LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. -- Talk with people who advise Airmen on preparing résumés for their civilian job hunt, and they'll tell you Airmen must learn to translate Air Force-speak into civilian language. Airmen need to explain terms like "deck," "flight line" or "cryptographic linguist," for example, in ways that civilian employers can appreciate.
Airmen should understand that "Bravo Zulu" and "catshot" are foreign words to most civilians. And if Airmen can remember back to "Zero Week" at Lackland, then they'll recall they didn't understand much of what their training instruction was shouting. Separating from the Air Force means exchanging your Air Force-speak for terminology that will help you secure a civilian career.
Unlike other military personnel, Airmen are fortunate that most Air Force Specialties can be translated into a civilian job, yet that doesn't mean former Airmen shouldn't take pains explaining their AFS in simple, non-military ways. Civilian employers are looking for individuals who can manage time effectively, take direction well and work on multiple tasks - qualities that most Airmen have acquired by serving in the Air Force. Instead of focusing on the military ends of their AFS, former Airmen should emphasize the elements that are relevant to the job they are interviewing for.
And for Airmen looking to obtain a whole new career language for their civilian careers, they should consider taking courses that prepare them to speak like a professional. To build a foundation for a medical career, for example, a course in medical terminology is a good bet, while Airmen who want to start a business one day, should consider a small business management class. By entering the military, Airmen have learned how to jump into a new culture and quickly assimilate new information - a skill that should pay dividends in a civilian career.
Airmen can take advantage of Air Force Tuition Assistance to enroll in civilian education courses, with the Air Force paying up to 100 percent of tuition and fees up front. For Airmen deployed overseas, they might consider taking an online course, so they can study when their work schedule allows for it. Airmen, however, are encouraged to use their TA money as early in the fiscal years as possible, as TA money often runs out.
This article was contributed by Allied Schools, which is a Distance Education & Training Council (DETC) accredited school offering 100 percent online courses in real estate, the medical field and business. For more information about distance education, call (888) 501-5221 to speak with an admissions representative.
About Allied Schools
Allied Schools, Inc., established in 1992, is nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally-recognized accrediting agency. Allied Schools has provided quality instruction to more than 750,000 students in the last 15 years. Students can choose from more then 25 career training courses in the areas of real estate, medical and business or enroll in a high school diploma program. Online and traditional home study courses offer students a quick and convenient way to learn. Allied Schools is based in Laguna Hills, Calif.