Mission Ready, Future Ready: Building Your Civilian Career While Deployed

While deployments can temporarily interrupt domestic routines and long-term plans, they also present a concentrated period of time that can be leveraged for professional development. Many service members have successfully turned deployment into a productive phase by identifying certifications aligned with their career goals and using online platforms to complete coursework. For example, Army personnel deployed to Kuwait have used Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) programs to complete CompTIA certifications, which are widely recognized in the IT industry and applicable in both military and civilian roles¹.

Virtual networking has also become a valuable tool during deployment. Service members can attend webinars hosted by professional associations such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the Project Management Institute (PMI). These organizations often offer military discounts and transition resources, making them accessible even in remote locations. Establishing these professional connections while on deployment allows personnel to stay informed about industry trends and potential job opportunities back home².

Balancing Operational Duties with Future Planning

Maintaining mission readiness is the top priority during deployment, but that does not preclude future planning. The key is to adopt a structured approach. Service members should segment their time to include short, manageable blocks dedicated to career development. For instance, setting aside 30 minutes a day for online courses or résumé updates ensures steady progress without compromising operational responsibilities. Many units support this balance by establishing morale and welfare periods where soldiers can access internet resources and educational materials³.

Commanders and senior enlisted leaders can play a critical role in encouraging career planning by integrating it into performance counseling sessions. By discussing long-term goals during monthly or quarterly reviews, leaders can help their subordinates align military experiences with future aspirations. This approach not only boosts morale but also enhances retention, as personnel see the military as a stepping stone to broader opportunities rather than a detour from personal ambitions⁴.

Real-World Examples of Strategic Career Planning

Several documented cases illustrate how service members have effectively used deployment time to prepare for transitions into civilian careers. For example, a logistics officer deployed to Afghanistan completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification through the Army Credentialing Assistance Program. Upon returning, he applied these skills to a logistics coordinator role with a major shipping company, demonstrating how targeted credentials can translate directly into employment success⁵.

In another instance, a Navy corpsman deployed aboard a hospital ship began networking with health care professionals through LinkedIn and participated in online forums hosted by the American Nurses Association. By the end of her deployment, she had applied to nursing programs and secured letters of recommendation from both military and civilian mentors. These proactive efforts improved her admission prospects and gave her a head start on her post-service career⁶.

Creating a Realistic Post-Deployment Career Roadmap

To maximize the benefits of deployment time, service members should begin with a self-assessment that identifies their interests, transferable skills, and long-term goals. Tools like the O*NET Interest Profiler or the DoD's MilGears platform offer structured ways to map out potential career pathways and understand how military experience aligns with civilian job requirements⁷. This clarity helps in selecting relevant certifications or degree programs that can be pursued during downtime.

After identifying a target career path, the next step is to set SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, a service member interested in cybersecurity might create a deployment goal to complete the Security+ certification, update their résumé with recent technical experience, and conduct three informational interviews with professionals in the field. Tracking this progress in a digital planner or productivity app ensures that these goals remain a priority throughout the deployment cycle.

Actionable Steps for Service Members Planning Their Futures

1. Begin with a self-assessment using tools like MilGears or O*NET to clarify your interests and transferable skills.

2. Choose one or two certifications or courses that align with your long-term goals. Utilize programs such as DANTES or Credentialing Assistance to fund them.

3. Allocate 30-60 minutes a day, during authorized times, for career development activities such as coursework, networking, or résumé building.

4. Use virtual platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your target field. Join military transition groups or relevant professional associations.

5. Set SMART goals and track progress on a weekly basis. Adjust goals as needed based on mission tempo and available resources.

6. Engage your chain of command in your development plan. Leaders can offer guidance, mentorship, and access to additional resources.

Bibliography

1. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). “Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) Programs.” Accessed April 22, 2024. https://www.dantes.mil/.

2. Project Management Institute. “Military Transition Resources.” Accessed April 22, 2024. https://www.pmi.org/military.

3. Department of Defense. “Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Programs.” Accessed April 22, 2024. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel-shopping/recreation/morale-welfare-and-recreation-mwr/.

4. U.S. Army Human Resources Command. “NCO Evaluation Reporting System.” Accessed April 22, 2024. https://www.hrc.army.mil/.

5. U.S. Army Credentialing Assistance Program. “Success Stories.” Accessed April 22, 2024. https://www.armyignited.army.mil/.

6. American Nurses Association. “Nursing Careers and Military Transition Support.” Accessed April 22, 2024. https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/advocacy/military-nurses/.

7. U.S. Department of Labor. “O*NET Interest Profiler.” Accessed April 22, 2024. https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip.