U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)’s Post

Earlier today, I was attending a meeting in NATO HQ representing National Reserve Forces Committee (NRFC) as the Secretary General. I had the opportunity to update the Military Committee (MC) on the roles and activities of the NRFC. Because of the warfighting transformation of NATO - Mass is back and many strategies call for the development of Reserve capabilities. NATO focus on effectiveness and ramp up defense readiness with more exercises, industry partnerships, troops on higher alert and building capabilities. While armed forces are challenged in the labor market compared to the private sector, Reservists offer a solution for hiring qualified personnel interested and/or trained in different specialist domains which may not have joined the military without this option. Reserves can help to close the workforce gap many Nations are facing and we can help to develop closer ties between civil society and the armed forces. Reserves present significant advantages for armed forces: • They are less costly than full-time employees. • They are highly skilled through their civilian employment. • They help to close the workforce gap. • They help to develop closer ties between civil society and the armed forces. Sharing Best Practices on the Reserves is National Reserve Forces Committee (NRFC) in a nutshell. 🎯

Attention veterans and soon-to-be-civilians: one of the biggest challenges you'll face is writing your resume so its power can be understood by those who've never served in uniform. Even folks who've served in uniform often have trouble translating others services' jargon so it's vital that you polish out all the "service-speak" from your communications (resumes, cover letters, interviews, etc.). The Military to Civilian Thesaurus link below is a great tool to easily translate what you've done so anyone can easily understand what a great candidate you are. Transition is tough, but tools like this can certainly make it easier. #transition #servicemembers #veterans #interviewskills #resumetips #supportveterans

The Final Formation is an event organized by the Florida Army National Guard for soldiers nearing their Expiration Term of Service (ETS). This event offers a platform for reenlistment with exceptional benefits. Eligible soldiers could receive bonuses, although it’s important to note that these bonuses are specific to certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). Please consult your Readiness NCO to see if you qualify. Additionally, the event provides opportunities to explore new units and MOSs. It’s important to understand that attending the Final Formation does not guarantee these opportunities, but it is highly encouraged to attend. Attending can help you seek out any potential opportunities that could allow you to continue serving the great state of Florida. Furthermore, it’s possible to address these incentives directly at your unit before attending the Final Formation. We strongly encourage you to collaborate with your Readiness NCO in advance to see how they can assist you. #nationalguard #armynationalguard #usmilitary

It is amazing how few civilians and especially civilians who hire/recruit have no clue what people in the military do. The myriad of responsibilities of the military and the training received. For example, even the lowest ranking person in the military is expected to get up in front of a group of people and give training. #training #military #jobs

Some militaries like the Israel Defense Forces require EVERYONE to enlist, and every officer, all the way up to the Chief of Defense (CJCS-equivalent), started out as an E-1 after Basic Training. That makes more sense in a conscript-based force like Israel, Finland, or South Korea, but the principle of equality remains valid. Speaking from the US Army angle, commissions aren’t “given”. Its Officer Candidate School has a failure rate of 40%. That’s a good thing. Leading America’s sons and daughters in war is a privilege only the best should have, and quality NCOs should have the opportunity to join the officer corps. There’s pros and cons, but generally prior-enlisted make some of the better officers in my opinion. SOURCE(S): Task & Purpose

Earlier today, NCSC and its FVEY partners issued a joint bulletin on evolving efforts by China’s military to recruit current & former Western service members to train their aviators. Learn about the recruitment pitches and the global web of private companies used in these schemes at: https://lnkd.in/eS8tZB6V “To overcome their shortcomings, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been aggressively recruiting Western military talent to train their aviators, using private firms around the globe that conceal their PLA ties and offer recruits exorbitant salaries. Recent actions by Western governments have impacted these operations, but PLA recruitment efforts continue to evolve in response,” said NCSC Director Michael C. Casey. “Today’s joint bulletin by FVEY partners seeks to highlight this persistent threat and deter any current or former Western service members from actions that put their military colleagues at risk and erode our national security.” #counterintelligence #aviation #military #fighterjet #intelligence #PLA

Transition from Military to Corporate is tough. Having been through the process, I can confidently say that there is a huge gap within India Inc. regarding the skills possessed by armed forces veterans acquired over the span of their careers in their respective services (Army, Navy & Air Force). It is also true, that most veterns are confused regarding the career path they must embark on after service. The services give them the opportunity to learn numerous hard skills in order to perform their duties with limited external support. I have tried to compile the hard skills that armed forces Officers across cadres are likely to posses. My fellow Officers/ Veterans are welcome to comment or DM to further refine this document. I call all Talent Acquisition professionals and Hiring Managers to take a look. Disclaimer:- The list will not reflect the unique combination of hard skills that every Officer will possess on completion of service. Also, the intention of publishing this is not to steroetype or discourage anyone from exploring a career in domains of interest. #veterantransition #veteranshelpingveterans #hardskills

Colas Ltd has signed the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge and demonstrate our support to the defence and the armed forces community. Colas recognises the value of serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans, and military families contribute to our business and our country. Colas are working with FrontFoot.Jobs, to provide job opportunities directly to the Armed Forces community. Making Colas Ltd's current jobs accessible through the FrontFoot job board, for serving and ex-service personnel, as well as their families. By working with FrontFoot Colas can offer each person who gains a job through FrontFoot.Jobs, a 12-month transition support program, where they will be allocated a personal transition manager to guide them when needed. Each transition manager is from an ex-forces background and has successfully taken the journey the candidates are on. Colas recognises that cross-training may be needed and will work with FrontFoot for a period of 12 months to ensure candidates are successful! #colascareers #lifeatcolas #forces #exforces #armedforcescovenant #armedforces #armedforcescommunity

Low tolerance for lack of accountability or lack of respect is a common feeling amongst veterans. The military teaches an extreme doctrine with respect to accountability and rank. This makes sense in the military but not so much in the context of being a civilian. That's why a perceived lack of accountability is triggering for a veteran. Standards regarding these values are different in the civilian world, and this adjustment can take some getting used to. Do you ever feel this way? Let us know in the comments.

As a DoD employee, it is important to understand that I am not solely working for a pay check. I am directly connected to missions and training involving the U. S. military and networks essential to government processes. As a result of this, a pay check cannot be the only reason to seek gainful employment with the DoD. The benefits will far outweigh the financial aspect, and there is never a dull moment working with a melting pot of #military #veterans #civilians and #retirees. SN: In observance of Veteran’s Day, be sure to #celebrate a #veteran.