So I did 6 years from 2002 to 2009 in the Army. Multiple deployments. I was scared to get out. Everyone is. But the civilian side is actually pretty easy. I grew up as a farmer and did another trade in high school, Autobody. Now at 42 I own a shop even though it’s just me another tech. We do very good and we are 2 years away from paying my business off. The whole point of this you can’t be scared I needed a purpose after I got out. And I found it. It was serving my community as a business owner. People getting out need a purpose…..
From my Foxhole, as an Army Retiree, most business do not care about Military Service, and this is particularly true for Government jobs. I work in HR and have seen this firsthand. My current employer wants Military personnel because of the things you mentioned, but are not willing to pay them more, this creates a problem. They want quality employees but do not want to pay for them. I have a friend who works in HR on the GS side for Government and they look for Pollical Leanings, unofficially. If an applicant does not lean D, they will not hire them, and they do not want to hire Veterans because they lean R and work hard. I worked for an employer who had Veterans and they worked their tails off, out performed everyone else. When it came time for reviews and raises, I was told No raises, I asked why? I was told if we do that, they will expect raises for performance. I could go on, but you get the point.
I’ve talked to many employers (enterprise, large, and SMB) in the last year. Every single one said they prefer veterans and military experience over civilian candidates. The reason stated most often is that veterans tend to be more dependable and structured. Even when they don’t have all of the skills required, it’s often a great hiring investment for the long term.
@@stephon972 I don’t have to sit at a desk in a cubicle and punch a clock. I get to work with some of the worlds most selfless people in a tight team environment and every single day is different from the last. We see tragedy and comedy every day, it’s never boring and where I live we’re paid fairly.
@@heartbreakkid8708 go to any Firehall in your area and knock on the door. I’m sure they’d be happy to steer you in the right direction. It can be a bit different city to city.
@@heartbreakkid8708 Also add it can be pretty competitive but doable, I just got hired full time. Get in shape/live healthy lifestyle, volunteer, get certifications, life experiences and work on interview skills before you need them. My two cents. Also if you can get on ride alongs Ems, police, fire to get a little sense of what it's like.
I am both careers crossed out in your thumbnail lol 😂 The first because I wanted to serve my country, the second, firefighting because I wanted to serve my community and I make a better living than many people with masters degrees. Happy as a clam
Did three years when I came home. I was hella spazzing. Transition from active to guard helped me now I’m on my last year guard time has sure helped me transition.
It’s hard to do a job that requires a lot of sacrifice : police / military When a good chunk of our country openly despises you. We aren’t really all that patriotic anymore, many citizens openly express their hatred for America, and our leaders are extremely incompetent. As a nation we just are not in a good place right now, so it’s hard to get those who would have traditionally signed up, to do so. I’d probably be one of them. But after seeing the young marine who identified the bomber in Kabul basically ignored, (pretty much so the operation could hurry up and get over with) it’s pretty disheartening, and disappointing. He’s doing his job to protect his fellow solider… just to watch them die In front of him, and have his own body ripped to shreds. All because of incompetent leadership. Not ONE general was fired for that.
The corporation I work for- a huge manufacturer here in the USA- has long given military experience as an added quality. My experience for the last 20 years is that military experience has virtually nothing to do with being a good production worker. Zero. Many are outright lazy and expect to be directed all the time.
I bet that chap is having a blast on the assembly line! Im sure he is 100% bought in that what he does matters more than the military. You seem to be the remaining old head that is willing to work their life, time and body away for nothing more than bragging rights about who suffers more.
In my opinion anyone who has the dedication and willingness to give up years of their life and possibly their life period for other human beings they don’t know deserves a chance in whatever job they want to try in civilian life. God bless those who sacrifice so much for you and me!
Mike is right about Law Enforcement. I did 40 yrs , just recently retired. I loved my career but it took its toll on me. The vile media and politicians casting all LE in a negative light. No wonder Police Departments around the country are having a hard time recruiting Officers to serve. My son is presently serving as an Officer in the Army (Armor) and he sees first hand how the military is also having a hard time recruiting soldiers. I hate to say it but if I look back I would have become a Firefighter. An honorable profession without the political and public distrust. I would even add Politician to the list of careers that are not worth pursuing. Who would want to enter a career like that working alongside some of the most inexperienced, self centered, dishonorable people. They’re the reason our country is truly in the mess we are in. It’s sad because there are some exceptional leaders out there who could help lead our country out of this mess but who would want to risk all and enter that political arena. BTW Mike you’re on that list of exceptional. Thanks for all you do to recognize the working class who makes and get things done for our country. 🇺🇸
Right with you. I'm about a half year retired from 37 years in law enforcement. I loved it, too, but I realized early on that if I wanted people to like and respect me, I should have been a firefighter. I used to say (only half jokingly) I meant to be a firefighter but got in the wrong line for apps at city hall. In all honesty, I don't think enough people get thanks for the job they do, no matter what it is. I will occasionally (and should do it more often) thank the drive through window attendants as I go through McD's and tell them without them I'd be missing out on lunch today. It's amazing how many times they would tell me I just made their day. So little a gesture, but so important. Thanks for your 40 years on the job and stay safe, brother.
The military has a transition program for those who leave 12 months before the ETS date. There are numerous hiring and training resources available. Organizations should have a better understanding of what military veterans bring to the table.
The military can teach you a skill that can translate to the civilian market, but it's those intangibles that employers are looking for; courtesy, since of urgency, teamwork, politeness, being on time, etc., For whatever reason, these have eroded in society. Easier to teach someone a skill, than it is to teach and hope someone has the traits employers look for.
