Exploring Military Opportunities for Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide
Age is not a factor in the federal government. I have personally worked with a gentleman in his 80's working for the Air Force overseas! He was an electrician and worked hand in hand with the GI's. It's 100% doable with the right resume. Being a senior, you have the experience, the last key is a federal resume to get you in the door!
From Army civilian careers to US Air Force jobs, we're about to unravel the best military paths for seniors.
Seniors, including those over 60+ are eligible to work for the military (DOD) in different capacities, including overseas assignments.
Join me as we shed light on the adaptability of acquired skills and explore the realm of armed forces civilian jobs, including per diem benefits, federal job openings, and government careers awaiting those in their golden years.
How to Secure Military Jobs: A 5-Step Guide
Navigating the application process for military jobs demands a strategic approach.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
Create a USAJOBS Profile:
Begin by setting up a profile on usajobs.gov.
Ensure all required details are accurately filled to enhance visibility.
Search for a Job:
Utilize the platform's search functionalities to narrow down positions based on your skills and preferences.
Search by location or job series.
Save relevant searches to receive timely updates on new job listings to your email.
Review the Job Announcement:
Thoroughly examine the details of each job announcement to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities.
Identify keywords and tailor your application accordingly.
Prepare Your Resume and Documentation:
Use our AI Federal Resume Builder to create a properly formatted federal resume in minutes.
Highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements.
Gather necessary documentation, ensuring it aligns with the job requirements.
Submit Your Application:
Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal.
Keep track of application statuses and follow up as needed.
After submission, applications undergo agency review. If your resume is shortlisted, an interview may be requested, leading to potential contact from HR with further steps.
Ready to Land That Federal Job?
Our AI-powered federal resume builder creates USAJOBS-ready resumes in minutes. No more guessing at the right format.
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Why Your Federal Resume is the Key to Getting Hired
Obtaining a federal job can be difficult. The federal resume format is very different from a conventional resume - it requires specific sections, detailed job descriptions, and proper formatting that most applicants get wrong.
Here's the problem: 95% of federal job applications are rejected before a human ever sees them. The automated screening systems filter out resumes that don't follow the exact format or include the right keywords from the job announcement.
Our AI-powered platform solves this by:
Auto-formatting your resume to meet federal requirements
Extracting keywords from job announcements and incorporating them naturally
Tailoring each resume to specific positions in under 2 minutes
Ensuring compliance with the latest OPM guidelines
The Best Military Careers for Seniors: A Seamless Transition
Discovering the optimal military careers for seniors involves exploring a spectrum of possibilities. Let's delve into some promising paths:
1. Education and Training
Roles: Instructors, educators, technical trainers.
Opportunities: Teaching at DODEA Schools, providing technical training to military personnel.
2. Healthcare and Medical Professions
Roles: Doctors, nurses, medics.
Opportunities: Positions in military healthcare, hospitals, clinics, and medical research.
USAJOBs Health Care Opportunities
3. Project Management and Coordination
Roles: Project managers, coordinators.
Opportunities: Overseeing logistics, planning in various sectors within the DOD.
4. Cybersecurity Experts
Roles: Information security, cyber operations.
Opportunities: Safeguarding sensitive information across all military branches.
5. Intelligence and Security Analysts
Roles: Intelligence analysts, security consultants.
Opportunities: Analyzing complex information, making informed decisions in security-related professions.
While these are a few of the GS categories, there are thousands of jobs available to choose from. Try exploring USAJOBS for opportunities that align with your skill sets!
Armed Forces Civilian Jobs with Per Diem Benefits: Adding Perks to the Mix
Explore the additional benefits of armed forces civilian jobs, specifically per diem opportunities. These benefits provide seniors with a daily allowance for expenses incurred during official travel. Here are some areas where per diem benefits come into play:
Field Service and Technical Support
Roles involving technical expertise.
Traveling to different locations to provide on-site assistance.
Emergency Response and Disaster Relief
Civilian roles linked to emergency response.
Contributions to crisis management efforts.
Training and Workshops
Positions involving training, workshops, and skills development.
Opportunities for seniors to mentor and contribute to skills development.
Travel Opportunities for Seniors
Beyond per diem benefits, armed forces civilian jobs often provide seniors with the opportunity to explore different locations.
Working on short-term or long-term projects, contributing to travel experiences.
There are also overseas assignments to consider. Imagine living and working in Germany, Italy or the UK for a few years?! There are hundreds of bases to choose from. From large established posts such as Ramstein, Germany to small remote bases like Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean!
US Air Force Jobs for Seniors: Soaring to New Heights
The United States Air Force (USAF) offers unique opportunities for seniors seeking civilian careers. Here are some areas where seniors can make a significant impact:
Technical Expertise in Civilian Sectors
Roles: Aviation maintenance, aerospace engineering.
Opportunities: Applying technical prowess to industries from manufacturing to technology.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Roles: Supply chain management, procurement, logistics coordination.
Opportunities: Leveraging expertise in intricate logistics and supply chain operations.
Leadership and Strategic Planning
Roles: Leadership positions in corporate management, strategic planning.
Opportunities: Making critical decisions under pressure.
Local Government Jobs for Seniors: Impacting Communities
For seniors desiring community impact, local government jobs offer a compelling avenue. Local jobs can be found by filtering USAJOBS to a specific location. Explore positions in the following areas:
Community Engagement: Roles in city management, public services, and community development.
Public Safety: Positions in law enforcement, fire services, and emergency management.
Infrastructure: Roles in urban planning, and public works.
Education: Positions in school districts and community centers.
Take the Next Step: Get Your Federal Resume Today
You have read about the opportunities. You know federal jobs offer great benefits, job security, and meaningful work. The only thing standing between you and that GS position is a properly formatted federal resume.
Here is the reality: Federal resumes are different. They require specific formatting, detailed descriptions, and exact compliance with OPM guidelines. Most applicants fail not because they are unqualified, but because their resume does not make it past the automated screening.
Our AI-powered platform was built to solve this exact problem. In minutes, you will have a federal resume that:
- Meets all USAJOBS formatting requirements
- Includes the right keywords from the job announcement
- Highlights your decades of experience in the right way
- Gets past the automated filters so a human actually sees your application
Your Experience Deserves to Be Seen
Stop losing out on federal jobs because of resume formatting. Start getting interviews.
Create Your Federal Resume NowJust $30/month for unlimited federal resumes
Every subscription funds free resume services for military veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
Have questions? Contact us - we are happy to help you navigate your federal job search.
About the Author
Brad Tachi is the CEO and founder of Best Military Resume and a 2025 Military Friendly Vetrepreneur of the Year award recipient for overseas excellence. A former U.S. Navy Diver with over 20 years of combined military, private sector, and federal government experience, Brad brings unparalleled expertise to help veterans and military service members successfully transition to rewarding civilian careers. Having personally navigated the military-to-civilian transition, Brad deeply understands the challenges veterans face and specializes in translating military experience into compelling resumes that capture the attention of civilian employers. Through Best Military Resume, Brad has helped thousands of service members land their dream jobs by providing expert resume writing, career coaching, and job search strategies tailored specifically for the veteran community.
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