Translate Military Jargon into Civilian LanguageReplace MOS codes and military acronyms with terms employers understand.Instead of “Led a squad of 12 soldiers in combat operations” → “Managed and trained a 12-person team to achieve mission objectives under high-pressure conditions.” Highlight Transferable SkillsFocus on core strengths employers value:Leadership & Team ManagementProject Planning / LogisticsSecurity & Safety ComplianceTechnical ProficiencyCommunication & TrainingUse bullet points that demonstrate how you solved problems or improved operations — with measurable results if possible. Use Quantifiable AchievementsNumbers make an impact. Examples:“Reduced equipment loss by 15% through new tracking procedures.”“Oversaw $2M in assets with zero discrepancies.” Choose the Right…
Author: USVM
Black Friday is nearly here again, and shoppers are gearing up for one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, followed by Cyber Monday on December 1. Once seen as a single day of post-Thanksgiving sales, Black Friday has transformed into a month-long retail phenomenon. With many brands launching deals as early as the first week of November, preparation is more important than ever.What to Expect This YearBlack Friday is best known for tech and electronics deals, and 2025 should be no different. Televisions, laptops and gaming consoles are expected to…
By Dawn Smith As the possibility of retirement inches closer for our Army family, I’ve been looking for helpful transition resources. The good news is that there are many useful guides and articles on Military OneSource and connected government websites to help your service member begin the process.However, I didn’t realize transition resources are available specifically for military spouses through MySTeP. The program is all-inclusive; packed with videos, articles, checklists and guidance for just about any transition and separation topic, from career and education to survivor benefits and financial counseling, plus so much more.3 Parts to the MySTeP ProgramMySTeP…
Years of service forge more than just discipline—they develop strategic thinkers, decisive leaders and mission-driven professionals who know how to perform under pressure and adapt in real-time. Veterans possess an unmatched combination of resilience, technical know-how and collaborative strength that civilian industries are eager to tap into.Yet finding the right civilian path isn’t just about job hunting—it’s about discovering where your military-honed strengths align with meaningful, sustainable opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to roles that mirror your expertise or ready to explore new terrain, navigating the next phase requires clarity, confidence and the right tools.In the sections ahead, we break down…
In an era where the tech industry is racing forward, Chris Cortez, pictured above, is ensuring America’s veterans aren’t left behind. A retired Marine Corps Major General with 33 years of service and nearly two decades at Microsoft, Cortez now leads the tech giant’s Military Affairs team—helping pivot military skills into high-demand tech careers.Since 2014, Cortez has been at the helm of the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA). This 17-week intensive training program equips transitioning service members, veterans, reservists and National Guard members with the technical skills needed for civilian employment in tech. What began as a pilot program…
Brandon Villanueva isn’t someone who waits around for things to happen. At 20, he walked into an Army recruitment office with a stack of documents and a challenge: “I want to join. I can pass the PT and ASVAB right now if you’d like.” That same can-do spirit has carried him through more than seven years of active-duty service, a transition to civilian life, and a bachelor’s degree from American Military University (AMU).Today, Brandon is the Deputy Special Security Officer for a Naval unit in Virginia Beach, where he lives with his wife and their two dogs. He’s also a…
By John Register, CSP, CPAE High performance demands high recovery.It’s a truth I learned not just through theory but also through sweat, sacrifice and some serious setbacks. As a track athlete training for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, I quickly learned that it wasn’t the hardest workouts that made me great—it was how well I recovered from them.Our coaches built this into our training cycle. We called it periodization—three weeks of intense “loading” followed by one week of “offloading.” That lighter week wasn’t optional. It was strategic. Because if you couldn’t recover, you couldn’t train at full capacity. And…
For many veterans, the transition from military life to the civilian workforce is a road filled with uncertainty. At Melton Truck Lines, that road is paved with opportunity, support and purpose. Recognized as a Top Veteran-Friendly Employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine, Melton is not just talking the talk—it is walking the walk.David Harper, a Marine Corps veteran and the company’s Military Program Supervisor, is at the heart of Melton’s efforts. “I was in the Marine Corps for 10 years,” Harper shared. “When I transitioned out, I didn’t know where my skill set would fit. But I found my way into…
By CPT(R) Kevin Byrne Sunshine stretched across “The Plain,” the 12-acre parade field at West Point, on May 2, 1993. I was a cadet, graduating later that month to begin my career as an Army Aviation officer. While warming up for a run, I noticed members of a tour group gathered around Brigadier General Robert Foley, our Commandant and a Medal of Honor recipient, having earned the award while commanding a rifle company during a fierce battle near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, in 1966. He was telling them about American Soldiers’ tenacity throughout history. General Foley…
By Rob WoloszynStarting an e-commerce business after military service isn’t a shortcut—it’s a mission. Veterans should begin laying the groundwork 18 to 24 months before selling their first product. Google doesn’t care how good your product looks or sounds. What matters is time-in-grade: how long your website has existed, how often it’s updated and how much content is published. Just like in the military, you don’t get promoted until you’ve earned time-in-grade and time-in-service.I’m Rob Woloszyn, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who transitioned to a 24-year career in the FBI as a Special Agent. After six years in the Marines,…