All individuals leaving the military are required to complete the Transition Assisstance Program. By no means is it as intense as boot camp but it's something. It's only a week long and they cover simple things like clothing, interview techniques, resumes, etc. Personally I think it should be longer but that would never happen because that would take those individuals from their primary jobs.
You are correct on the face but I remember when I got out in 08 that you went to these trainings but you also had other out processing to do and often still had responsibilities in your unit. We were put in a large room with a lot of other guys and expected to pick up ideas when all anyone saw it as was a box to check. I think they need to do at least some small group or one on one to make it worthwhile.
Also was an Army officer and had the same experience, except the wording was slightly different. The question was so what professional jobs have you had? It took a lot to maintain my composure in that interview. With that said, there were other companies that valued my military experience and those were the ones I worked for.
Not military but did contracting for a while, when I was interviewing for a regular job in the states the interviewer literally asked “oh so you were in Afghanistan do you ever have flashbacks?”
Young vet here in my late 20s. I did 8 years enlisted. Love the principles and founding of our country and see the need for a strong military. On the civilian side, I’ve worked in EMS and utility construction, so I value contributing to keeping communities safe and keeping the lights on. However, there’s another side to this issue I think we have to acknowledge. Beyond people just being ungrateful for those in the trades, military, and public service, there are also what I consider legitimate problems right now in all fields. A lot of us saw how most police departments enthusiastically participated in the trampling of our rights circa 2020, and also recognize the evil that the military industrial complex has been for quite some time now. On the EMS & construction side, many feel underpaid in our current economy. It’s just a fact that wages haven’t kept up with inflation. I used to be gung-ho to criticize people who “whined” about these factors, but I think any sober individual has to recognized there are other reasons to think twice before joining one of these fields. That said, I think there are still a lot of great fields in construction that provide a lot of opportunity. My perspective from my short lifespan is that it’s hard to go wrong being a welder, electrician, or some form of engineer.
We have the reverse boot camp that he talked about. There is, mandated by law, every member goes through taps, which has an interview before hand. There are 3 additional 2 day courses you can attend plus the skill bridge program. The problem is the robots that only do what they are told that don't take advantage.
The military does have a couple programs for getting people into the civilian market place. One of the problems is HR and hiring managers just just don't know what they want.
Buying stocks might seem easy, but picking the right one without a solid plan is tough. I've been trying to grow my $100K portfolio, but the tricky part is not having clear plans for when to buy and sell. Any tips on this would really help.
I think the young men and women who joined the military are some of this nations best. The young men who joined, I now realize are worlds above the average young men in the civilian sector. There is a reason our other public services are flooded with veterans. Don’t be scared to get out, it will be a change but nothing you can’t overcome. I came out as a grunt with no real transferable profession, but in reality I had many skills that helped me succeed. I went into the trades, and picked up a skill set, now I own a trade business. 🇺🇸
Being an enlisted member in the US Military is like being a testicle life support system for someone that was promoted as a result of time, not skill, has something to kick on a regular basis. Oh, and you get to be in absolute poverty for years before your rank catches up to decent standard of living. Screw that.
Over the past couple of decades, it had been made clear that if I (basic white guy) become a Fireman, my chances for promotion will be severely limited. Same for police work and now even the military. I served six years '77-'83 and found that most outside folks had no idea and don't really care where or what a military person did. Forget war zone experience, just the standard game at hand. Plus, most military technology is old by the time it reaches the fleet so it's even older by the time you've trained on it then get out six years later.
22 years of service here. Retired. No one gives a crap. Unless they can use your hard skills, you are worthless. DEFINITLELY need to enter a transitiion program and get help building your resume.
Well thats not true because a logical individual would pursue what they want both in and out of the military and the skills would be transferrable. I am an mp because i have an interest in law enforcement and that helped me greatly with civilian law enforcement. Thats why its important to pick your mos wisely.
The key should be to have a armed forces certification program that’s the equivalent of a degree similar to how IT industry certification's work, so someone who is leaving after 6 years and was in army logistics can say they are certified logistics or accounting. Someone working with guns all day should be certified as a machinist. A sailor doing ammunition for f-18’s should come out with a certificate in naval engineering. The basic certificate degrees that can be deployed are business, accounting, machinist, mechanic, naval engineering, civil engineering, registered nurse, software engineering, IT, and electrical engineering. Regardless of your job in the military if you spend more than 4 years in you always get automatically assigned to start a certificate program. And you then also make sure that all graduate schools in the country must accept these certificates as equivalent to degrees. That way soldiers can apply to medical schools or law schools without having to do a separate degree.
What’s he talking about?? The Navy wouldn’t let me go until I went through this “reverse boot camp” career transition class (TAP). This already exists.
It's the veterans saying to not join the military. I was in for 4 years. I would say to not join unless you have no other options. The pay is less than you get working for McDonald's once you consider that a 55 hour week is standard. On top of that, you have a large amount of political indoctrination. If you are a woman, you will be required to share bathrooms including showers without curtains with men who identify as women and you cannot get an accommodation if you have an issue with that because having an issue with it is considered sexual harassment.
Ok so let’s do the math on a mid-late career enlisted person who has been reasonably successful. I’ll throw in a rank of E-7 with 14 years in. Base Pay: 5379.30/month BAS (food allowance tax free): $460.25 BAH (Housing allowance tax free)varies by location but a conservative average around: $1500/month Comes out to $7339.55/Month so $88074.60 a year This is a person who can start at 18 years old, so now age 32 in this example. They have no student loans, no healthcare cost for themselves and their family and a portion of that income is not taxed. Not to mention the lifelong pension and healthcare that follows them if they make 20 years and retire. It’s not a bad gig.
