When I joined the United States Air Force (USAF), I had no idea the magnitude of how it would affect my subsequent employment years. I was an inventory management specialist and performed well in my field. The discipline, training skills development and sense of purpose carried on after discharge. As a disabled vet, I felt that the Federal Government offered the best chance I had to excel as a civilian.
Persistence pays off when seeking a Federal job. It is not easy to maneuver through the system, but there is no employer in America that will value our military service like the United States Government. I have worked for US Department of Defense (DOD), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in my career. All honored my veteran status in gaining employment.
My current job duties and responsibilities involve me developing procedural policy for item management, inventory management, and acquisition provisioning. I resolve functional problems in computer systems relating to legacy USAF logistics systems. I also develop data system policies in form of regulations, manuals and operating instructions via technical writing. I recently celebrated my 25th year of total service and cannot think of a better employer – DOD/ USAF- HQ Air Force Materiel Command. Every day I am grateful to work for the Department of Defense.
When seeking a job, start first with the Federal Government. (This is particularly important if the individual is a disabled veteran!). Continued service to the nation as a civil servant is honorable and gratifying. The persistence exhibited by the veteran to finish basic military training or OTS/OCS will be necessary again in order to gain civil service employment. Veteran’s skills are valuable and necessary to the function of our government. Press on! Never give up in the pursuit of a federal job!
I encourage all military members to think beyond the uniform and consider the opportunities available in civil service.