Sample Resume

A best-practice example showing how to translate military experience for civilian employers. Download the Word document to use as your own starting point.

Best Practice Notes

Civilian-First Header

Lead with your target job title, not your rank. Civilian hiring managers think in job titles, not military grades.

Quantified Summary

The summary uses numbers (12 professionals, $2.4M, 98%) rather than adjectives. Civilians respond to data, not descriptions.

No Military Jargon

"Led a cross-functional team" instead of "served as XO." "Supply chain management" instead of "S4 operations."

Action Verbs

Every bullet starts with a strong action verb: Led, Managed, Reduced, Achieved, Designed. Avoid "Responsible for."

Civilian Job Titles

Use the civilian equivalent title where possible. "Operations Manager" is more searchable than "Platoon Leader."

Clearance Prominently

If you have a clearance, put it front and center — it's a $50K+ salary premium at defense contractors.

Education Placement

Veterans with significant experience should put education after experience, not before. The military service is your credential.

Skills Section

Use keywords from the actual job description. ATS systems scan for exact matches. Mirror the employer's language.

JAMESON JOHNSON

Operations Manager | Project Management | Supply Chain Leadership

121-111-0000 | jamesonjohnson3@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/jamesonjohnson

Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Results-driven Operations Manager with 11 years of military leadership experience overseeing teams of up to 40 professionals, budgets exceeding $5M, and multi-site logistics operations across multiple theaters. Proven ability to maintain 98% operational readiness while coordinating joint exercises with 3,000+ personnel. PMP-certified with expertise in supply chain management, risk assessment, and cross-functional team leadership. Seeking to leverage military leadership skills in a high-impact operations role.

EDUCATION

GENERIC GRADUATE SCHOOL — Anywhere, CA

Master of Business Administration, 2021

GMAT: 700 | Member of Veterans Club, Consulting Club, and Aerospace Business Club

NORTH TOWN GENERIC UNIVERSITY — North Town, KY

Bachelor of Arts in History, 2008

Awarded merit-based ROTC scholarship; Company Commander of Princeton's 30-member ROTC unit

MILITARY EXPERIENCE

UNITED STATES ARMY — Various Locations

Operations Manager (Captain, Infantry Officer 11A) Jun 2008 – Aug 2019

Led a 40-person infantry platoon through a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan; planned and executed over 200 combat patrols with zero friendly casualties
Managed a $5M+ equipment inventory across two company-level commands, maintaining 98% operational readiness
Coordinated joint training exercises with NATO allies involving 3,000+ personnel as Brigade Plans Officer
Selected for the Army's Ranger School, completing the 62-day leadership course in the top 10% of the class
Mentored and developed 15 junior officers and NCOs, with 5 selected for competitive leadership positions

CIVILIAN EXPERIENCE

GENERIC CONSULTING FIRM — New York, NY

Senior Associate, Strategy & Operations Jun 2021 – Present

Led workstreams on 6 engagements across aerospace & defense, logistics, and public sector clients, generating $2M+ in project revenue
Developed a supply chain optimization model for a Fortune 500 defense contractor, identifying $15M in annual cost savings
Managed cross-functional teams of 4–8 consultants and client stakeholders to deliver actionable recommendations within 10-week timelines

GENERIC DEFENSE TECH STARTUP — Washington, DC

Business Development Intern Jan 2021 – May 2021

Researched and identified 30+ target accounts in the DoD and IC space, contributing to a pipeline valued at $10M
Drafted and delivered product demo presentations to prospective government clients, resulting in 3 pilot program initiations

CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS

PMP (Project Management Professional) | Six Sigma Green Belt | CompTIA Security+ (DoD 8570 compliant)
Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
Operations Management • Supply Chain & Logistics • Project Management • Budget Management • Process Improvement
Proficient in Excel, SQL, Tableau, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Salesforce
Conversational Spanish

Key Translation Principles

Platoon Leader / Company XO→Operations Manager / Assistant Director

S4 / Battalion Logistics Officer→Supply Chain Manager / Director of Logistics

XO / Battalion S3→Senior Operations Manager / Director of Operations

Senior NCO / First Sergeant→Senior Manager / Operations Supervisor

NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge)→Team Lead / Department Supervisor

Battle Captain / Watch Officer→Operations Center Manager

Brigade S2 / Intelligence Officer→Research Analyst / Risk Intelligence Manager

JAG Officer / Military Lawyer→Attorney / Compliance Counsel