I remember a guy on a call in show. He said he would be retiring from the Navy soon after 25 years. "Most of that time I filled vending machines on ships." Not all are heroes risking life.
I spent 4 years in the Marines working on Aircraft…..Ejection Seats and Environmental Control Systems. It was totally useless so when I got out in 1995 employers could have cared less I served. Glad I did it however knowing what I know now I would have went Army Airborne.
I'm in the military and this is one of the few things I disagree with Mike on. The idea that you need to be de-programed is a bit of a stretch too far. 90% of military jobs are directly relatable. A supply sergeant, an intel analyst, a programmer, a medic/doctor, a mechanic, etc...... the military is just regular people doing regular work. Come join us, it is good work :)
I’m in the military as well, I’m a 63A (dentist) and you know from my minimal experience I think it has to do more with the negative effects of combat, as you said above, there’s a ton of MOS’s that directly related to civilian jobs but the others that deal with the violence of war, that’s a different world and so you can’t just make generalizations with this regard
Ok everybody wanna know why vets can’t make it in civilian world? The military is not this great training ground for jobs. How many of us spent actual days doing their job consistently on monthly basis? Very few, only the elite units focus on practical job training. Regular units spend so much time laying out and maintaining out of date equipment, training blocks that have zero relevance to their jobs, and training that constantly changes and has no consistency. Couple this with the toxic leadership that still exists to this day any soldier that leaves has few skills to offer and a negative attitude that will take years to undo. That is what the military gives you, and all of this is even before we start about combat deployments that cause divorce and substance abuse.
In the military, you can lead 300 individuals in combat but only qualify for entry-level employment in civilian life. With 6-yrs' experience, it doesn't count as supervision leadership experience even in federal employment... food for thought.
Welcome to corporate and beauracratic America I have supervisor and experience being owner/boss they don't care at all this is why most companies have terrible leadership
Mike is misinformed here. The DoD has Transition Assistance Program and Skillbridge. I have used Skillbridge to hire over 30 employees transitioning out of their military career into civilian life. TAP has helped transitioning military men and women adapt to the civilian life and workforce.
When someone who has never served tries to render an opinion on the military it falls short because they really don't know what they are talking about. I did 24 years, four active duty and twenty in the National Guard. I made better money as a Guard technician than most of the civilian jobs in my area.
My friend is former military and is currently working in law enforcement. He is in his late twenties, and told me that every dating app has a large number of women with NO COPS or MILITARY on their profile page. I'm thinking this may be a factor in turning young men away from the uniformed services.
I wouldn't necessarily think that young men look at dating apps and see "no cops or military" and decide not to join. Really, I just don't think that a lot of 18 year old kids are that forward looking. But, that being said, I do think that contributes to part of what Mike Rowe said in this video...."are they damaged?" That for some reason, people in those types of professions are somehow damaged or not worthy of love or not worthy of dealing with the problems those individuals might have. Yes, those professions have a high degree of mental challenges (PTSD being one)..but darn it, so does a doctor or a surgeon that just had someone die on the operating table (you don't think PTSD exists?)...but no one seems to say "no surgeons" or "no nurses that dealt with dying COVID patients" or whatever else. Long winded way of saying that there's a stigma out there, and it's harsh.
@@joejoe-bs6jq I don't think it's the sole factor, but one of many factors contributing to the stigma of wearing a uniform. Additionally the low pay of these career fields only further complicates the matter. Doctors and surgeons are compensated very well which makes it easier to shoulder the burden of a high stress career.
Tucking your shirt in and staying late at work are not typically considered soft skills. In the private sector, they may be indicators of critical thinking, social awareness, and time management, however in the case of the military, these things are a result of direct orders and not necessarily a result of their own awareness. Military officers are skilled at coercive leadership, that is directive or commanding leadership, because that is what is required in the military. Former military also respond to that leadership style, however all of that changes in the private sector, and leaders have to be much more versatile and empathetic in their messaging. Not everything can (or should) be accomplished right away because a leader said so. From my perspective, soft skills center around communication, the ability to deliver a message appropriately given the people involved and the circumstances as well as influence those around you requires significantly more nuance in the professional world than in most military environments, and, although some people within the military may have these skills, they are most definitely NOT taught them during their service time.
Agree to disagree on the coercive leadership aspect. You can try that, but most officers like that get laughed out of the room at the end of the day or just flat out ignored at some point. Nor is that the style that’s even taught in curriculums for professional/self development. The military “order” is just a direction so people understand what roles they have. Similar to the steering committee. Try doing that for too long, and the results from your climate or behavioral health surveys will expose you.
I want to join the military, but it appears to be a horrible idea under this current administration. Not to mention, the veil of the disastrous Iraq war has been lifted and the military appears to just be the enforcing arm for special interest groups. I want to believe in the cause, I want to believe that being in the military is truly “serving,” but I am very conflicted right now… Former service members: would you recommend someone to go in right now?
Just getting out now and it is not the same. Congress is pushing ideology that is counter to what people who actually serve tend to believe in, promotions are getting more political(depending on career field), and faith in whoever will be elected Commander in Chief is at an all time low. When you toss in the fact that if you work hard and cleverly on the civilian side you can make far more money it is hard to convince young people to join. I would still recommend one 4 year enlistment to any young man under 22 but I would say get out after that.
