Military to Civilian CV: Examples, Template & Writing Tips

Here’s an outstanding military CV example.

Why is it so hard to write a military to civilian CV?

Two reasons:

1. Most of the world doesn’t know what you went through.

2. Most military to civilian CV examples target the wrong things.

But—

With the right translation, your veteran CV can shine like a tactical flashlight.

This guide will show you:

• A sample military CV better than most.
• How to translate military skills to a civilian CV.
• How to write a military CV that gets interviews.
• Why choosing the right few military accomplishments for CVs is life or death.

What does a perfect military to civilian CV profile look like? See below—

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Military CV Template

Want to devote your life to keeping others safe from harm? Have a look at our guides:

• Firefighter CV
• Police Officer CV
• Federal CV
• Career Change CV

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our CV examples.

Now, here’s how to write a military to civilian CV:

1. Pick the Right Military CV Format

Critical intelligence:

Use the right CV format to prove you’re no oxygen thief. 

This is what you should include in the CV:

• Start with the reverse-chronological CV format. It puts your most relevant achievements in the front lines.
• Choose the best CV fonts in 10–14pt. Use 1-inch margins, clear headings, and generous white space.
• Write a one-page CV unless you’re more accomplished than R. Lee Ermey.
• Lead with a military to civilian CV header. Include name, phone number, email address, and social media links. No snail mail. No photo.
• Next add a military CV profile, work experience, and education.
• For maximum effect, include CV extras like volunteer work, publications, certifications,and additional activities.

Expert Hint: Use a CV PDF unless the job description says they’re off limits. PDFs don’t go AWOL in transit. Plus they’re machine-readable.

2. Write an Effective Military CV Objective

Big tip:

The hiring manager is a civilian.

She’s wondering, “but can this applicant do the job?”

Answer fast with a CV objective (aka CV summary).

Include:

1. One adjective (hard-working, motivated, efficient)
2. Job title (police officer, IT manager)
3. Years of experience (3+, 5+)
4. How you’ll help (ensure civilian safety & security)
5. Best 2–3 achievements (cut disciplinary incidents by 35%)

Scope out these two military CV examples:

Military to Civilian CV—Objective

Police Officer with 5+ years of experience in USAF Security Forces. Seeking to use proven law enforcement skills to ensure civilian safety & security at Three Rivers PD. As Staff Sergeant, trained 15 team members in security tasks. Slashed administrative costs 15%. Cut disciplinary incidents by 35%.

USAF E-5 with deep experience in security and surveillance. Responsible for supervision and leadership of teams in USAF Security Forces. Highly skilled in leadership, communication, and firearms safety and handling. Also trained in law enforcement and defensive tactics.

Massive difference.

That first of those military CV samples is superior. The measurable accomplishments give it force.

The second is too military-focused. Civilians won’t relate to it.

Expert Hint: Don’t write your military CV summary or CV objective first. You’ll get lost. Write it last so you can build it from the best materiel in your CV.

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3. Write a Fast-Moving Military CV Job Description

Here’s the biggest problem with your military to civilian CV.

It talks about your military background.

Civilian hiring managers don’t know what that means.

So—

Here’s how to add military experience to a CV:

1. Read the job offer like your life depends on it.
2. Note the job skills, duties, and responsibilities you see.
3. Use your CV bullets to show you own those things.
4. Avoid acronyms and jargon.

These military CV examples provide reconnaissance:

Military Job Descriptions for CV—Example

Job ad wants these skills: (1) leadership (2) security (3) training (4) vendor management.

Experience

Security Forces Staff Sergeant
US Air National Guard
2015–2019

• Led team of 12 security specialists in support of operations and security.
• Trained 15 team members on collective and individual security tasks.
• Provided surveillance, asset security checks, and safety inspections.
• Cut administrative costs 15% via better vendor management.
• Provided oversight of team members and equipment.

Experience

Security Forces Staff Sergeant
US Air National Guard
2015–2019

• Led teams in support of operations and security at Arnold AFB.
• Provided surveillance, asset security checks, and safety inspections.
• Coordinated logistical support of U.S. forces deploying from the base. Tasked with keeping administrative costs low.
• Provided oversight of team members and tactical and infrastructure equipment.
• Worked with superiors to achieve team goals.

What gives supremacy to example #1? It’s got measurable achievements that plug into the civilian job.

