What are the top 5 best jobs for military veterans? Whether you are in the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard or Air Force on Active Duty or in the Reserves or National Guard, there are certain “military friendly” jobs to look for after you leave the military. While there are many military friendly employers there are also many military friendly jobs/careers. My top 5 jobs for military veterans are listed below in no particular order.
# 5 Law Enforcement
Veterans typically fit well in the law enforcement field. You could find a job with the local police, Game Warden Service, FBI or any other local, state or federal law enforcement agency. You could even consider employment in the security or private security field.
# 4 Teacher
Many veterans have a lot of experience teaching Soldiers. This experience could lead them to a successful teaching career in the K-12 age group or even as a college professor. You might have to go back to school to finish your degree and get certified, but this could be a great career if you enjoy sharing your knowledge and teaching others.
# 3 Contractor
A lot of people retire from the military and get a contractor job. In some cases, they get the same position they worked in as a Soldier, but are now a civilian. You could be a contractor for the government or with a company that provides contractor support to the government. You could travel overseas or possibly stay at your current location.
# 2 Government Job
There are tons of local, state and federal government jobs that are military friendly. One example is the post office. You could visit any of the leading government employment websites to apply for government jobs. In some cases, you can “buy back” your military time, which will give you credit toward your retirement with your new government job.
# 1 Start Your Own Business
Believe it or not, many veterans decide to start their own business after they leave the military. If you’re tired of working for the “man” and want to call your own shots this might be a great option for you. There are lots of programs with the VA and Small Business Administration designed specifically for veterans. If you’re thinking about starting a business of your own, make sure you check out these options.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many great jobs for veterans. As a veteran, you have lots of great skills that would benefit any employer. Your key to success is to find something you are passionate about and have the qualifications for. Finding a job in today’s economy isn’t the easiest thing to do, but if you have a game-plan, a proven track record, and good experience, you should be able to separate yourself from your peers and land the job you want.
If you want to add anything to this post, or if you have any questions, just post them below. I will try to give you an accurate answer. Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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I think it is great how many companies are out there that support and hire veterans. With the tough economy we are living in these days, it is hard for even your average civilian to get a job, let alone a veteran. So I think it’s great that companies are starting to reach out and help our veterans make it out here in the civilian life.
I like how you incorporated entrepreneurial endeavors! I had no idea that there were so many opportunities available to veterans who are seeking startup assistance. I write startup business plans for small and medium size businesses so this is an intriguing topic for me.
As a side note: I think veterans are the best people to hire, simply because they have the discipline, work-ethic and team work skills that all companies are looking for!
Some companies are really veteran friendly and others aren’t.
Since I worked in intelligence when I was active, many of my fellow soldiers ended up getting pretty good government jobs with their security clearances. I had the ability to do so as well but I decided to go back to school. The jobs you listed are really great and they are jobs that any service member would be lucky to have when they get out; but I think school for many is also a wonderful option. It is especially a good option with the post 9/11 GI Bill.
So true, Chad. The post 9/11 GI Bill is a great deal. You can basically go to school for free and get paid a nice tax free income while you are a student.
Chuck Holmes
Several of my Louisiana Guard colleagues have jobs with GOHSEP, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Obviously, given the nature of the Guard’s state mission, their skills dovetail nicely with what is required in GOHSEP, and as Chuck points out, government jobs are great for Guard members. Pretty much the only downside is that we lose these people in an emergency response activation because their civilian job clearly takes priority over whatever they do with the Guard.
Civilian jobs should take priority over the military, especially if you want to retain Soldiers for the long haul. Soldiers need to know that the National Guard will be supportive throughout their civilian career. When it become an inconvenience, Soldiers will ETS and move on.
Chuck Holmes