Today is Memorial Day in the United States. It celebrates those from the military – past and present. The technical training and skills the military provides gives a great platform for a career in the civilian field engineering workforce. This article focuses on why ex-military personnel bring value to civilian field engineering.

Many of the skills and challenges which ex- military personnel have and have faced, are directly transferrable and are therefore of value to civilian companies.

However, it is the soft skills that military service teaches, which are often even more attractive to civilian employers. For example someone who is ex-military will be a good team player, and will also understand the value of service to others.
Field Service Engineering is one major area which benefits from the pool of talent available when people end their military service.

Why Ex-Military personnel transition into great civilian Field Service Engineers

Ex-military bring value as field engineers

Why do ex-military people make good field engineers?

They have the following skills, attitudes and aptitudes:
A breadth of cross functional skills
Excellent specialist training
An aptitude in more than one technical area
A strong work ethic
Used to travelling often at short notice
Adaptable
Possess a “can do” attitude
Are tenacious
Able to be self sufficient, while being very team aware
Realistic and pragmatic problem solvers
Have learned not to over promise
Clear and concise communicators
Possess a desire to help and make a difference
Used to working in dangerous, uncomfortable situations
Accustomed to having to make use of the tools and equipment at hand

Why do companies actively recruit ex-military personnel

Companies actively recruit ex-military personnel because they bring a range of valuable skills and qualities developed through their service. These individuals are often highly disciplined, reliable, and capable of working under pressure. They are trained to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing situations, which are crucial attributes in many business environments.

Ex-military candidates also tend to have strong leadership abilities and experience in managing teams, resources, and complex operations. Their background often includes technical training and problem-solving skills that are directly applicable to a variety of industries, including engineering, logistics, and information technology.

Furthermore, hiring veterans (ex-military) demonstrates a company’s commitment to diversity and social responsibility. Many organisations recognise the importance of supporting those who have served and see the recruitment of ex-military personnel as a way to enrich their workforce with individuals who possess a strong sense of duty, teamwork, and integrity.

Types of Field Service Engineer roles for ex-military

Ex-military personnel are well-suited for a variety of field service engineer roles due to their technical training, problem-solving skills, and experience working in challenging environments. Here are some common types of field service engineer roles they can transition to.

Mechanical Field Service Engineer
Involves maintenance, repair, and installation of mechanical systems such as engines, turbines, or industrial equipment.

Electrical or Electronic Field Service Engineer
Focuses on servicing electrical systems or electronic components, often in sectors like telecommunications, defence, or manufacturing.

IT and Network Field Service Engineer
Involves installing and supporting computer networks, hardware, and communication systems, which aligns with many military communication roles.

Medical Equipment Field Service Engineer
Requires technical expertise to install and maintain complex medical devices, suitable for those with biomedical or electronics experience.

Aerospace or Avionics Field Service Engineer
Ideal for ex-military aircraft technicians, this role involves servicing navigation, communication, and control systems.

Renewable Energy Field Service Engineer
Includes roles in wind or solar energy, often requiring electrical or mechanical skills that many veterans already possess.

These roles often value veterans’ (ex-military personnel’s) discipline, safety awareness, and ability to work independently or in remote locations.

Conclusion

UK guidance for transitioning from the military
US guidance on transitioning from the military

If you have moved from the military to a civilian Field Engineering job, please let us know your experience and advice?

Feel free to message us with links to relevant information from your country, or you can post them in the comments.

Further Reading

Natalie Aixill, Technical Services Engineer, Resero UK

A US Navy veteran who installs and services baking production line equipment for Kaak North America

Successful Unsung Heroes of the Engineering World

Life as a Medical Field Service Technical Instructor

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States, observed on the last Monday of May. It honours the men and women of the armed forces (ex-military) who lost their lives in military service to the country. The day is marked by ceremonies, moments of silence, and visits to cemeteries and memorials. Many Americans also observe it by displaying the national flag and attending parades or community events.

The origins of Memorial Day date back to the aftermath of the American Civil War in the 1860s. Initially known as Decoration Day, it began as a way to honour fallen Union soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. Over time, the observance expanded to include all military personnel who died in service. In 1971, Memorial Day was officially recognised as a federal holiday and its date fixed to the last Monday in May, providing a long weekend and an opportunity for national remembrance for all those in the military and all those who are ex-military.