Home / Military to civilian jobs / Coast Guard / MK
That is Coast Guard Rating MK. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Stood over 2,000 hours of main space watch on CGC BERTHOLF, managing propulsion plant operations, generator load balancing, and auxiliary systems monitoring for a 418-foot national security cutter
How a hiring manager reads it
Supervised 24/7 operations of a complex industrial facility with multiple power generation units, HVAC systems, and mechanical infrastructure, logging over 2,000 hours of shift operations management with zero unplanned shutdowns
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
Build a resume for a real jobYou pick the job. We write it from your MK experience. Free to start.
Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder
After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 71,892 resumes built so far.
One page, built in our template, with the military experience translated into the civilian terms hiring managers and screening software read. Use it as a reference for your own. Leave an email and the download link comes to you.
Free. Occasional job-search tips come with it. Unsubscribe anytime.
Machinery Technicians (MK) are the Coast Guard's marine engineers — responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing diesel engines, main propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, electrical systems, and hull structures on cutters and boats of every size in the fleet. MKs keep Coast Guard vessels running in some of the harshest maritime conditions on Earth, from Arctic icebreaking operations to hurricane response in the Gulf of Mexico.
The MK rating covers an unusually broad technical scope. A single MK may work on diesel propulsion systems one day, troubleshoot electrical generation equipment the next, and perform damage control welding the day after. Depending on assignment, MKs serve aboard 418-foot national security cutters, 210-foot medium endurance cutters, 154-foot fast response cutters, 87-foot patrol boats, and 47-foot motor lifeboats at stations. Some MKs are assigned to shore-side engineering support units or the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, MD, where major vessel overhauls and conversions take place.
This breadth of mechanical, electrical, and damage control training makes MKs among the most employable technical ratings in the Coast Guard. The civilian marine engineering, industrial maintenance, power generation, and HVAC industries all actively seek the diagnostic and hands-on repair skills that MKs develop through years of underway equipment troubleshooting.
MKs translate to federal trades — diesel mechanics, marine engineering, and federal facilities operations at NAVFAC and DoD depots. I worked across federal engineering and the demand for cleared diesel and propulsion backgrounds at DoD bases is consistent. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Coast Guard mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Machinery Technician
$50K to $98K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
10 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Machinery Technicians lands in the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
MKs possess a combination of diesel engine expertise, marine propulsion knowledge, and electrical systems troubleshooting that translates directly to multiple private sector industries. According to BLS May 2024 data, industrial machinery mechanics earn a median of $63,510 (O*NET 49-9041.00), with 14% job growth projected — much faster than average. Ship engineers earn a median of $97,140 (O*NET 53-5031.00), reflecting the premium that maritime propulsion expertise commands.
The energy sector is another strong path. Power plant operators earn a BLS median of $97,710 (O*NET 51-8013.00), and MKs who worked with shipboard power generation systems have relevant experience with turbines, generators, switchboards, and load management. HVAC mechanics earn a median of $57,300 (O*NET 49-9021.00), with steady demand driven by commercial construction and facilities management.
For MKs who worked extensively on diesel engines, the diesel service technician path offers a BLS median of $60,640 (O*NET 49-3031.00) with the advantage of being one of the most in-demand trades in the country — the commercial trucking and heavy equipment industries cannot hire diesel mechanics fast enough.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship EngineerO*NET 53-5031.00 | Maritime / Commercial Shipping | $97,140 | Little or no change | strong |
| Industrial Machinery MechanicO*NET 49-9041.00 | Manufacturing / Multiple Industries | $63,510 | Much faster than average (14%) | strong |
| Diesel Service TechnicianO*NET 49-3031.00 | Transportation / Construction / Energy | $60,640 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
| HVAC Mechanic / InstallerO*NET 49-9021.00 | Construction / Facilities Management | $57,300 | Much faster than average (9%) | strong |
| Power Plant OperatorO*NET 51-8013.00 | Energy / Utilities | $97,710 | Little or no change (-3%) | strong |
| ElectricianO*NET 47-2111.00 | Construction / Maintenance / Utilities | $62,350 | About as fast as average (6%) | moderate |
| Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water VesselsO*NET 53-5021.00 | Maritime / Commercial Shipping | $98,310 | Little or no change | moderate |
| Sailor / Marine OilerO*NET 53-5011.00 | Maritime / Commercial Shipping | $49,540 | Little or no change | strong |
Largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. Builds and maintains Coast Guard cutters. Marine engineering and shipboard systems positions for MKs.
