Career advice.

[BrettJ]

Lookin for some wisdom/guidance from you folks.
I’m separating from the military after 10 years of active duty service. I’ve got a pretty narrow skill set that isn’t incredibly marketable to the civilian sector...with the exception of defense contractors. Their work is primarily in countries outside of the US, and I’d prefer to stay in Oklahoma.

I guess I’m just kind of lost. Should I go to school and learn a trade or find an entry level gig somewhere and work my way up?
Any advice or direction is appreciated. I don’t know really what I’m trying to ask...I think I’m just nervous about the transition.
Thoughts? I have a resume if anyone is interested in checking it out.

 

[cal7.62x39]

First off a sincere thank you for your service. Secondly I would suggest a trade. If your under a certain age (32 I think) air traffic control is a fast turn around education that pays extreamly well from what I have heard. Other than that solar and wind energy schools are where I would want to be if I could start over at this point. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.

 

[golddigger14s]

What is your MOS/job in the Army?

 

[BrettJ]

What is your MOS/job in the Army?

I train Patrol/Narcotics/Explosive K9’s.

 

[bigred1]

I second that thank you for your service part and my question is what are you interested in for a career?

 

[BrettJ]

I second that thank you for your service part and my question is what are you interested in for a career?

I appreciate that very much.
Gotta be honest... I am pretty open to anything. I have considered anything from going to school to be a diesel mechanic all the way to working for the USPS. The only thing that’s important to me is stability and spending more time with my family.

 

[golddigger14s]

I train Patrol/Narcotics/Explosive K9’s.

I would think that would be a highly paid job in the civilian market. There are also a number of veteran services (free) that can turn your military resume into one that is civilian oriented. Contact your local VFW, or American Legion. Also think about the investment you have so far. At 10 years you're halfway there. The benefits as a retiree are nothing to sneeze at, plus you can still get a good job on top of your retirement benefits. I did 21 years, and now teach AIT soldiers at Fort Sill making pretty good money.
http://military.vista.edu/military-...at-help-veterans-transition-to-civilian-life/

 

[BrettJ]

I would think that would be a highly paid job in the civilian market. There are also a number of veteran services (free) that can turn your military resume into one that is civilian oriented. Contact your local VFW, or American Legion. Also think about the investment you have so far. At 10 years you're halfway there. The benefits as a retiree are nothing to sneeze at, plus you can still get a good job on top of your retirement benefits. I did 21 years, and now teach AIT soldiers at Fort Sill making pretty good money.
http://military.vista.edu/military-...at-help-veterans-transition-to-civilian-life/

The pay in the civilian world is into six figures, but it’s all contract work in Iraq/Afghan. The wife won’t co-sign on that idea.
I hired a resume writer and she did a great job translating my career into an understandable description.

 

[Profreedomokie]

Ponca City PD has openings and they like vets.

 

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

There are several city governments/LEO agencies that employ K9 trainers. Even some very small towns; you'd be surprised.