Military Service on Resume

Should You List Military Service on Resume

In many countries, especially the United States, listing military service on a resume can add significant value to a job application. This is particularly true for industries that prioritize values such as discipline, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. However, it's essential to understand the specific industry and regional norms before making a decision. In some countries, like Germany, military service might not be explicitly mentioned due to cultural sensitivities.

Why to List Military Service on Resume

• Leadership Skills: Military service often provides an opportunity to lead teams, make critical decisions under pressure, and manage resources effectively. These skills are highly valued in many professional settings.
• Discipline and Time Management: The structured nature of military life instills strong discipline and time management skills, which are essential in a variety of jobs.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Military service requires quick thinking and creative problem-solving, especially in high-pressure situations. These skills can be a valuable asset in many professions.
• Teamwork: Military service emphasizes teamwork and cooperation, which are crucial in most workplaces.
• Resilience and Adaptability: The unpredictable nature of military service fosters resilience and adaptability, making individuals well-equipped to handle change and challenges in the workplace.

Where to List Military Service on Resume

• Professional Experience Section: If your military service has a direct relation to the job you're applying for, it can be listed under the Professional Experience section, just like any other job. Include the ranks held, duties performed, and any significant achievements.
• Skills Section: If your military service has honed skills that are relevant but not directly mentioned in a professional experience entry, consider listing them in the Skills section.
• Education Section (for US veterans): The GI Bill and other veteran benefits might be relevant to an employer, so it can be beneficial to list your military service under the Education section if you're a U.S. veteran.

Examples of How to List Military Service on Resume

Example 1: Directly Relevant Professional Experience

Project Manager | ABC Corporation

• Led a team of 10 in managing construction projects, demonstrating excellent leadership and project management skills honed during my service as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Example 2: Transferable Skills in Skills Section

Skills

• Leadership: Led teams of up to 50 during my military service, ensuring effective communication and problem-solving.
• Discipline: Maintained high levels of productivity and focus under challenging conditions during my military service.

Example 3: U.s. Veteran's Education Section

Education U.S. Army | 2015-2019 (GI Bill benefits eligible)

What to Avoid While Listing Military Service on Resume

• Excessive Detail: Avoid providing unnecessary details about your military service that might not be relevant to the job you're applying for.
• Sensitive Information: Never disclose sensitive information, such as security clearance levels or operational details, without explicit permission.
• Overemphasis: While military service can be valuable, it should not overshadow other qualifications if they are more relevant to the job at hand.
• Negative Tone: Avoid a negative tone when discussing your military service. Focus on the skills and experiences that make you an asset in a professional context.
• Inaccuracies: Always ensure that any statements made about your military service are accurate and verifiable. Inconsistencies can raise red flags for potential employers.

How to List Awards and Decorations on a Resume (Military Service Focus)

Listing your awards and decorations from military service can enhance the impact of your resume by showcasing your achievements and dedication. Here are some best practices to follow when including this subcategory:

1. Be Specific about the Award

• Provide the name, abbreviation (if applicable), or a brief description of each award you have received. This helps recruiters understand the significance of each award and ensures that they can easily compare your achievements with other applicants.
• Include any relevant details such as the branch of service that issued the award, the reason for the award, and the date it was presented.

2. Emphasize the Impact of the Award

• Explain how the awarded decoration or honor reflects your military service contributions, skills, and values. This can help demonstrate the qualities that make you a strong candidate for the job you are applying for.
• If possible, quantify the impact of your achievements by stating the scale or duration of your contributions, as well as any positive outcomes they may have led to.

3. Align Awards with Job Requirements

• When listing awards and decorations, focus on those that are most relevant to the job you're seeking. This helps recruiters quickly identify how your military service experience aligns with their needs.
• Customize your descriptions to highlight the skills and qualities required for the position, making it easier for recruiters to understand how you can contribute to their organization.

4. Arrange Awards Logically

• Organize awards and decorations in a logical order, such as by type (e.g., campaign medals, service awards, or special achievement awards) or chronologically. This makes it easier for recruiters to navigate your resume and focus on the most relevant information.
• Use consistent formatting to ensure that each award is easily identifiable. This can include bullet points, italicized text, or a specific header format.