Lets be told the true story of shortage of volunteer firefighters, those fire houses TURNED OFF the civil roof sirens so the people who live around those fire houses are under the false impression they have a paid fire house, as the same time they also have live firefighters that is only good for a person who is 18 year olds+ not for someone with a family. These fire houses DON'T EXCEPT Basic fire fighting certificates! The firefighting schooling associated with volunteer fire houses, there are three other types of of fire fighting certificates, Pro Board, National, Military, and a cities own fire academy, treated as if they were in boot camp, they are do the same thing when achieved regardless ..one of them is Generic vs the Rolls-Royce...Basic fire fighting certificates are for the volunteer fire houses that receive about 1 call per day or +/- 365 calls by the end of the year....The IAFF a union trade group flooded the volunteer fire stations in hopes of converting them over to paid stations... some of them can be converted over to paid some can not be converted over. Non for profit fire houses can't be converted over as the towns don't own the fire trucks and they might not own the building that houses the fire trucks. However a town with a non for profit house(s) in most cases does get small funding... funding for workers compensation insurance and relief funding for tools. when it comes to purchasing new fire trucks the fire house members themselves are responsible with fund raising measures of their own. Township owned fire houses are a different story tho they still might have volunteers/charter. Volunteer fire houses vote in the own administration! Paid does not! Most paid fire stations get their funding from employment taxes taking out from their weekly check sometimes called "City Wage Tax." As a unwritten rule once you start bring in Paid staffing for a township owned fire station the volunteers will leave and not come back. Volunteer fire fighters blue light it to the fire house paid does not!
Former Army Officer, top MBA, now work in HR leadership and have for the last couple years, specifically in the fortune 10 list. The problem is that veterans usually make very good long-term investments as employees, which is perfect for the Fortune 50 and up. But for small businesses that are usually looking frantically for skills based employees that can fill a gap, they are paranoid about long-term investment talent. Also... most small companies have no idea what they are doing from a hiring perspective. Also... I would heartily encourage a person to join the military. I would NEVER recommend they go into law enforcement.
Military teaches a great deal about leadership and followership. Skills I find sorely lacking in the civilian workplace. I find myself mentoring up as well as down throughout my current workplace based on my many years of military education and work experience.
After 24 years as a military officer I found myself working part time at a retail store. A busy day, and the assistant manager got upset with me because I was helping customers instead of walking the parking lot to recover shopping carts. I didn't say it...but all I could think was..."you do not have a hard job, why are you upset?" Civilians do not know how to lead veterans because we focus on the mission, not the task.
Let’s just be real here, the majority of military members are not “soldiering” or in battle. They are working a regular normal ass job, but are just doing it in the military, and then a lot of them get out and say they have trouble sleeping, or have a bad knee, so they can collect disability forever. Lol
I don’t have to even watch the video or listen to these guys to answer this question: it’s dangerous and doesn’t pay well to make the danger worth it. And for the military, it’s not to serve the US. It’s now to serve other countries that rip off the US. Why would anyone want to endanger their life for low pay all to serve a foreign country that rips off the soldier’s home country that is ruled by a President that doesn’t respect your service unless you take his unwanted medical advice, especially when he’s not even a doctor and his wife is a fake doctor?
To answer the title question, young people don't want to sacrifice. Not just here, but world wide. A lot of Ukrainian men don't want to even defend there homeland. I heard "I don't want to die," in one interview.
Worked in a busy part of Manhattan until medically retired for smoke damage to lungs , my life will be shortened because of my injuries however I have no regrets, my job provided for my family and I was able to help many civilians, very satisfying when you can save someone’s life or ease their suffering in some way
Military people are all competent driven fairly intelligent people though. It's the incompetent majority of the population that is stuck in these crap factory jobs. For instance I got narcolepsy... Plus average IQ... I am Screwed!!!!
I saw a Ramsey video of a retired military vet that was struggling with finances. He had about a $3800 a month disability, $2500 social security, and like a $2000 pension... If you can't make it on that you have a serious budgeting and spending problem.
Every military person I've ever known would disagree with you -- they say the military is full of morons and jerks. I can also introduce you to a police detective who hates 99 percent of all cops.
If Trump wins I’ll probably go in. I have my degree already but realized I can’t have a meaningless corporate job anymore. Of course, the current state of our country and the Biden admin is so horrible that it probably is a bad idea.
So I did 6 years from 2002 to 2009 in the Army. Multiple deployments. I was scared to get out. Everyone is. But the civilian side is actually pretty easy. I grew up as a farmer and did another trade in high school, Autobody. Now at 42 I own a shop even though it’s just me another tech. We do very good and we are 2 years away from paying my business off. The whole point of this you can’t be scared I needed a purpose after I got out. And I found it. It was serving my community as a business owner. People getting out need a purpose…..
From my Foxhole, as an Army Retiree, most business do not care about Military Service, and this is particularly true for Government jobs. I work in HR and have seen this firsthand. My current employer wants Military personnel because of the things you mentioned, but are not willing to pay them more, this creates a problem. They want quality employees but do not want to pay for them. I have a friend who works in HR on the GS side for Government and they look for Pollical Leanings, unofficially. If an applicant does not lean D, they will not hire them, and they do not want to hire Veterans because they lean R and work hard. I worked for an employer who had Veterans and they worked their tails off, out performed everyone else. When it came time for reviews and raises, I was told No raises, I asked why? I was told if we do that, they will expect raises for performance. I could go on, but you get the point.
I’ve talked to many employers (enterprise, large, and SMB) in the last year. Every single one said they prefer veterans and military experience over civilian candidates. The reason stated most often is that veterans tend to be more dependable and structured. Even when they don’t have all of the skills required, it’s often a great hiring investment for the long term.
25+ year career Firefighter here. I couldn’t imagine having to work at a “job”. World’s greatest career.
can you explain what you mean by that I just wanna know your perspective it seems interesting
@@stephon972 I don’t have to sit at a desk in a cubicle and punch a clock. I get to work with some of the worlds most selfless people in a tight team environment and every single day is different from the last.
