The first "Finding Your Purpose with HII" episode of 2025, "Veteran Voices," is here!
In a discussion with new host Elizabeth Pelto, veteran and talent acquisition business partner at Mission Technologies, a division of HII, veterans from HII and the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC) are sharing tips on job searching, interviewing, salary negotiations and networking.
Whether you're transitioning from military service or advancing in the civilian sector, start building your career this year at HII.com/careers.
Join our Host, Elizabeth Pelto, as she navigates the discussion of transitioning from military service through the challenges of finding civilian employment with our guests, Ricardo Munoz & Ace Wallace.
If you are a transitioning veteran now or in the future, you should check this out. Great advice from some of our experts that have not only transitioned to the contractor side, but help hire other veterans all the time. Including details on Skillbridge with our resident expert, Ricardo Munoz!
Join our Host, Elizabeth Pelto, as she navigates the discussion of transitioning from military service through the challenges of finding civilian employment with our guests, Ricardo Munoz & Ace Wallace.
New Episode Alert! Transitioning from military service to civilian employment comes with challenges - but also endless opportunities. In this episode of Finding Your Purpose with Mission Technologies, a division of HII, we discuss the realities of making this shift, how to navigate the job search, and resources available to help veterans build meaningful careers beyond the uniform. Whether you're a transitioning service member, veteran, or someone looking to support those making the shift, this conversation is full of valuable insights. #FindingYourPurpose#HIIMissionTechnologies#VeteranCareers#MilitaryTransition#PurposeDrivenWork
Join our Host, Elizabeth Pelto, as she navigates the discussion of transitioning from military service through the challenges of finding civilian employment with our guests, Ricardo Munoz & Ace Wallace.
Privileges in Camouflage: Lessons Beyond the Uniform
Scott Kinder’s recent post, “The Unspoken Privileges of the Uniform,” deeply resonated with me. Having served nearly 15 years in the military, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique privileges and culture that come with wearing the uniform—things I know I’ll miss after transitioning into civilian life.
In the military, resilience is a way of life. Phrases like “embrace the suck” or “pain is weakness leaving the body” are part of the culture, shaping us to push through adversity. But as Scott aptly points out, these sayings and approaches don’t translate to the civilian world. Civilians value empathy, efficiency, and outcomes over toughness or hierarchy.
What stood out to me the most is how authority and job security function differently. In uniform, rank commands respect, promotions often come with time served, and mistakes are met with corrective actions rather than dismissal. Outside, however, civilians focus on skills, measurable impact, and adaptability. Job security isn’t guaranteed, and respect must be earned.
Scott’s message is clear: transitioning veterans must let go of some military mindsets and embrace a new set of rules. It’s a different game, and adapting quickly is the key to success.
For those of us preparing for this shift, this post is both a warning and a guide. We should reflect on what we’re leaving behind and recognize the opportunity to grow beyond the bubble of the uniform.
How are you preparing for your transition? What lessons have you learned about adapting to civilian life? Let’s share and support each other.
I put this out under Scott's Thoughts so it'd get more reach. If you are prior enlisted Military - you have to check this out. The Unspoken Privileges of the Uniform : A Manifesto for Military Enlisted Personnel and NCOs
https://lnkd.in/esrZTPxy
"Child care accessibility, identified as a problem back in the Army’s 1990 analysis and raised as a key recommendation in the new Quality of Life Panel report, is also getting a closer look." Go ahead and take a look at that MOAA article (yes I ctrl+f for child care before reading any articles)
One of the biggest hurdles in the type of advocacy that we do through Operation Child Care Project is the additional burden of explaining why there is a problem. Organizations that help homeless veterans find housing don't have to explain why veteran homelessness is an issue; it is understood. Organizations that set up food boxes/pantries/support don't have to explain why hungry soldiers are an issue; it is understood. VSO organizations focused on increasing healthcare access to disabled veterans don't have to explain why they need healthcare; it is understood.
Child care touches everything. We see it affect enlisted and officer families and their ability to serve their country and their families. We see it as a primary barrier to transitioning veterans who find themselves without assistance programs to close the gap with their new salary. The list of situations is endless. It has been highlighted since the 1990s, and we are still educating on its impact.
One thing I am grateful for is that the conversations I am having today are much different than the ones I was having seven years ago. When I bring up childcare policy considerations, I am no longer redirected to "ask the local FRG how they can help." I see more organizations like Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and Military Family Advisory Network digging in on what needs to change to fit our modern families.
The conversations with families will never get easier, but the barriers to advocating for them are getting smaller.
“You can’t get ahead if you’re always starting over." - Jennifer Goodale.
Great article expressing the struggle of military spouses creating and sustaining their own careers. Well done, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
I'd like to highlight an additional valuable resource: the FourBlock Military Spouse Career Readiness program. Although it doesn't focus on policy or legislation, this program empowers military spouses by helping them define their career visions and build the necessary toolkit to achieve their goals. Often, military spouses put their own aspirations on hold to support the military's needs, leading to a loss of personal identity. The collaboration with Prepare to Launch U reignites their confidence, helps them recognize their talents, and equips them to advocate for themselves in the workplace.
🔗https://lnkd.in/gbex3bBu#MilitarySpouses#MilitarySpouseEmployment
My most vivid and most painful memory in 23 years in the US occurred on this day 23 years ago.
We lost too many innocent families that day.
And so many more since then - brave, selfless people who sacrificed their life so we wouldn't have another 9/11.
We cannot be safe without military families.
As we remember and mourn those who we have lost today, please consider expressing gratitude to military families who sacrifice every day to keep us safe.
Here are some options...
1. Thank them for their service
2. Ask them how we can express our gratitude
3. Volunteer in organizations that support military families
Help members of military families build fulfilling careers in the civillian sector...
4. Offer free training
5. Conduct mock interviews
6. Offer mentoring
7. Help with job hunting
8. Consider for internships / apprenticeships
9. Offer jobs
10. Brag about how awesome they are from the rooftops
Never forget 9/11.
Never forget who sacrifices every day since so we don't have another 9/11.
September 11 forever changed our nation. We honor the bravery of our first responders who saved many lives and our military veterans who fought to defend us. So many precious lives were lost - may we never forget.
#neverforget
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday of May.
Observed for: 156 years
Frequency: Annual
Observances: Decoration of military graves with American flags
Significance: Honors U.S. military personnel who died in service; Unofficial beginning of summer.
In the compression business, nothing is more important than safety. It is our highest priority and our customers’ greatest concern; therefore, we dedicate significant resources to ensure that we have the policies, procedures and people in place to meet our stated goal – nothing less than ZERO injuries to our employees.
Making the leap from military service to a career in civilian life can seem like a wide distance to clear. However, according to the retired US Navy admiral who organized the raid against Osama bin Laden, the first steps are always the same.
Retired Admiral Bill McRaven, one of America's most decorated veterans, said there's about 200,000 active service members who become veterans — and there's nothing better than "giving a vet a job."
More: https://lnkd.in/e5K6gXEu
On a recent #CitizenTravelers at the #TravelersInstitute webinar, Cory Johnson, Co-Chair of the Travelers Military/Veterans and Allies Diversity Network, and Janice G. Brunner, Group General Counsel and Head of Civic Engagement at Travelers, were joined by Ellen Gustafson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of We the Veterans and Military Families, to discuss the rewards of civic engagement for veterans and #military families.
Read more and watch the full webinar. #TravelersMilitary#MilitaryAppreciationMonth