Example 1: Awards and Decorations on Military Service Resume

• Army Commendation Medal (ACM) - Awarded for outstanding contributions to military operations in Afghanistan as a platoon sergeant. Provided exceptional leadership and training to subordinates, resulting in the successful completion of multiple missions and increased unit cohesion. Presented on [Date].

Example 2: Awards and Decorations in Military Service Context

• Navy Achievement Medal (NAM) - Awarded for exceptional performance as a Petty Officer onboard the USS Ronald Reagan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Assisted with the maintenance of critical ship systems, which directly contributed to the successful completion of over 150 sorties and the destruction of numerous enemy targets. Presented on [Date].

How to List Special Training or Education on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Special Training or Education on a Resume:

• Clearly label the section: Use the header "Special Training & Education" to make it easily identifiable.

  In this section, include any formal education you've received that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Also, list any specialized military training or certifications you have obtained as a part of your service.

• Highlight the relevance: Briefly describe what the training or education entails and how it has prepared you for the role you are seeking. Make sure to emphasize skills that are transferable to the civilian workforce, such as leadership, teamwork, and technical skills.

• Include necessary details: For each item in this section, provide essential details like the name of the institution or training program, location, dates of attendance, and any certifications or honors you received.

• Tailor your list: Customize your Special Training & Education section to the job you are applying for. Focus on the skills and knowledge that will be most valuable in the role and address the needs of the employer directly.

• Use action verbs: Use strong, active verbs when describing your training or education experiences, such as "developed," "achieved," "mastered," or "utilized." This helps to convey a sense of accomplishment and initiative.

Example 1: Special Training or Education on Military Service Resume

Military Leadership Development Program

• U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA
• June 2018 – May 2019
• Graduated with honors from this prestigious program designed to prepare senior military leaders for higher positions of responsibility. Gained expertise in strategic planning, leadership development, and policy formulation.

Example 2: Special Training or Education in Military Service Context

Combat Lifesaver Course

• Fort Jackson, SC
• March – April 2021
• Received training as a combat lifesaver, learning advanced first aid techniques and battlefield trauma care. This hands-on experience has equipped me with the ability to quickly assess injuries, prioritize treatment, and make critical decisions under pressure.

How to List Technical Skills and Certifications on Resume (with a focus on Military Service)

Best Practices:

• Highlight Relevant Certifications: If you've earned any technical certifications related to your military service, such as Security+, A+, Network+, or Cisco certifications, make sure to list them prominently in the Technical Skills and Certifications section of your resume.

  Example: Include a line like this: "Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Obtained during active duty service."

• Detail Military-Specific Technical Skills: Highlight technical skills that were developed or honed through military service, such as cybersecurity, IT network management, or avionics maintenance.

  Example: "Expert in managing and securing complex IT networks, with experience from my role as a Communications Specialist in the US Army."

• Describe the Context: Include brief context about how you obtained these skills or certifications (e.g., through military training programs, on-the-job training, or self-study while in service).

  Example: "Gained a CompTIA A+ certification through an Army-sponsored IT apprenticeship program."

• Emphasize Transferable Skills: Highlight any technical skills that are transferable to civilian jobs, and explain how they can be applied in the context of your target role.

  Example: "Strong troubleshooting abilities honed during my time as a Helicopter Avionics Technician, which will translate well into roles requiring IT support or network maintenance."

• Quantify Achievements: When possible, provide quantifiable examples of your technical achievements to demonstrate your competence and impact.

  Example: "Reduced mean time to repair (MTTR) for helicopter avionics by 30% through the development and implementation of a new troubleshooting process."

Example 1: Technical Skills and Certifications on Military Service Resume

Technical Skills and Certifications

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Obtained during active duty service.
• CompTIA A+ certification - Earned through Army-sponsored IT apprenticeship program.

Context:

• 8 years of experience in managing and securing military networks.
• Expertise in avionics repair and maintenance, including experience with various aircraft systems.

Transferable Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting abilities honed during my time as a Helicopter Avionics Technician.
• Proficient in using various IT tools and platforms for network management and security.

Achievements:

• Reduced mean time to repair (MTTR) for helicopter avionics by 30% through the development and implementation of a new troubleshooting process.

Example 2: Technical Skills and Certifications in Military Service Context

Technical Skills and Certifications

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - Earned while serving as a Communications Specialist in the US Army.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - Obtained through self-study during military service to enhance cybersecurity capabilities.