We see tragedy and comedy every day, it’s never boring and where I live we’re paid fairly.
@@scottthompson3493I think I want to try that route. Any advice on becoming a firefighter?
@@heartbreakkid8708 go to any Firehall in your area and knock on the door. I’m sure they’d be happy to steer you in the right direction. It can be a bit different city to city.
@@heartbreakkid8708 Also add it can be pretty competitive but doable, I just got hired full time. Get in shape/live healthy lifestyle, volunteer, get certifications, life experiences and work on interview skills before you need them. My two cents. Also if you can get on ride alongs Ems, police, fire to get a little sense of what it's like.
I am both careers crossed out in your thumbnail lol 😂 The first because I wanted to serve my country, the second, firefighting because I wanted to serve my community and I make a better living than many people with masters degrees. Happy as a clam
Ditto...solid foundation for a vocationally fulfilling life 🇺🇸
Did three years when I came home. I was hella spazzing. Transition from active to guard helped me now I’m on my last year guard time has sure helped me transition.
Jesse Ventura said it best..." over there (vietnam) im treated like an adult, over here (America) im treated like a kid"
It’s hard to do a job that requires a lot of sacrifice : police / military
When a good chunk of our country openly despises you. We aren’t really all that patriotic anymore, many citizens openly express their hatred for America, and our leaders are extremely incompetent.
As a nation we just are not in a good place right now, so it’s hard to get those who would have traditionally signed up, to do so.
I’d probably be one of them. But after seeing the young marine who identified the bomber in Kabul basically ignored, (pretty much so the operation could hurry up and get over with) it’s pretty disheartening, and disappointing. He’s doing his job to protect his fellow solider… just to watch them die In front of him, and have his own body ripped to shreds. All because of incompetent leadership. Not ONE general was fired for that.
The corporation I work for- a huge manufacturer here in the USA- has long given military experience as an added quality. My experience for the last 20 years is that military experience has virtually nothing to do with being a good production worker. Zero. Many are outright lazy and expect to be directed all the time.
yep just another form of affirmative action
I bet that chap is having a blast on the assembly line! Im sure he is 100% bought in that what he does matters more than the military. You seem to be the remaining old head that is willing to work their life, time and body away for nothing more than bragging rights about who suffers more.
In my opinion anyone who has the dedication and willingness to give up years of their life and possibly their life period for other human beings they don’t know deserves a chance in whatever job they want to try in civilian life. God bless those who sacrifice so much for you and me!
Mike is right about Law Enforcement. I did 40 yrs , just recently retired. I loved my career but it took its toll on me. The vile media and politicians casting all LE in a negative light. No wonder Police Departments around the country are having a hard time recruiting Officers to serve. My son is presently serving as an Officer in the Army (Armor) and he sees first hand how the military is also having a hard time recruiting soldiers. I hate to say it but if I look back I would have become a Firefighter. An honorable profession without the political and public distrust. I would even add Politician to the list of careers that are not worth pursuing. Who would want to enter a career like that working alongside some of the most inexperienced, self centered, dishonorable people. They’re the reason our country is truly in the mess we are in. It’s sad because there are some exceptional leaders out there who could help lead our country out of this mess but who would want to risk all and enter that political arena.
BTW Mike you’re on that list of exceptional. Thanks for all you do to recognize the working class who makes and get things done for our country. 🇺🇸
Right with you. I'm about a half year retired from 37 years in law enforcement. I loved it, too, but I realized early on that if I wanted people to like and respect me, I should have been a firefighter. I used to say (only half jokingly) I meant to be a firefighter but got in the wrong line for apps at city hall. In all honesty, I don't think enough people get thanks for the job they do, no matter what it is. I will occasionally (and should do it more often) thank the drive through window attendants as I go through McD's and tell them without them I'd be missing out on lunch today. It's amazing how many times they would tell me I just made their day. So little a gesture, but so important. Thanks for your 40 years on the job and stay safe, brother.
The military has a transition program for those who leave 12 months before the ETS date. There are numerous hiring and training resources available. Organizations should have a better understanding of what military veterans bring to the table.
Mike Rowe is a national treasure. Such amazing insight and always worth the listen.
The military can teach you a skill that can translate to the civilian market, but it's those intangibles that employers are looking for; courtesy, since of urgency, teamwork, politeness, being on time, etc., For whatever reason, these have eroded in society. Easier to teach someone a skill, than it is to teach and hope someone has the traits employers look for.
All individuals leaving the military are required to complete the Transition Assisstance Program. By no means is it as intense as boot camp but it's something. It's only a week long and they cover simple things like clothing, interview techniques, resumes, etc. Personally I think it should be longer but that would never happen because that would take those individuals from their primary jobs.
You are correct on the face but I remember when I got out in 08 that you went to these trainings but you also had other out processing to do and often still had responsibilities in your unit. We were put in a large room with a lot of other guys and expected to pick up ideas when all anyone saw it as was a box to check. I think they need to do at least some small group or one on one to make it worthwhile.
I was an infantry officer. Was asked during an interview if I ever had a real job.
Also was an Army officer and had the same experience, except the wording was slightly different. The question was so what professional jobs have you had? It took a lot to maintain my composure in that interview. With that said, there were other companies that valued my military experience and those were the ones I worked for.
Not military but did contracting for a while, when I was interviewing for a regular job in the states the interviewer literally asked “oh so you were in Afghanistan do you ever have flashbacks?”