Builds and repairs commercial and government vessels in San Diego. Marine mechanics, welders, and engineering technicians needed.
World leader in diesel engines and heavy equipment. MK diesel engine experience is directly applicable. Service technician and field engineer positions.
Major diesel engine manufacturer. MKs often work on Cummins engines aboard CG vessels. Factory training programs and field service positions available.
Operates tugboats, barges, and container ships. Hires licensed and unlicensed engineers. Coast Guard background valued for compliance and safety culture.
Federal civilian mariners on military support vessels. Competitive pay with federal benefits. MK experience qualifies for engineering department positions.
Global HVAC and building management systems company. MK HVAC and refrigeration experience from shipboard systems is directly relevant to commercial HVAC service roles.
Global infrastructure and engineering firm. Facilities engineering, O&M management, and government facility maintenance contracts.
Major fleet maintenance operation. Diesel technician positions across the country. Structured training programs and career advancement paths.
Power generation and distribution. Power plant operators and maintenance technicians — MK generator and switchboard experience directly applicable.
Pacific Northwest ship repair and marine fabrication. Marine mechanics, welders, and electricians. Coast Guard vessel maintenance contracts.
Building automation, fire protection, and HVAC. MK experience with integrated shipboard systems translates to building management systems troubleshooting.
BMR rewrites your MK experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
Free to start. 2 tailored resumes included.
Upload it and get a number in about a minute, plus the MK lines a civilian hiring manager will not follow and what to write instead. No account.
Free. Your file is never stored.
Industrial machinery mechanic resume example (military to civilian): the whole page, the lines that changed, and the words the posts use. Built from MK work.
“I used the resume your site built for me to apply for my first-ever position on USAJOBS, and I was selected for a GS-13 position writing policy for the same type of work I did while on active duty. First pitch- Home Run!”
Christopher · Chief Petty Officer (E-7) · Coast Guard · Federal Policy
The federal government operates one of the largest vessel and equipment fleets in the world, and MKs are qualified to maintain much of it. The most direct federal path is the Marine Machinery Mechanic series (WG-5334), which covers propulsion, auxiliary, and hull maintenance on federal vessels — essentially the same work MKs perform on active duty. USACE, NOAA, Military Sealift Command (civilian mariners), and the Army all hire marine machinery mechanics.
Beyond marine-specific roles, the broader federal maintenance and engineering series offer strong options. Equipment, Facilities, and Services (GS-1603) covers facility maintenance management. Engineering Technician (GS-0802) positions exist at virtually every federal agency with physical infrastructure. The Utility Systems Operating (WG-5406) and Boiler Plant Operating (WG-5402) series map directly to MK experience with power generation and heating systems aboard cutters.
For MKs seeking to move into management, Facilities Operations Services (GS-1640) and General Facilities and Equipment (GS-1601) positions manage maintenance departments, capital improvement projects, and equipment lifecycle programs. Your hands-on technical background is an asset in supervisory roles where you can evaluate contractor work and make informed engineering decisions.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WG-5352 | Industrial Equipment Mechanic | WG-9, WG-10, WG-11 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| WG-5334 | Marine Machinery Mechanic | WG-10, WG-11, WG-12 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| WG-4749 | Maintenance Mechanic | WG-8, WG-9, WG-10, WG-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| WG-5306 | Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic | WG-9, WG-10, WG-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| WG-5406 | Utility Systems Operating | WG-9, WG-10, WG-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| WG-5402 | Boiler Plant Operating | WG-8, WG-9, WG-10 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1601 | General Facilities and Equipment | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0801 | General Engineering | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| WG-2805 | Electrician | WG-9, WG-10, WG-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
A wind turbine is a sealed mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical system in a hostile environment, which is exactly what an MK already maintains on a cutter, just mounted on a tower instead of a hull.
Transfers: Hydraulic and gearbox troubleshooting, Reading electrical and mechanical schematics, Working safely in confined, high-risk spaces, Preventive maintenance on complex drivetrains.
How to get there: A short technical certificate or community college wind program is the common entry, often under a year. GI Bill covers most accredited programs and the field actively recruits veterans.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 60% (Much faster than average)
Elevators run on the same blend of hydraulics, motors, controllers, and safety interlocks an MK troubleshoots shipboard, and the trade pays well because few techs can read all three systems at once.
Transfers: Diagnosing integrated electro-mechanical faults, Hydraulics and cable drive systems, Reading wiring and control schematics, Precision adjustment and safety testing.