Context:

• 4 years of experience in managing and securing IT networks for military operations, including deployment-related network setup and management.
• Provided technical support for various military systems, including Command & Control (C2) systems.

Transferable Skills:

• Strong understanding of network architecture and security principles, applicable to civilian IT roles.
• Proficient in using a variety of network tools for troubleshooting, monitoring, and maintenance.

Achievements:

• Led the successful deployment and management of temporary networks during military operations, ensuring seamless communication between troops.
• Identified and resolved security vulnerabilities in military systems, preventing potential breaches and data loss incidents.

How to List Leadership and Management Roles on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'Leadership and Management Roles' with a Focus on Military Service:

• Highlight Relevant Positions: Clearly identify your military roles that involve leadership and management. This could include positions such as squad leader, platoon sergeant, or officer roles.

  Example: "Served as Platoon Sergeant in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division. Led a team of 40 soldiers, planned and executed daily operations, and ensured the readiness of my platoon for deployment."

• Detail Responsibilities: Elaborate on your responsibilities within these roles. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible.

  Example: "Responsible for the discipline, welfare, and training of 40 soldiers. Successfully led my platoon through 18 months of intense training, resulting in a perfect inspection score."

• Emphasize Achievements: Showcase your accomplishments during your military service. This could include awards, promotions, or projects completed.

  Example: "Awarded the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding leadership during a combat deployment and the Expert Infantryman Badge for exceptional infantry skills."

• Transferable Skills: Highlight the skills gained from your military service that are relevant to civilian leadership roles. These could include strategic planning, team management, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

• Tailor to the Job Description: Customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the position you're applying for.

Example 1: Leadership and Management Roles on Military Service Resume

Role: Company Commander, U.S. Army National Guard

Responsibilities: Led a company of 120 soldiers, planned and executed training exercises, ensured readiness for deployment, managed logistics, and oversaw disciplinary actions.

Achievements: Promoted to Captain within two years of service; Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional leadership during a humanitarian relief mission.

Example 2: Leadership and Management Roles in Military Service Context

Role: Flight Operations Officer, U.S. Air Force

Responsibilities: Coordinated daily flight operations for a squadron of F-15 fighter jets, managed maintenance schedules, ensured mission readiness, and led a team of officers and enlisted personnel.

Achievements: Successfully led the squadron through a series of intensive training exercises, resulting in a perfect inspection score; Awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for exceptional leadership and dedication to duty.

How to List Combat Experience on Resume

Best Practices for Combat Experience in a Military Service Resume

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize the transferable skills you've gained from your combat experience that are valuable in civilian roles, such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.

  Example: "Lead a 12-man squad during active combat operations, demonstrating exceptional strategic thinking to successfully complete complex missions."

• Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers or percentages whenever possible to quantify your accomplishments. This helps recruiters understand the scale and impact of your actions.

  Example: "Successfully executed 150 combat operations with a 98% success rate."

• Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with an active verb, making your resume more dynamic and easy to read.

  Example: "Directed troops in high-risk combat situations, ensuring minimal casualties while achieving mission objectives."

• Provide Context: Briefly explain the context of your combat experience, such as the location, duration, and specific role during the operation.

  Example: "Served as a squad leader in Afghanistan for 18 months, where I led troops in counter-insurgency operations."

• Tailor Your Resume: Modify your combat experience section based on the job requirements to demonstrate how your military skills are relevant to the position you're applying for.

  Example: "Proven ability to lead and motivate teams during high-pressure situations, a skill essential for sales management roles."

Example 1: Combat Experience on Military Service Resume

Combat Experience - Squad Leader

• Served as squad leader in Afghanistan for 18 months, leading troops in counter-insurgency operations.
• Directed troops in high-risk combat situations, ensuring minimal casualties while achieving mission objectives.
• Demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking to successfully complete complex missions with a 95% success rate.
• Trained and mentored junior soldiers, fostering a team environment focused on cooperation and trust.

Example 2: Combat Experience in Military Service Context

Combat Experience - Special Operations Officer

• Served as a special operations officer for four years, participating in numerous high-risk combat missions worldwide.
• Led a 6-man team during covert operations, employing advanced tactics to achieve mission objectives with minimal detection.
• Planned and executed 50 combat operations with a 98% success rate, resulting in the capture of key targets and valuable intelligence.
• Displayed exceptional adaptability, quickly adapting plans based on changing circumstances to ensure mission success.