Wow
Young vet here in my late 20s. I did 8 years enlisted. Love the principles and founding of our country and see the need for a strong military. On the civilian side, I’ve worked in EMS and utility construction, so I value contributing to keeping communities safe and keeping the lights on. However, there’s another side to this issue I think we have to acknowledge. Beyond people just being ungrateful for those in the trades, military, and public service, there are also what I consider legitimate problems right now in all fields. A lot of us saw how most police departments enthusiastically participated in the trampling of our rights circa 2020, and also recognize the evil that the military industrial complex has been for quite some time now. On the EMS & construction side, many feel underpaid in our current economy. It’s just a fact that wages haven’t kept up with inflation. I used to be gung-ho to criticize people who “whined” about these factors, but I think any sober individual has to recognized there are other reasons to think twice before joining one of these fields. That said, I think there are still a lot of great fields in construction that provide a lot of opportunity. My perspective from my short lifespan is that it’s hard to go wrong being a welder, electrician, or some form of engineer.
We have the reverse boot camp that he talked about. There is, mandated by law, every member goes through taps, which has an interview before hand. There are 3 additional 2 day courses you can attend plus the skill bridge program. The problem is the robots that only do what they are told that don't take advantage.
Mike Rowe is great, always enjoy listening to him.
Every employment application has a veteran check box which to me seems demoralizing. Its usually next to the are you a minority check box.
Yeah, except the veteran box doesn’t help you get the job
The military does have a couple programs for getting people into the civilian market place. One of the problems is HR and hiring managers just just don't know what they want.
We don't have conscripts. It's a volunteer force.
Legally no but if a judge says go serve and we make these charges go away or go to trial what you picking?
@@budsodastories for me, depends on the exact circumstances
Buying stocks might seem easy, but picking the right one without a solid plan is tough. I've been trying to grow my $100K portfolio, but the tricky part is not having clear plans for when to buy and sell. Any tips on this would really help.
Mike needs to write a book on gratitude to remind us all.
I think the young men and women who joined the military are some of this nations best. The young men who joined, I now realize are worlds above the average young men in the civilian sector. There is a reason our other public services are flooded with veterans. Don’t be scared to get out, it will be a change but nothing you can’t overcome. I came out as a grunt with no real transferable profession, but in reality I had many skills that helped me succeed. I went into the trades, and picked up a skill set, now I own a trade business. 🇺🇸
@5:19 excellent point that mike makes. The whole country needs to embrace this concept a little more.
Not everyone can join the military. Even civilian positions (non-combat) are kept from those who are paraplegic or deaf.
Being an enlisted member in the US Military is like being a testicle life support system for someone that was promoted as a result of time, not skill, has something to kick on a regular basis. Oh, and you get to be in absolute poverty for years before your rank catches up to decent standard of living. Screw that.
Over the past couple of decades, it had been made clear that if I (basic white guy) become a Fireman, my chances for promotion will be severely limited. Same for police work and now even the military. I served six years '77-'83 and found that most outside folks had no idea and don't really care where or what a military person did. Forget war zone experience, just the standard game at hand. Plus, most military technology is old by the time it reaches the fleet so it's even older by the time you've trained on it then get out six years later.
22 years of service here. Retired. No one gives a crap. Unless they can use your hard skills, you are worthless. DEFINITLELY need to enter a transitiion program and get help building your resume.
Well thats not true because a logical individual would pursue what they want both in and out of the military and the skills would be transferrable. I am an mp because i have an interest in law enforcement and that helped me greatly with civilian law enforcement. Thats why its important to pick your mos wisely.
The key should be to have a armed forces certification program that’s the equivalent of a degree similar to how IT industry certification's work, so someone who is leaving after 6 years and was in army logistics can say they are certified logistics or accounting. Someone working with guns all day should be certified as a machinist. A sailor doing ammunition for f-18’s should come out with a certificate in naval engineering. The basic certificate degrees that can be deployed are business, accounting, machinist, mechanic, naval engineering, civil engineering, registered nurse, software engineering, IT, and electrical engineering. Regardless of your job in the military if you spend more than 4 years in you always get automatically assigned to start a certificate program. And you then also make sure that all graduate schools in the country must accept these certificates as equivalent to degrees. That way soldiers can apply to medical schools or law schools without having to do a separate degree.
What’s he talking about?? The Navy wouldn’t let me go until I went through this “reverse boot camp” career transition class (TAP). This already exists.
In the ARMY it was called ACAP
It's the veterans saying to not join the military. I was in for 4 years. I would say to not join unless you have no other options. The pay is less than you get working for McDonald's once you consider that a 55 hour week is standard. On top of that, you have a large amount of political indoctrination. If you are a woman, you will be required to share bathrooms including showers without curtains with men who identify as women and you cannot get an accommodation if you have an issue with that because having an issue with it is considered sexual harassment.
Ok so let’s do the math on a mid-late career enlisted person who has been reasonably successful. I’ll throw in a rank of E-7 with 14 years in.
Base Pay: 5379.30/month
BAS (food allowance tax free): $460.25
BAH (Housing allowance tax free)varies by location but a conservative average around: $1500/month
Comes out to $7339.55/Month so
$88074.60 a year
This is a person who can start at 18 years old, so now age 32 in this example. They have no student loans, no healthcare cost for themselves and their family and a portion of that income is not taxed. Not to mention the lifelong pension and healthcare that follows them if they make 20 years and retire. It’s not a bad gig.
I remember a guy on a call in show. He said he would be retiring from the Navy soon after 25 years. "Most of that time I filled vending machines on ships." Not all are heroes risking life.
I spent 4 years in the Marines working on Aircraft…..Ejection Seats and Environmental Control Systems. It was totally useless so when I got out in 1995 employers could have cared less I served. Glad I did it however knowing what I know now I would have went Army Airborne.
