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:

1. Create a USAJOBS Profile:

   • Begin by setting up a profile on usajobs.gov.

   • Ensure all required details are accurately filled to enhance visibility.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Prepare Your Resume and Documentation:

   • Use the USAJOBS resume builder for a standardized format and check out our guide to writing federal resumes to ensure that your application contains all of the required information.

   • Highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements.

   • Gather necessary documentation, ensuring it aligns with the job requirements.

5. 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.

If you are already familiar with these steps, you may have already applied to a few federal jobs.

Resume And Federal Job Services

Obtaining a federal job can be difficult. The federal resume format is very different from a conventional resume. Including all of the required information and tailoring every resume to each job announcement can be taxing and time consuming.

If you would like assistance, we offer federal resume writing services!

We are experts in crafting federal resumes and have decades of experience successfully obtaining federal employment for our customers.

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.

• Project Management Opportunities

4. Cybersecurity Experts

• Roles: Information security, cyber operations.

• Opportunities: Safeguarding sensitive information across all military branches.

• Open IT Opportunities

5. Intelligence and Security Analysts

• Roles: Intelligence analysts, security consultants.

• Opportunities: Analyzing complex information, making informed decisions in security-related professions.

• Open Intelligence Positions

While these are a few of the GS categories, there are thousands of jobs available to choose from. Try exploring USAJOBS for opportunities that aline with your skill sets!

Navigating GS Occupational Families and exploring diverse career series within the federal government can further guide seniors toward the perfect match for their experience.

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! (Diego Garcia is a small Atoll and usually grants 12 month tours with possibilities for extensions. Its a very interesting place and present unique opportunities and challenges.)

US Air Force Jobs for Seniors: Soaring to New Heights

The United States Air Force (USAF) offers unique opportunities for seniors seeking civilian careers. With 1,928 open positions, 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.

Innovation and Technology Integration

• Roles: Careers in cutting-edge technologies.

• Opportunities: Contributing to technology integration, innovation, and research and development.

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 and Impact

• Roles in city management, public services, and community development.

• Leveraging skills for the betterment of local neighborhoods.

Government Vacancies in Public Safety

• Positions in law enforcement, fire services, and emergency management.

• Capitalizing on military expertise in crisis response.

Infrastructure and Development Roles

• Roles in infrastructure development, urban planning, and public works.

• Skills in logistical coordination and project management contributing to community growth.

Educational and Youth Services

• Positions in school districts and community centers.

• Leveraging leadership skills in mentoring, educational administration, and youth services.

Government Vacancies in Environmental

• Positions related to environmental protection, parks and recreation management.

• Contributing to the preservation of natural resources within communities.

By delving into local government jobs, seniors find a fulfilling and impactful avenue to channel their skills and experience, directly contributing to community well-being while receiving all of the benefits of working for the federal government.

Travel and Military Jobs for Seniors: Adding Adventure to the Mix

Seniors exploring military-related civilian careers often encounter opportunities involving travel, offering a dynamic and enriching dimension to their second professional journey. Here are some considerations:

Roles with Travel Components

• Many government careers include roles with significant travel components.

• Positions requiring on-site inspections, consultations, or project oversight.

International Assignments

• Certain government careers offer international assignments.

• Engaging in diplomacy, international development, or cooperation initiatives.

Emergency Response and Relief Missions

• Government careers linked to emergency response and relief.

• Entailing travel to regions affected by natural disasters, conflicts, or crises.

Federal Jobs with Travel Opportunities

• Numerous positions within the federal government come with built-in travel opportunities.

• Working in diplomacy, trade, or specialized technical fields.

For projected travel, ensure to check the USA Jobs announcement for the travel percentage. Some positions travel extensively, while others have little to no travel.

Conclusion: A Spectrum of Paths for Seniors

Read more on the benefits of working for the federal government where we lay out all of the perks for working for the fed. There are so many opportunities, why not give it a try?

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