How to get there: Entry is a four-year apprenticeship through the NEIEP/IUEC program. Verified mechanical and electrical military experience can shorten it; the apprenticeship is paid.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 6% (Faster than average)
Running the building plant in a hospital or campus is the shoreside version of standing an engineering watch, the boilers, chillers, and pumps an MK already operates and repairs underway.
Transfers: Operating and maintaining boilers and pumps, Monitoring pressure and temperature systems, Logging readings and performing rounds, Responding to plant casualties and alarms.
How to get there: Many states require a stationary engineer license earned through exams and documented hours. Shipboard engineering time counts toward eligibility and GI Bill covers license prep courses.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 2% (As fast as average)
Treatment plants are pump-and-process operations run to tight standards, the same disciplined equipment operation and maintenance an MK does on a vessel water and fuel system.
Transfers: Operating pumps, valves, and process systems, Monitoring instrumentation and adjusting flow, Maintaining mechanical equipment on a schedule, Following strict operating and safety procedures.
How to get there: Entry requires a state operator license earned by passing a certification exam, usually with no degree. Utilities hire trainees and reimburse certification; GI Bill covers prep courses.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7% (Faster than average)
Biomedical equipment techs trace faults across mechanical, electronic, and software systems, the same structured troubleshooting an MK applies to shipboard machinery, in a fast-growing hospital field.
Transfers: Diagnosing faults in electro-mechanical devices, Reading technical manuals and schematics, Precision repair and calibration, Documenting maintenance to a standard.
How to get there: Entry usually needs an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology or equivalent electronics experience. Some employers train veterans with strong maintenance backgrounds; GI Bill covers the degree.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 16% (Much faster than average)
A gas processing plant is a network of compressors, pumps, and control systems run around the clock, which mirrors the engineering plant an MK keeps online and repairs at sea.
Transfers: Operating compressors, pumps, and process controls, Monitoring complex systems from a control board, Responding to abnormal plant conditions, Maintaining rotating machinery.
How to get there: Operators are typically trained on the job after a high school diploma; a process technology certificate helps. The industry pays well and values shipboard machinery experience, and GI Bill covers process-tech programs.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 4% (As fast as average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you're applying to marine engineering companies, shipyards, or commercial vessel operators, your terminology transfers directly — they know what a main propulsion diesel engine is, they know what a damage control repair means, and they know what underway maintenance under adverse conditions looks like.
This section is for MKs targeting careers outside of the marine and maritime industry: facilities management, industrial manufacturing, project management, energy, or any role where the hiring manager doesn't speak marine engineering. The translations below convert your shipboard maintenance language into terms that resonate with land-based hiring managers.
Before, in service
Stood over 2,000 hours of main space watch on CGC BERTHOLF, managing propulsion plant operations, generator load balancing, and auxiliary systems monitoring for a 418-foot national security cutter
After, on the resume
Supervised 24/7 operations of a complex industrial facility with multiple power generation units, HVAC systems, and mechanical infrastructure, logging over 2,000 hours of shift operations management with zero unplanned shutdowns
Before, in service
Led the MK division through a 6-month dry dock availability at CG Yard, coordinating 14 work packages valued at $4.8M, managing 8 contractor teams, and completing on schedule
After, on the resume
Managed a $4.8M capital asset overhaul project spanning 6 months, coordinating 14 work packages across 8 contractor teams, performing quality inspections, and delivering on schedule and within budget
Before, in service
Maintained CSMP for 47-foot MLB with 180+ scheduled maintenance actions, ensuring 95% PM completion rate and tracking 40+ deferred maintenance items through resolution
After, on the resume
Administered enterprise maintenance management system tracking 180+ preventive maintenance tasks, maintaining 95% on-time completion rate and managing 40+ corrective work orders through resolution across a fleet of critical operational assets
Before, in service
Diagnosed and repaired a main engine lube oil system failure underway in the Gulf of Mexico, restoring propulsion within 4 hours using onboard materials and preventing mission abort
After, on the resume
Diagnosed and resolved critical equipment failure during active operations, restoring full functionality within 4 hours using available resources, preventing $200K+ in operational delays and maintaining production uptime
Before, in service
Managed a 12-person MK division aboard CGC MIDGETT, responsible for $22M in propulsion and auxiliary equipment, training program compliance, and 97% operational readiness
After, on the resume
Led a 12-member technical maintenance department responsible for $22M in critical infrastructure equipment, delivering 97% operational availability through predictive maintenance programs, staff development, and strategic resource allocation
Before, in service
Qualified as Damage Control Petty Officer, led 8 damage control drills, and served as on-scene leader for 3 actual casualty responses including an engine room fire
After, on the resume
Served as certified emergency response team leader for an industrial facility, conducting 8 emergency preparedness exercises and leading on-scene response for 3 actual incidents including a fire suppression event with zero injuries
Before, in service
Managed supply requisitions through SFLC for a 210-foot WMEC, tracking $350K in annual parts procurement, reducing equipment downtime 20% through predictive ordering
After, on the resume
Managed $350K annual procurement budget for specialized technical components, implementing a predictive ordering system that reduced equipment downtime by 20% through optimized inventory management and vendor coordination
Before, in service
Qualified as engineering watch officer on three distinct propulsion plants: diesel mechanical (WMEC-210), combined diesel/diesel (FRC-154), and COGAG gas turbine (WHEC-378)
After, on the resume
Cross-trained and certified on three distinct industrial power generation and mechanical drive system configurations, demonstrating rapid technical proficiency across diverse equipment platforms and operating environments
BMR turns your MK duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
RequiredCost $20 - $50 exam feeTime 1-2 days study + examRequired by law to work with refrigerants. MKs with shipboard A/C experience already know the material. Four types available — Universal covers all equipment. Cannot legally work on HVAC refrigerant systems without it.