I'm in the military and this is one of the few things I disagree with Mike on. The idea that you need to be de-programed is a bit of a stretch too far. 90% of military jobs are directly relatable. A supply sergeant, an intel analyst, a programmer, a medic/doctor, a mechanic, etc...... the military is just regular people doing regular work. Come join us, it is good work :)
Bro, I was in the infantry from 2006 to 2010. I definitely had to be deprogrammed.
I’m in the military as well, I’m a 63A (dentist) and you know from my minimal experience I think it has to do more with the negative effects of combat, as you said above, there’s a ton of MOS’s that directly related to civilian jobs but the others that deal with the violence of war, that’s a different world and so you can’t just make generalizations with this regard
Ok everybody wanna know why vets can’t make it in civilian world? The military is not this great training ground for jobs. How many of us spent actual days doing their job consistently on monthly basis? Very few, only the elite units focus on practical job training. Regular units spend so much time laying out and maintaining out of date equipment, training blocks that have zero relevance to their jobs, and training that constantly changes and has no consistency. Couple this with the toxic leadership that still exists to this day any soldier that leaves has few skills to offer and a negative attitude that will take years to undo. That is what the military gives you, and all of this is even before we start about combat deployments that cause divorce and substance abuse.
In the military, you can lead 300 individuals in combat but only qualify for entry-level employment in civilian life. With 6-yrs' experience, it doesn't count as supervision leadership experience even in federal employment... food for thought.
Exactly.
Welcome to corporate and beauracratic America I have supervisor and experience being owner/boss they don't care at all this is why most companies have terrible leadership
@@budsodastoriesmilitary doesn’t have better leadership.
Mike is misinformed here. The DoD has Transition Assistance Program and Skillbridge. I have used Skillbridge to hire over 30 employees transitioning out of their military career into civilian life. TAP has helped transitioning military men and women adapt to the civilian life and workforce.
When someone who has never served tries to render an opinion on the military it falls short because they really don't know what they are talking about. I did 24 years, four active duty and twenty in the National Guard. I made better money as a Guard technician than most of the civilian jobs in my area.
My friend is former military and is currently working in law enforcement. He is in his late twenties, and told me that every dating app has a large number of women with NO COPS or MILITARY on their profile page. I'm thinking this may be a factor in turning young men away from the uniformed services.
I wouldn't necessarily think that young men look at dating apps and see "no cops or military" and decide not to join. Really, I just don't think that a lot of 18 year old kids are that forward looking. But, that being said, I do think that contributes to part of what Mike Rowe said in this video...."are they damaged?" That for some reason, people in those types of professions are somehow damaged or not worthy of love or not worthy of dealing with the problems those individuals might have. Yes, those professions have a high degree of mental challenges (PTSD being one)..but darn it, so does a doctor or a surgeon that just had someone die on the operating table (you don't think PTSD exists?)...but no one seems to say "no surgeons" or "no nurses that dealt with dying COVID patients" or whatever else. Long winded way of saying that there's a stigma out there, and it's harsh.
@@joejoe-bs6jq I don't think it's the sole factor, but one of many factors contributing to the stigma of wearing a uniform. Additionally the low pay of these career fields only further complicates the matter. Doctors and surgeons are compensated very well which makes it easier to shoulder the burden of a high stress career.
It's because they can't control these types. They want a spineless dude that will obey their commands!😂
Can’t blame the women at all
At least 40% of all cops beat their SO
Cop in his late 20’s here. Did very well on dating apps before I met my finance. I wouldn’t worry too much if I was your friend lol
Sales. The six figure job that nobody wants according to the Wall Street Journal.
Where can we find that show "From Military to Marketplace"
Tucking your shirt in and staying late at work are not typically considered soft skills. In the private sector, they may be indicators of critical thinking, social awareness, and time management, however in the case of the military, these things are a result of direct orders and not necessarily a result of their own awareness.
Military officers are skilled at coercive leadership, that is directive or commanding leadership, because that is what is required in the military. Former military also respond to that leadership style, however all of that changes in the private sector, and leaders have to be much more versatile and empathetic in their messaging. Not everything can (or should) be accomplished right away because a leader said so.
From my perspective, soft skills center around communication, the ability to deliver a message appropriately given the people involved and the circumstances as well as influence those around you requires significantly more nuance in the professional world than in most military environments, and, although some people within the military may have these skills, they are most definitely NOT taught them during their service time.
Agree to disagree on the coercive leadership aspect. You can try that, but most officers like that get laughed out of the room at the end of the day or just flat out ignored at some point. Nor is that the style that’s even taught in curriculums for professional/self development. The military “order” is just a direction so people understand what roles they have. Similar to the steering committee.
Try doing that for too long, and the results from your climate or behavioral health surveys will expose you.
Thank you for talking about ppl like us.
I want to join the military, but it appears to be a horrible idea under this current administration. Not to mention, the veil of the disastrous Iraq war has been lifted and the military appears to just be the enforcing arm for special interest groups.
I want to believe in the cause, I want to believe that being in the military is truly “serving,” but I am very conflicted right now…
Former service members: would you recommend someone to go in right now?
Don’t join unless if you’re desperate
Everyone should go in for at least 2 yrs
The military career can be a highly rewarding professional career. I did 20 years and would not change anything.
Just getting out now and it is not the same. Congress is pushing ideology that is counter to what people who actually serve tend to believe in, promotions are getting more political(depending on career field), and faith in whoever will be elected Commander in Chief is at an all time low. When you toss in the fact that if you work hard and cleverly on the civilian side you can make far more money it is hard to convince young people to join. I would still recommend one 4 year enlistment to any young man under 22 but I would say get out after that.
