Veterans bring valuable skills like leadership, security clearances, and knowledge of defense systems to the defense industry, making them highly sought after by employers. Here’s how you can transition into this field:
- Highlight transferable military skills: Translate military terms into civilian language (e.g., "Squad Leader" = "Team Manager").
- Leverage hiring programs: Use initiatives like DoD SkillBridge and veteran-specific programs from companies like RTX, L3Harris, and Leidos.
- Network strategically: Attend job fairs, connect on LinkedIn, and engage with veteran-focused recruiters.
- Tailor your resume: Emphasize clearances, certifications, and measurable achievements.
- Prepare for interviews: Focus on how your military experience aligns with civilian roles.
Start early – six months before transitioning – and use these steps to secure a rewarding career in the defense industry.
Military Veterans: The Key to Business Success in the Defense Industry
Match Your Military Skills to Defense Jobs
Your military background equips you with skills that are highly sought after in the defense industry. The challenge lies in presenting these abilities in a way that connects with civilian hiring managers while keeping the technical precision defense contractors need.
Highlight Your Defense-Related Military Skills
Start by listing your core military skills. Many of these directly align with roles in the defense sector:
| Military Experience | Defense Industry Application |
|---|---|
| Logistics/Supply Chain | Material Management, Procurement |
| Communications Systems | Network Administration, IT Security |
| Intelligence Operations | Data Analysis, Threat Assessment |
| Maintenance/Repair | Systems Engineering, Quality Control |
Showcase examples where you:
- Led teams through demanding operations
- Managed critical, high-stakes projects
- Worked across multiple units or departments
- Oversaw sensitive equipment or information
Translate Military Terms into Civilian Language
Adapting military jargon into business-friendly terms is essential for civilian hiring managers. The Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) offers resources to help with this shift [1][3].
| Military Term | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Squad Leader | Team Manager |
| Platoon Sergeant | Operations Supervisor |
| Mission Planning | Project Management |
| Combat Operations | Crisis Management |
When describing your accomplishments, focus on measurable outcomes. For example, instead of saying "led combat missions", you could say, "managed a 12-person team, achieving a 100% mission success rate while overseeing $2M in equipment." Former Army Sergeant First Class Ashley Sneed used this method to effectively translate her military logistics expertise into supply chain management terms during her transition to L3Harris [3].
Once you’ve outlined and translated your skills, take advantage of veteran-specific resources to land a role in the defense industry.
Use Veteran Hiring Programs and Resources
Veteran hiring programs are tailored to help former service members transition their military skills into civilian roles, offering clear pathways to opportunities in the defense industry.
Join the DoD SkillBridge Program
The Department of Defense SkillBridge Program provides service members with a chance to gain real-world experience in defense industry roles during their final 180 days of service. While participating, they continue to receive military pay and benefits.
Major defense contractors like L3Harris, RTX, and Leidos offer SkillBridge opportunities in areas like technical and operational roles. These internships and training programs, which can last up to six months, often lead to competitive job offers for participants.
Find Veteran Employment Programs
Federal defense positions often prioritize veterans through the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). Additionally, defense companies have created initiatives specifically for hiring veterans:
- RTX offers a hiring guide tailored for veterans and specialized onboarding programs.
- L3Harris engages in military job fairs and collaborates with veteran organizations.
- Leidos’s Operation MVP focuses on recruiting veterans and their spouses.
Use Veteran Career Platforms
Online platforms can be a powerful tool for finding jobs in the defense industry. For example, The Veteran Professional provides resources like job search strategies, GI Bill assistance, networking opportunities, and career development tools.
These platforms also host hiring events – both online and in person – where veterans can directly connect with employers. Each year, over 1,500 organizations strive to earn the title of Military Friendly, showcasing their dedication to employing veterans.
Start engaging with these programs at least six months before your transition. This early preparation helps you build connections, complete necessary paperwork, and improve your chances of landing a role. Once you’ve explored these resources, focus on growing your network within the defense industry.
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Build Your Defense Industry Network
Building a strong professional network is key to securing roles in the defense industry. Defense contractors actively seek veterans through various networking events and online platforms.
Attend Defense Industry Job Fairs
Major defense companies, like BAE Systems, regularly participate in job fairs tailored for veterans. For example, BAE Systems attends more than 45 military outreach and recruitment events annually [4]. These events give you direct access to hiring managers and recruiters who value military experience.