BeneficialCost $300 - $1,000Time 1-4 weeks testingGI Bill eligibleFor MKs with welding experience from damage control or shipboard fabrication. AWS certification opens doors in construction, manufacturing, and shipyard positions. GI Bill covers many welding programs.
RecommendedCost $400 - $700Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard for facilities management careers. Your shipboard engineering plant management experience is directly relevant to building systems management. Healthcare, education, and corporate facilities are major employers.
RecommendedCost $200 - $400Time 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleIndustry standard for industrial maintenance professionals. Your shipboard maintenance experience counts toward the experience requirement. Strengthens candidacy for maintenance supervisor and reliability engineer positions.
RequiredCost $50 - $300Time 1-4 weeks studyRequired in most states to operate boilers above certain thresholds. Many states have military experience credit provisions that waive portions of the licensing requirement. Check your target state before separating.
RequiredCost $100 - $500 (application fees)Time 2-6 months processingBased on documented sea time and engineering watch hours. Many MKs qualify for Third Assistant Engineer or higher without additional schooling. Start the NMC evaluation process immediately — processing is slow.
RequiredCost Included with MMC applicationTime Concurrent with MMCStandards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping — required for international maritime employment. Your Coast Guard sea time counts toward STCW requirements.
RecommendedCost $405 - $555Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleStandard PM credential. Documented project hours from dry dock availabilities and equipment overhauls count toward the experience requirement. For MKs moving into management rather than hands-on technical work.
RecommendedCost $150 - $300Time 1-2 weeksGI Bill eligibleBaseline safety credential for manufacturing and industrial environments. Can be completed online. Required by many employers before starting work. Pairs well with your damage control and safety training.
RecommendedCost $45 per testTime 1-2 months studyGI Bill eligibleIndustry standard for diesel technicians. Multiple specialty tests available. MK diesel engine experience is directly applicable — this is a documentation of what you already know. Required by many fleet maintenance employers.
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials: MKs may qualify for merchant mariner credentials based on sea service. Check with the National Maritime Center (NMC) for credential evaluation — your documented sea time and engineering watch hours count toward STCW certification. The NMC website has the application process.
SkillBridge Programs: Marine engineering companies and shipyards participate in DOD SkillBridge. Search the SkillBridge database for opportunities. Huntington Ingalls, General Dynamics NASSCO, and other shipbuilders have historically offered SkillBridge positions for engineering technicians.
Maritime Unions: The Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) and International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) are pathways into commercial maritime engineering. Your Coast Guard experience may qualify you for advanced entry.
Industrial Maintenance Certifications: The Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) from the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) is the industry standard. Your shipboard maintenance experience counts toward the experience requirement.
HVAC Certification: EPA Section 608 certification is required for HVAC work involving refrigerants — many MKs already have refrigerant handling experience from shipboard A/C systems. Universal certification covers all equipment types.
Electrical Licensing: State electrical licenses vary by jurisdiction. MKs with shipboard electrical experience may qualify for journeyman electrician credentials in some states — check your state's licensing board for military experience credit programs.
