Military to Civilian Resume: Examples & Templates (2024)

Military resume examples and tips. Write a civilian resume with military experience. Make your military-to-civilian resume fast, with good and bad examples.

Why is it so hard to write a military to civilian resume? Two reasons: Most of the world doesn’t know what you went through and most military to civilian resume examples target the wrong things.

But with the right translation, your veteran resume can shine like a tactical flashlight.

This guide will show you:

• A sample military resume better than most.
• How to translate military skills to a civilian resume.
• How to write a military resume that gets interviews.
• Why choosing the right few military accomplishments for resumes is life or death.

What does a perfect military to civilian resume profile look like? See below—

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Want to devote your life to keeping others safe from harm? Have a look at our guides:

• Construction Worker Resume
• Firefighter Resume
• Dispatcher Resume
• Police Officer Resume
• Pilot Resume Example
• Purchasing Agent Resume
• Federal Resume
• Machinist Resume
• Carpenter Resume
• Security Officer Resume
• Maintenance Resume
• Salesforce Admin Resume
• General Resume That’s Not Generic Examples

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our resume examples.

Military Resume Template

Michael Keogh
Police Officer

Personal Info

Phone: 423-797-6780
Email: michaelqkeogh@gmail.com
linkedin.com/michaelqkeogh

Summary

Police Officer with 5+ years of experience in USAF Security Forces. Seeking to use proven law enforcement skills to ensure civilian safety & security. As Staff Sergeant, trained 47 team members in security tasks. Slashed administrative costs 15%. Cut disciplinary incidents by 35%.

Experience

Security Forces Staff Sergeant
US Air National Guard
2015–2019

• Led teams in support of operations and security.
• Trained 15 team members on collective and individual security tasks.
• Provided surveillance, asset security checks, and safety inspections.
• Cut administrative costs 15% with better vendor relationships.
• Provided oversight of team members and equipment.
• Worked with superiors to achieve team goals often in advance of deadlines.
• Managed disciplinary actions in the team. Cut incidents by 35%.

Security Specialist
US Air National Guard
2013–2014

• Assisted with management and accountability of internees.
• Provided surveillance and security for headquarters.
• Furnished external security for internment corrections facility.

Education

B.A. in Criminal Justice, University of Memphis
2013–2016

• Excelled in law enforcement coursework.
• Pursued a passion for emergency response classes.

USAF Security Forces Tech School
2010–2012

• Commended by instructors for efficiency.
• Maintained 4.0 average in security and surveillance classes.

Certificates and Clearances

• Security Clearance
• HAZMAT Familiarization and Transportation
• First Aid / CPR
• Weapons certifications: Glock 19 pistol, 12-gauge shotgun, Taser X26P/X2

Courses

• Basic Leadership
• Risk Assessment

Volunteer Work

• Volunteer firefighter, bimonthly, Shelbyville, Tennessee
• Volunteer Basic First Aid trainer, American Red Cross

Additional Activities

• Article on conflict resolution published in Cop Talk blog.
• Participate in weekly road biking for fun and self-care.

Hard Skills: Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Emergency Planning and Response, Security and Surveillance Operations, Conflict Management, Firearms Safety and Handling, Team Development

Soft Skills: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication

Languages: Spanish

A military-to-civilian resume is created by someone who has served in the military and is now seeking employment in the civilian workforce. It's used to highlight the skills and experience you have acquired during your time in the military. It also shows how they can be applied to civilian jobs.

Now, here’s how to write a military to civilian resume:

1. Pick the Right Military Resume Format

Use the right resume format to prove you’re no oxygen thief. This is what you should include in the resume:

• Start with the reverse-chronological resume format on your military resume. It puts your most relevant achievements in the front lines.
• Choose the best resume fonts in 10–14pt. Use 1-inch margins, clear headings, and generous resume outline white space.
• Write a one-page resume unless you’re more accomplished than R. Lee Ermey, you want a modest resume length.
• Lead with a military to civilian resume header. Include name, phone number, email address, and social media links. No snail mail. No photo.
• Next add a military resume profile, work experience, and education.
• For maximum effect, include resume extras like volunteer work, publications, certifications,and additional activities.

Expert Hint: Use a resume PDF unless the job description says they’re off limits. PDFs don’t go AWOL in transit. Plus they’re machine-readable nowadays.

2. Write an Effective Military Resume Objective

The hiring manager is a civilian. She’s wondering, “can this applicant do the job?” Answer fast with a resume objective (aka resume summary).

Include:

1. One adjective (hard-working, motivated, efficient)
2. Job title (police officer, IT manager)
3. Years of experience (3+, 5+)
4. How you’ll help (ensure civilian safety & security)
5. Best 2–3 achievements (cut disciplinary incidents by 35%)

Scope out these two military resume examples:

Military to Civilian Resume—Objective

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now.

3. Write a Fast-Moving Military Resume Job Description

Here’s the biggest problem with your military to civilian resume. It talks about your military background. Civilian hiring managers don’t know what that means.

Here’s how to add military experience to a resume:

1. Read the job offer like your life depends on it.
2. Note the job skills, duties, and responsibilities you see.
3. Use your resume bullets to show you own those things.
4. Avoid acronyms and jargon.

These military resume examples provide reconnaissance:

Military Job Descriptions for Resume—Example

Job ad wants these skills: (1) leadership (2) security (3) training (4) vendor management.

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

Here’s a recap. To write a military to civilian resume:

• Use the military resume template in this guide. It uses military experience on a resume the right way.
• Translate military skills to your civilian resume. Kill the acronyms and show how you used skills listed in the job offer.
• Write a military resume objective that gets noticed. In it, put your 2–3 best assets.
• Pack your experience and education with accomplishments. Show you’ve basically done the job they’re hiring for.

Got questions on how to write a great resume for military jobs? Not sure how to show military experience on a resume? Leave a comment. We are happy to reply.

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At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Having published over 200 career-advice articles, Tom Gerencer is a career expert who covers the whole array of job-seeking topics for people at all career stages, from interns to C-suite members. His insights, commentary, and articles reach over a million readers every month. With inside knowledge of key industry players and in-depth research, Tom helps job seekers with advice across all professions and career stages.

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