over 48-72 hours without food or sleep. During that time they are being pushed to move long distances on foot and execute complicated missions with little to no prior planning. This creates an extremely stressful environment. The attrition rate for this course is roughly 50% with only 25% graduating. From my class, I was 1 of 48 students to enter the course... 1 of 8 to graduate of out 16 who made it to the end. Sapper Students will learn how to operate and excel in Airborne, Water and Mountain Operations... along with picking up advanced demolition skills and other technical skills like urban breaching. Most of these skills are taught in Special Operation Forces schools. I will post some more descriptions on the leadership courses in a while. I have a meeting in a few moments. | ||
| Kenm123t |
Construction Project manager Contract admin for the GSA suppliers. Would be a good area. We have a helmets to hard hats program in the UA plumbers and pipefitters school But in some ways you would be bored and over qualified. But the industry needs some one like you. The only problem is can you handle the physical work load? Depending on your area its a 4 - 5 year program quality varies greatly. once your a Journeyman you will progress rapidly. Into project management and or contracting. Court could explain the electrical side of the work world. You can go as far as you want in either Mechanical or Electrical worlds. | ||
| Geforce |
Physically I will be OK for general labor. The biggest problem I have right now is impact injuries to my knees and left ankle. So unless the job requires me to sprint and carry 80-120 pounds of equipment on my back... I should be ok. Moving stuff around, lifting tools and handling equipment is fine. I just can't do really heavy work for extended durations anymore, or spend all day on a knee cap, or shuffling around in a crouched position. I would prefer to try and stay away from heavy construction or intense manual labor... like digging ditches and excavating by hand. Not that I am above that labor by any means... just wouldn't be very motivated to keep it up after a few days and it would irritate my lower body injuries. I had to get my wife to climb under the kitchen sink this weekend to replace a faucet because I couldn't rest my body weight on a knee for more than 60-90 seconds without having intense pain. So long as I can remain upright and work my upper body and back I'll be ok. | ||
| Billyboy |
After a brief look at you post, I'd take a look at corporate training departments. You might try to think about a company like Raytheon or another defense type company that values your military experience, as well as your ability to teach. Also, something my brother is doing post AF is working at a college in the financial aid dept. but dealing with getting veterans set up with aid and squaring away their GI Bill stuff. Best of luck! | ||
| Kenm123t |
Hvac Electrical require some flexiblity at the beginning. I dont crawl attics much any more. Court doesnt get on poles much any more. You would need some experience at to get to the postions your really suited for. A Controls company like Lemonchili works for would be good more computers and knowing how and why than crawling around. I have a bad knee too a Can Am MX2 bit me in 1977. | ||
| Slaughter |
Our company will give preference to military in many situations. Not certain the Fort Worth hiring status but check: Jobs Link As you are probably aware, the Military/Industrial Complex is downsizing but some of your experience and intentions can play well for you. | ||
| Pnw_uly |
Cory - Like the others, thanks for your service; I stayed in for 20, but realize your situation won't likely allow that. First and foremost, you need to "de-militarize" your resume, - - not spell out the acronyms, but put your skills into a written context that a potential employer can quantify... Most employers or HR reps know nothing about military service, but they look for management and leadership "buzz" words that make your resume stand out. Unless you are submitting a resume to military-linked company, leave out the majority of awards and decorations, it means little to what you can bring to their organization now and how you will make their company better in the future. I mean really, what does an award like the CAB represent to a private sector employer? You were deployed to a combat zone, congratulations - - what will that mean to his/her bottom line. . .? As a team or squad leader, you've got management experience - - sell that! Running roughshod over PVTs is harder than getting workers whose paycheck or continuation of employment is based on their performance. As an instructor, you've got serious advantage over other job competitors - - ease of talking to audiences, preparation, murder boards, additional self-confidence, etc. Lots more examples, but you get the gist. Also, for web advice, go to USAJobs, and post your resume. Usually good stuff at the national level, and lots of great info. Last thing - - treat your job search as a Job! You should literally spend eight hours a day working on your next employment opportunity. Best of luck to you. | ||
| Dynasport |
I suggest looking into USAA or a similar company that deals with military people. I have had a few friends who work for them and they have told me it is a good company to work for as far as pay and benefits as well as how they treat their employees. They are primarily a banking and insurance company headquartered in San Antonio and a large presence in Tampa. Best of luck to you and thank you for your service. | ||
| Itstaboo2 |
Thanks for your service. Try Texas Workforce Solutions. They have centers through out the state and give vets extra service. They offer so much and can help you find the right job for you. It worked for me after the company I worked for closed last year. Good luck and welcome back to Texas. http://www.twc.state.tx.us/twcinfo/twsolutions.htm l | ||
| Geforce |
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I have been working on my resume a lot lately and I hope to have a polished version done in the next couple of weeks after I get the resume workshop under my belt. Question for you folks in/around the Austin area... after looking at some homes the property taxes there look staggering. (In comparison to what I am paying now in Missouri and property taxes in Odessa/Midland.) Are there any good communities outside the city with better property taxes? The wife is really digging the schools available there... so I'd like to gather some feedback on that area if I can. It's been around 10 years since I visited. | ||
| Stevek1125r |
Don't know if your Interested in the overseas contracting segment, but if you are i know a few companies that are hiring for Afghanistan and Iraq.. I'm sure it is the last place you would want to be, but at 700-900.00 a day. I'm sure you could live for 1 year in the dirt box.. Triple canopy, Global, BW are few of the firms that have PSD work (private security detail). Dyn has a CIVPOL contract running right now and they just listed some jobs for it. IF you had any kind of Aviation experience i would say send me your resume, but My contract is all Aviation... If your strictly looking stateside, well LET ME KNOW..lol I have been contracting for over 6 years now... i also served 9 years and punched out.. Picked up contracting in Colombia... Loved it, now i frequent the dirt box....well work is easy enough, the damn heat is the butt stomper.. Either way good luck with your search.... | ||
| Cowboy |
I dont know any thing about living in Austin Tex. but motorcycle HEAVEN is near by. (Marble Falls) | ||
| Whitetrashxb |
Cant speak first hand on the property taxes as i'm a renter, but look into the Cedar Park/Leander area, just north west of Austin proper. Those communities are growing rapidly, several co-workers and local buellers live in the area, good schools, not a bad commute to downtown area, and since its outta city limits i would think taxes might be "reasonable". Also just north is the Round Rock/Georgetown area, same thing applies. | ||
| Geforce |
Steve, I actually wouldn't mind picking up a sand box job for a while if the pay holds. The only aviation experience I have is pathfinding, CAS and pushing jumpers out of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. Thanks for taking the time out to post up. Cowboy... is there a track near central Texas? That would be a BIG perk for me. I've never been to Marble Falls but I spent some time in the San Marcus area back in High School for a summer. That area is absolutely gorgeous. | ||
| Moxnix |
A new track is being built near Austin. | ||
| Dannyd |
You have to remember in TX there are no state income taxes so they make up for it with property taxes. In the end they pretty much balance out in my experience. Since you have a combat enginerring background i would suggest you get ahold of the local UBEW ( United Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) in the area you are wanting to move to. They have aprentice programs and give preference to military. just understand that starting wages suck but once you get jouneyman status wages are quite good. |