Translate Military Skills to Civilian CV

This is high value:

Translate what you did in the military to the civilian skills the job is looking for.

Need a military skills translator for CV use?

Use the one at Military.com.

Not sure what jobs your military experience translates to?

Try CareerOneStop’s Military to Civilian Occupation Translator.

Never copy CV skills from a list online.

But—

For reference, here are the skills civilian employers value most:

Military Skills for a CV

Military Skills to Put on a CV

Interpersonal Skills	Persuasion
Leadership	Dependability
Collaboration	Judgement
Problem Solving	Compassion
Adaptability	Self-Motivation
Communication	Detail Oriented
Work Ethic	Listening
Critical Thinking	Active Learning
Enthusiasm	Honesty
Decision Making	Physically Fit

What about hard skills in a CV for veterans?

In the military, you may have picked up skills in engineering, IT, HAZMAT training, cooking, or mechanical work. Maybe you were a driver or instructor.

List those hard skills on your CV, too.

But—make sure they fit the requirements shown in the job ad.

Expert Hint: Should you mention combat experience in a military-to-civilian CV? Only for security or law enforcement jobs. Otherwise, it may play to negative stereotypes.

4. Turn Boring Education to a Reason to Hire You

How do you show education on a military to civilian CV?

There’s a right way and a wrong way.

The wrong way only shows your GPA and that you graduated.

The right way shows accomplishments that fit the job.

These military CV examples show how:

Education on Military to Civilian CV—Example

Let’s say the job calls for skills in law enforcement, emergency response, and efficiency.

That military to civilian CV sample sews it up. It demonstrates civilian skills.

Expert Hint: Should you list your GPA on a veteran CV? Only if it’s high or recent. Otherwise, use the space for something more impressive.

5. Use Military CV Extras to Get Inside the Wire

What do all military-to-civilian CVs have in common?

They show experience and education.

Plus—

They blend in like MultiCam.

Your military CV must make employers want to work with you.

How?

With CV extras that show you’re not just a grunt.

See these military to civilian CV examples:

Additional Sections on Veteran CV—Examples

Pretend you’re applying for a police officer job.

The job posting wants skills in HAZMAT, weapons use, leadership, risk assessment, training, conflict resolution, and physical fitness.

Certificates and Clearances

• Security Clearance
• HAZMAT Familiarisation and Transportation
• First Aid/CPR
• Weapons certifications: Glock 19 pistol, 12-gauge shotgun, Taser X26P/X2

Courses

• Basic Leadership
• Risk Assessment

Volunteer Work

• Volunteer firefighter, bimonthly, Shelbyville, Tennessee
• Volunteer Basic First Aid trainer, American Red Cross

Additional Activities

• Article on conflict resolution published in Cop Talk blog.
• Participate in weekly road biking for fun and physical fitness.

Additional Activities

• Participate in regular volunteer work.
• Avid biker.

See the difference?

Those first military CV samples prove your skills.

Expert Hint: Send a military CV cover letter. While more than half the hiring managers don’t read cover letters, nearly half insist on them.

7. Army Basic Training Description for CV

How do you show military training on a CV?

It’s basic.

First:

Do you have lots of more impressive accomplishments?

If yes, add basic training on a CV bullet point under “additional activities.”

If no, add military training to a CV section called “Basic Training.”

Then put job-fitting achievements in the bullet points.

See this military CV example:

Military to Civilian CV Training—Example

Let’s say the job calls for efficiency, motivation, teamwork, and work ethic.

Pow.

That’s military experience translated into civilian experience.

The hiring manager knows you’ll fit in perfectly.

Expert Hint: On a military to civilian CV, you can call BCT “Basic Training” or “Boot Camp.” Leave out “combat” to ensure you don’t confuse civilian hiring managers.

Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.

Some cover letter examples that may be useful to you:

• Federal Cover Letter Example

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Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

Here’s a recap. To write a military to civilian CV:

• Use the military CV template in this guide. It uses military experience on a CV the right way.
• Translate military skills to your civilian CV. Kill the acronyms and show how you used skills listed in the job offer.
• Write a military CV objective that gets noticed. In it, put your 2–3 best assets.
• Pack your experience and education with accomplishments. Show you’ve basically done the job they’re hiring for.

Got questions on how to write a great CV for military jobs? Not sure how to show military experience on a CV? Leave a comment. We are happy to reply.

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