Power Engineering: State-issued boiler operator and power plant operator licenses often have military experience provisions. Your watch-standing experience with shipboard boilers and generators is directly relevant.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile now. Key series for MKs: WG-5334 (Marine Machinery Mechanic), GS-0802 (Engineering Technician), WG-5352 (Industrial Equipment Mechanic), WG-5306 (A/C Equipment Mechanic). Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. Pair with someone in your target industry for transition guidance.
GI Bill Strategy: Verify program approval through the GI Bill Comparison Tool. For trades, many apprenticeship programs accept GI Bill. For engineering degrees, consider mechanical or marine engineering technology programs at ABET-accredited schools.
Coast Guard Resume Guide | Complete Military Resume Guide | Top Companies Hiring Veterans | Build Your Resume Free
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
Your sea service time and engineering watch hours count toward STCW certification and USCG merchant mariner credentials. The exact credential depends on your documented sea time, engine horsepower ratings, and specific billets. Contact the National Maritime Center (NMC) for a credential evaluation — many MKs qualify for Third Assistant Engineer or higher based on documented service alone. Do not pay for commercial maritime academies before checking what you already qualify for.
According to BLS May 2024 data, ship engineers earn a median of $97,140 (O*NET 53-5031.00). Industrial machinery mechanics earn a median of $63,510. Diesel service technicians earn a median of $60,640. Electricians earn a median of $62,350. Power plant operators earn a median of $97,710. Your specific salary depends on which path you choose and your geographic market — maritime and energy hubs (Houston, Gulf Coast, Pacific Northwest) typically offer above-median wages.
Many MKs decide they are done turning wrenches. Strong career pivot options include project management (BLS median $100,750), facilities management, operations management (BLS median $102,950), occupational safety (BLS median $83,910), and logistics (BLS median $80,880). Your technical background is an asset in management roles — you can evaluate contractor work, understand technical proposals, and make informed engineering decisions even when you are not the one doing the repairs. See the Career Change Paths section for specific entry paths.
Not necessarily. Merchant mariner credentials are based on documented sea time and examinations, not college degrees. For shore-side industrial maintenance, many employers accept demonstrated experience in lieu of formal education — your Coast Guard service record documents that experience. However, a degree in marine engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology can accelerate advancement and is sometimes required for supervisory or management positions.
An active Secret clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and months of processing time. Defense contractors, shipbuilders working on classified programs (Huntington Ingalls, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Austal USA), and government agencies all value active clearances. Check ClearanceJobs.com for positions that require clearances. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation — start your job search before it lapses.
Target certifications based on your career path. For marine engineering: start the NMC merchant mariner credential evaluation process immediately — this takes time. For industrial maintenance: CMRT (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician). For HVAC: EPA Section 608 Universal. For electrical: check your state licensing board for military experience credit. For any path: keep your First Aid/CPR current. Universal recommendation: OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour if targeting manufacturing or construction.
Veterans' Preference gives you 5 or 10 points on federal hiring assessments. For Wage Grade (WG) positions — which is where most federal maintenance mechanic jobs are classified — this advantage is significant. WG positions are separate from the GS scale and typically pay comparable to or above local trade rates. Key tip: apply to the specific series that match your experience (WG-5334, WG-5352) rather than generic listings.
For marine engineering: Gulf Coast (Houston, New Orleans, Mobile) for offshore energy. Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland) for commercial shipping and fishing fleets. Great Lakes (Cleveland, Chicago, Duluth) for inland shipping. Hampton Roads for military shipbuilding. For industrial maintenance: manufacturing hubs throughout the Midwest and Southeast. For power generation: any region — power plants exist everywhere, and the aging workforce is creating openings faster than they can fill them.
Yes — many skilled trade apprenticeship programs accept GI Bill benefits. Electrician, HVAC, pipefitter, and industrial maintenance apprenticeships are commonly VA-approved. The GI Bill pays a housing allowance during apprenticeship (at a reduced rate), and you earn wages simultaneously. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify that a specific program is approved before enrolling.
Absolutely — and start at least 12 months out. At 180 days before your EAS, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to intern at a civilian company while still receiving military pay. Begin the NMC credential evaluation process 12 months out — it is slow. Set up your USAJobs profile, update your resume, and start networking through industry contacts, ACP, and LinkedIn. Use terminal leave as your transition runway — it is the last pay period where you can take risks without financial pressure.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes, tailored to each job.
Tailored resumes
Rewritten for each job posting
Cover letters
Matched to the role
LinkedIn optimization
Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters
Elevator pitch generator
For interviews and networking
Company research reports
Know who you are applying to
Job tracker
Every application in one place