Military-to-Civilian Resume (Translate MOS to Skills)

A military-to-civilian resume focuses on translating Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) roles into civilian job skills and experiences. In 2025, the key to success lies in creating an ATS-optimized, skills-driven resume that bridges military experience with industry expectations and highlights your readiness for civilian employment.

The Challenge (Recruiter Perspective)

Recruiters may have difficulty interpreting military jargon and assessing the applicability of military experience because:

• MOS titles and duties are unfamiliar
• Military language does not align with ATS keywords
• Concerns about adapting to civilian workplace culture
• Difficulty verifying non-traditional experience

Clear translation of military terms and emphasizing transferable skills reduces these barriers.

Choose the Right Format to De-Emphasize Gaps

• The combination resume is most effective, presenting a strong skills summary upfront followed by military and civilian work history.
• Group military experience by skill themes or leadership roles rather than only chronologically.
• Include sections for training, certifications, and volunteer/community involvement.

Reframe Experience (Skills, Projects, Volunteering)

• Convert MOS-specific tasks into universally understood skills (e.g., leadership, logistics, problem-solving).
• Quantify achievements: numbers, scope, budgets, teams led.
• Include volunteer or veteran network activities to show engagement and continuous growth.

Language Examples You Can Adapt

• MOS: “Infantry Squad Leader” → Civilian: “Team Leader, coordinating and training teams in high-pressure environments.”
• MOS: “Supply Chain Specialist” → Civilian: “Managed logistical operations including inventory, distribution, and vendor relations.”
• Emphasize soft skills like adaptability, discipline, and communication critical to civilian roles.

How to Explain Gaps in Applications

• Briefly acknowledge career transitions or deployments in your summary or cover letter.
• Focus on skills and experiences gained during gaps (training, education, leadership).
• Maintain a confident, forward-looking tone.

ATS Considerations

• Use civilian job titles and keywords relevant to your target industry.
• Avoid military acronyms or jargon without civilian equivalents.
• Use clear headings and bullet points for readability.
• Submit as ATS-friendly DOCX or PDF files.

Templates & Checklist

Copy-Ready Example (Combination Format)

Skills Summary

• Team Leadership & Training
• Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• Project Coordination & Execution
• Risk Assessment & Problem Solving

Military Experience
Team Leader (Infantry Squad Leader) | U.S. Army | 2015–2022

• Led a team of 12 soldiers, conducting operations under high-pressure conditions.
• Developed training programs improving team readiness by 40%.
• Managed logistics planning, equipment maintenance, and resource allocation.

Volunteer & Training

• Participated in veteran mentorship programs supporting workforce reintegration.
• Completed Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2024.

FAQ

Q: How do I translate my MOS to civilian jobs?
A: Use online MOS translation tools and focus on transferable skills and accomplishments.

Q: Should I list ranks or military awards?
A: Include ranks briefly and highlight awards that demonstrate leadership and achievement.

Q: How long should my resume be?
A: Typically 1-2 pages focusing on relevant civilian skills.

Q: Do I need to explain military terms?
A: Always provide civilian-friendly explanations or equivalents.