Using My Experience

[Doorman]

Hi,

I'm wondering if I could get some advice on how to use my Military Experience. I am currently in the Army National Guard (Field Artillary). I would like to get a job either at the State level or even federal, is there anything that I could do to help me?

I'm in college (using the benefits currently) and I would like to know what I could do. Keep in mind the National Guard does not typically count for Military Preference Points because I'm not considered active duty military....Is that correct??

If it is, how can I set myself apart from the rest?

Thanks,
Doorman:bounce:

[LeCarre]

You're right, to apply for Veteran's Preference Points you have to have served a certain time in Active Duty. But, your NG connection will definitely help in your general application, especially if you're in a supervisory role. Have you considered applying for OCS? Can you be cross-trained into something that's similar to the career that you seek?

Play it up in your resume in order to help get your foot in the door, and then bring it up again in your interview. You never know, your employer might have also served at some point in his/her career and you might have a great connection. At the very least, you should have some respect that another guy off the street wouldn't have. I'd certainly consider you more than another guy with otherwise similar credentials.

[RoscoeRuhl]

In order to receive any preference, you must have been on active duty for at least 180 days. That's the key number to get any benefits. Assuming that you're not career military and have probably only done one enlistment, you don't have much to bring to the table. Field Artillery isn't a profession that's much in demand out here in the street. You're going to need to place emphasis on your formal education and work experience. Of course, scoring well on written test and your interview skills will certainly help in the search.

Have a great day!

[k9cop21811]

Vet. preference or not you should play up the military angle as much as possible (that's what you're trying to do, I know). What has the military done for you that a PD might like? How about this: it's provided you with discipine/maturity, you have organizational skills from your experience managing supplies (or whatever), you've learned some leadership skills and know how to motivate different types of people, and you have a lot of experience in handling and using expensive military equipment. You get the idea.

While it's true that you won't find many civilian jobs that will hire you based on your artillery experience, there's always other things that you can highlight that are more general in nature and that apply to just about any job you'll ever apply for. Good luck.

[Doorman]

I appreciate all the great responses,

Would you suggest moving into a different MOS?

I could lose my benefits for college, but would it help me more to have experience in a different military field??


Thanks
Doorman

:p

[Crowe81]

If you are currently in college do they have an ROTC program, you can join and keep drilling with the NG as a cadet in the SMP program. Plus ROTC pays a stipend even if you are not on their scholarship. Check with a recruiter or ROTC cadre. And upon commisioning you can be guarenteed a reserve assigment if you do not wish to do the Active duty thing.

[CA_ARNG_LT]

All these responses are great. ROTC is an excellent opportunity, I completed it myself. Your basic training and AIT is presentable enough on applications and resumes. Search for your qualities the military has provided you, that is where you will capitalize and put yourself above the other applicants. Ask your PSG or PL for advice they should have helpful insight...and it is part of there job. The reserves alone is a excellent way to network, find good referrences and have commanders provide letters of recommendation. Good luck!