To make the most of these events, research the companies attending and their open positions. Prepare a short pitch that highlights your security clearance, technical abilities, and leadership background. Don’t forget to bring multiple copies of your resume.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program also organizes job fairs across the country. These events are specifically designed to connect veterans with defense employers who prioritize military experience.
Build Connections Online
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for connecting with professionals in the defense sector. Start by optimizing your profile. Use a professional headshot and include details like your current security clearance, military achievements, certifications, and relevant experience.
Join groups such as Defense Industry Professionals or Cleared Defense Contractors Network to engage with recruiters and hiring managers. When reaching out, tailor your message to highlight specific experience. For instance, if you worked on F-35 systems, mention this when contacting recruiters from companies involved in its production.
Many defense contractors, like RTX and L3Harris, have veteran-focused recruiters on LinkedIn who frequently share job postings [1][3]. Following and interacting with their posts can help increase your visibility to hiring teams.
"We are always on the look-out for transitioning veterans to join our team. Connect with us at one of the 45+ military outreach and recruitment events we attend every year." – BAE Systems [4]
BAE Systems, for example, employs a workforce where 18% are veterans [4]. This shows how much the industry values military backgrounds, making networking efforts especially worthwhile.
After building a strong network, focus on creating a standout resume and preparing for defense industry interviews.
Write Your Resume and Prepare for Interviews
Crafting a resume for the defense industry and getting ready for interviews means showcasing your military background in a way that appeals to civilian employers. Use your network connections to help tailor your resume and responses to match what specific companies are looking for.
Highlight Your Clearances and Certifications
Make sure your security clearance (e.g., Secret, Top Secret) and the date of your last investigation are easy to spot at the top of your resume. Add relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or other industry-specific credentials, including their expiration dates. Use the military-to-civilian translation tips from earlier to present your technical skills in a way that makes sense to civilian employers.
Prepare for Defense Industry Interviews
Interviews in the defense industry often center on how your military background applies to civilian roles. Be ready with clear examples of your experience working with technical systems, leading teams, solving problems under pressure, and handling defense technologies. Show that you understand security protocols by avoiding overly detailed explanations while still demonstrating your expertise.
When discussing your past roles, focus on measurable results and skills that match the company’s goals and technologies. Use what you’ve learned from networking and researching the company to shape your answers. For instance, talk about managing teams or implementing security measures, but leave out sensitive operational details.
A well-crafted resume and thoughtful interview preparation will help you confidently pursue roles in the defense industry.
Conclusion: Start Your Defense Industry Career
The defense industry actively recruits veterans, offering programs designed to help them transition smoothly into civilian careers. Your military background has provided you with the skills and experience that these employers highly value.
When applying, focus on translating your military experience into terms that civilian employers understand. Highlight transferable skills and specific accomplishments. Programs like DoD SkillBridge offer practical training and career preparation that often lead to job opportunities. Organizations such as CISA show the industry’s dedication to hiring veterans [2].
Your military service gives you a strong edge in this field. Defense contractors appreciate qualities like leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in military systems. By using veteran hiring programs, expanding your professional network, and presenting your skills effectively, you’ll be in a great position to start a successful career in this sector.
The defense industry is eager for your expertise. Begin today – update your resume, explore veteran hiring programs, and connect with professionals in the field. Your military experience has set you up for success – now it’s time to bring those skills to a new mission.
FAQs
Do defense contractors hire veterans?
Yes, many defense contractors, including RTX, actively seek veterans for positions in areas like engineering and supply chain management [1]. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and clear career growth opportunities for veterans. Similarly, organizations such as CISA employ over 1,300 veterans, reservists, and military spouses [2].
Does Lockheed Martin hire veterans?
Lockheed Martin’s Heroes Program is designed to support veterans and their spouses in transitioning to civilian careers [5]. The program provides:
- Career experience fellowships
- Personalized transition assistance
- Opportunities across different fields
- Competitive salaries and benefits
Lockheed Martin values the strategic and tactical skills veterans bring, integrating them into their civilian workforce [5].
These examples highlight the many options available in the defense sector. Focus your job search on companies and programs that match your military skills and career aspirations. Use the networking tips and resources mentioned earlier to connect with these organizations effectively.