The Air Force Exit Strategy...

[pv74]

Currently, I am a network infrastructure technician in the US Air Force. I work on a large base network, and have had a lot of experience with switching and routing, especially on 3com, and Cisco equipment. I also have gained a lot of experience with all different types of networking media; patch panels, single and multimode fiber, etc. I also get to work with dial in equipment, and Pair-Gain E/1, T/1 circuits. Not to mention some server experience and propeitary governement stuff too. I have been trained in the fundamentals of electronics, and the fundamentals of computer operation down to the individual components.
In short, I am mastering the fundamental concepts of how to work with almost any vendor's networking equipment.

I also have a batchelors degree in business management. You see, I was stuck in retail management, and wanted a quick exit into IT. So I enlisted. I am having the time of my life learning all of this. I realy love my job. The first time I ever really felt good about going to work in the morning.

But the day will come in about two years when this may end, my enlistment will be up. I need an exit strategy if I choose not to re-enlist.

Currently, I am starting the pre-requisite work for my master's degree in MIS. I will also have an associate's degree from the Community College of the Air Force in Electronic Systems soon. I should be well on my way to completing my masters by the time my enlistment is up.

Should I count on this experience to get hired?
Should I also pursue vendor certification?
Do you have any sugestions as to what I should do to prepare myself for an exit?

 

[newbyr]

You shouldn't have any problems securing a position atleast paying 85k+ with the qualifications you bring to the table. Depending on were you are located ofcourse.

It would be in your best interest to get your certs (CCNA or CNP atleast). HR and senior managers look for the alphabet soup. Those responsible for the job/project will determine if you really know your stuff.

The business degree coupled with an MIS gives you two additional qualifications senior managers look for along with your experience - knowledge of business and how technology ties into the bottom line.

I retired from Navy last year with a Air Traffic Control background. I spent a lot of time preparing for my exit. I even recieved a BA in Psychology along the way. Only to decide prior to leaving the Navy that my passion was working with computer systems. I spent the last 3 1/2 years working with the IT departments aboard ship prior to leaving. I certified MCSE.

I was hired for my present position a month prior to my release from active duty. The important points that were reviewed were my experience, degree, certification, and the enthusiasim I had for the company.

With your experience - get the cert. If only to get the box checked.

 

[carp]

I can only echo newbyr's post. Get the certification(s) if you can. Finishing the Master's won't hurt any either! As for the final exit strategy, the one I used was:

In the year prior to your discharge, hit 1 Oct with as many days of leave as possible. This, along with permissive job hunting TDY (I don't know if the Air Force still offers that - when I left in '96 we were getting 14 days) can give you quite a lot of time off to either find a job or get started in a new position with two paychecks. Also, if the permissive TDY is still available, check on the details. When I left, the days didn't have to be taken contiguously, so 14 days translated into close to three weeks by only taking TDY on weekdays. I wound up leaving the Air Force almost three months before my actual discharge date.

I have found that employers prefer degrees over certifications, but really like both. Also, they are very pleased to see military time on your resume.

Concure with newbyr - depending on where you're located and/or where you're willing to go, you should have little or no trouble finding a good slot!

 

[Sullikit]

Hey Guys.
Well When I left USAF in 94 I was a Bomb loader Not much there to transfer to civie status.

I took and used my additional duties and busted my but working in conviance store while on terminal leave and got my associate in Industrial Admin. I then used my Safety Managment background and by talking to people even on planes. I got a lead and applied for a software enviromental firm and am now the head Crystal report Designer.

I also worked help desk and QA. These will get you experiance with specifications and how to write them. Also project management can't hurt.

Good luck.
Kitrina Sullivan SSGT USAF Retired

 

[pivan]

Way to go Kitrina !! In not now, when?
If not here, where?
If not us, who?

Just do it!!

 

[Voyager1]

I can't believe there isn't a good civilian market for bomb loaders... - Bill

"You can get anything you want out of life, if you'll just help enough other people get what they want" - Zig Ziglar