What kind of jobs can i get as a former grunt in the Marine Corps?

Question

Im am about to E.A.S out of the Marine Corps in about 6 months, and im pretty worried about finding a job. Being a squad leader in the infantry was and probably will stay the proudest accomplishment of my life, but unfortunetly i kind of screwed myself by picking an M.O.S that really doesnt have a trade that i can use in civilian life. Does anyone out there have any suggestions on what i should do, or any job offers lol?

Answer 1

A lot of law enforcement agencies recruit Marines, most nowadays want 60 college credits, but many accept military experience instead of the 60 credits. If you aren't interested in that area, I would look into entry level Federal Government positions in any area (www.opm.gov, look under USA Jobs). Once you are in as a Federal Civilian you can work on continuing your education and move up fairly easily. It's a fact that Marines excel in whatever they do, so just get your foot in the door somewhere in any type of job and work on your education part-time (you should be able to get some credits for military training courses at many colleges and universities). It might take you a couple of years to get to the point where you would like to be, but with your experience, you should be able to get caught up fairly easily. I know a number of grunts who are doing just fine, the coping and survival skills they acquired as Marines paid off in the long run. Your squad leader experience will help when you are a supervisor.

I know this doesn't give you a list of jobs, I think the key is that you look at what is out there, figure out what you can and want to do and then convince the employer. But that would be true regardless of your M.O.S., every job takes time to learn. Employers aren't only looking for experience, they are also looking for employees they can count on. You've already demonstrated that.

Good luck and thank you for being a Marine!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Well, as a former squad leader, you obviously have people skills and managerial potential. Doesn't the military have a college savings program where for every dollar you put in they either match it or better? Hopefully, you've participated in this opportunity.

If not, there are some great owner/operator programs in the trucking industry that if I was doing it all over again, I'd definately take a serious look at. Another option would be public service like the fire-department or a career in law enforcement. Don't forget to check out the Post Office because they give a big "leg-up" to veterans, especially during their first six months back into civilian life.

Best of luck friend and thanks for serving our country. Pray about it. With your background, someone is going to give you an opportunity when that time arrives. Don't sweat it too much now, just stay focused and keep networking with friends and getting the word out there about your forthcoming re-entry into the civilian world.

Answer 4

well , you say that you worked on 53s, but that doesn't mean power plants, you could have been avi or hydro or you could have been a sh*tbird stuck in the tool room. so what ever your mos was , think about how it translates into the real world. use the internet to look. go to a recruiter for help or your local Marine Corps League or VFW and ask for help there.when you did get out you should have applied to take the post office exam. it may not be a job that you want to do but it pays great till you get the job that you want. you have 6 months after separation to take the test. you won't be handed a job cuz you are a Marine , you should be relentlessly going after a job until you get it because you are a Marine. you could also re-up.

Answer 5

Ditch digging or paid assasin come to mind! Those were my thoughts many, many years ago, when I stuck out my thumb, just outside the gates of Camp LeJuene for many final trip home.

You are walking away from a job that will stay with you the rest of your life, that of an NCO or squad leader in the USMC. I can't tell you how important that is, but for me it was invaluable.

Employers are properly impressed with former Marines particulalrly. Marines display a confidence, work ethic, leadership, can do attitiude, that most civilians haven't even thought about. As they say, 'the creme rises to the top."

Put in your application to the FBI, CIA, DEA, Homeland Security, State Police, etc. they are all looking for guys like you, particularly Marines. I read, not too long ago, the FBI was waiving educational requirements for certain individuals. Do it as soon as you're home, if not sooner. I guarantee, these guys will want to talk to you.

Answer 6

Grunt Jobs

Answer 7

Don't feel that just because you chose to be a grunt means your training has no transferrability to the civilian world. The qualities employers are looking for are reliability, initiative, and leadership potential. No doubt, these are traits every Marine is instilled with. Check out the website marines4life.com, it was created to help employers (primarily corporations) find former Marines who are looking for a job-- and vice versa. As previously mentioned, there are many companies (most likely founded by a former Marine) that prefer hiring Marines. Home Depot has great starting benefits, and would be an excellent choice to look into.

Answer 8

first of all -- THANK YOU!!!
in so far as a job - check out this website
http://www.militarystars.com/ and see when they will be in your area. i live in a town that has 3 bases within a 25 mile radius & have been to their career fairs. these employeers are looking to work with all members of our military.
good luck
God bless
Thanks again
Semper Fi!!

Answer 9

Try http://federaljobsearch.com and good luck. You didn't screw yourself by being an 0311; you'll find that your work experience is worth far more than you give it credit for.

Good luck, Marine.

Answer 10

0311 , not much call for squad tactics out here . Take any job that interests you and go to school , college .