Key part “can be”
Much different military than it was 20 years ago
I tried to get into the military but they denied me because I have hyperthyroidism
Cog.
What, people don't want to do hard labor that might do them bodily harm? No!
The same goes for EMS
Lets be told the true story of shortage of volunteer firefighters, those fire houses TURNED OFF the civil roof sirens so the people who live around those fire houses are under the false impression they have a paid fire house, as the same time they also have live firefighters that is only good for a person who is 18 year olds+ not for someone with a family. These fire houses DON'T EXCEPT Basic fire fighting certificates! The firefighting schooling associated with volunteer fire houses, there are three other types of of fire fighting certificates, Pro Board, National, Military, and a cities own fire academy, treated as if they were in boot camp, they are do the same thing when achieved regardless ..one of them is Generic vs the Rolls-Royce...Basic fire fighting certificates are for the volunteer fire houses that receive about 1 call per day or +/- 365 calls by the end of the year....The IAFF a union trade group flooded the volunteer fire stations in hopes of converting them over to paid stations... some of them can be converted over to paid some can not be converted over. Non for profit fire houses can't be converted over as the towns don't own the fire trucks and they might not own the building that houses the fire trucks. However a town with a non for profit house(s) in most cases does get small funding... funding for workers compensation insurance and relief funding for tools. when it comes to purchasing new fire trucks the fire house members themselves are responsible with fund raising measures of their own. Township owned fire houses are a different story tho they still might have volunteers/charter. Volunteer fire houses vote in the own administration! Paid does not! Most paid fire stations get their funding from employment taxes taking out from their weekly check sometimes called "City Wage Tax." As a unwritten rule once you start bring in Paid staffing for a township owned fire station the volunteers will leave and not come back. Volunteer fire fighters blue light it to the fire house paid does not!
Former Army Officer, top MBA, now work in HR leadership and have for the last couple years, specifically in the fortune 10 list. The problem is that veterans usually make very good long-term investments as employees, which is perfect for the Fortune 50 and up. But for small businesses that are usually looking frantically for skills based employees that can fill a gap, they are paranoid about long-term investment talent. Also... most small companies have no idea what they are doing from a hiring perspective. Also... I would heartily encourage a person to join the military. I would NEVER recommend they go into law enforcement.
Soft skills don't get you hired. Soft skills keep you on the payroll. Hard skills and experience get the job.
Military teaches a great deal about leadership and followership. Skills I find sorely lacking in the civilian workplace. I find myself mentoring up as well as down throughout my current workplace based on my many years of military education and work experience.
After 24 years as a military officer I found myself working part time at a retail store. A busy day, and the assistant manager got upset with me because I was helping customers instead of walking the parking lot to recover shopping carts. I didn't say it...but all I could think was..."you do not have a hard job, why are you upset?" Civilians do not know how to lead veterans because we focus on the mission, not the task.
Why don't the kids of the 1 percenters go in
Let’s just be real here, the majority of military members are not “soldiering” or in battle. They are working a regular normal ass job, but are just doing it in the military, and then a lot of them get out and say they have trouble sleeping, or have a bad knee, so they can collect disability forever. Lol
If I could restart at age 18 I’m doing a government job
I don’t have to even watch the video or listen to these guys to answer this question: it’s dangerous and doesn’t pay well to make the danger worth it. And for the military, it’s not to serve the US. It’s now to serve other countries that rip off the US. Why would anyone want to endanger their life for low pay all to serve a foreign country that rips off the soldier’s home country that is ruled by a President that doesn’t respect your service unless you take his unwanted medical advice, especially when he’s not even a doctor and his wife is a fake doctor?
Have you served? Jill Biden has a doctorate degree in education. She doesn't pretend to be a medical doctor.
To answer the title question, young people don't want to sacrifice. Not just here, but world wide. A lot of Ukrainian men don't want to even defend there homeland. I heard "I don't want to die," in one interview.
That poor guy is flat out of luck. Life itself is a terminal condition.😀
Not gonna lie, I thought they were both Mike Rowe for a second. Them wearing almost the same shirt didn’t help either
I bet a good chunk of young people today aren’t in good enough shape to be in the military, part of a police department, or ESPECIALLY a fire fighter.
Responding to some of the commenters: ...selfless service, anyone?
Worked in a busy part of Manhattan until medically retired for smoke damage to lungs , my life will be shortened because of my injuries however I have no regrets, my job provided for my family and I was able to help many civilians, very satisfying when you can save someone’s life or ease their suffering in some way
Military people are all competent driven fairly intelligent people though. It's the incompetent majority of the population that is stuck in these crap factory jobs. For instance I got narcolepsy... Plus average IQ... I am Screwed!!!!
I saw a Ramsey video of a retired military vet that was struggling with finances. He had about a $3800 a month disability, $2500 social security, and like a $2000 pension... If you can't make it on that you have a serious budgeting and spending problem.
Every military person I've ever known would disagree with you -- they say the military is full of morons and jerks.
I can also introduce you to a police detective who hates 99 percent of all cops.
Too dangerous and not enough pay
👍🏽👍🏽
As someone who was in the military. Don’t, pursue education or enter the workforce.
Can't stay in forever
If Trump wins I’ll probably go in. I have my degree already but realized I can’t have a meaningless corporate job anymore. Of course, the current state of our country and the Biden admin is so horrible that it probably is a bad idea.
The pay should be more
This Mike Rowe guy is full of it
Today the young don’t want to serve. They can’t imagine being selfless and serving. It’s all about them and their comfort.