How To Add Military Experience To A Resume (With Examples)

Transitioning from military service to civilian employment can be challenging, particularly when it comes to showcasing your experience in a way that resonates with potential employers. Many veterans worry about how to fill the gaps in their resumes caused by military service. However, effectively highlighting your military experience can significantly enhance your resume and increase your chances of landing a job in 2026.

This guide will walk you through the process of incorporating military experience into your resume, offering example templates and strategies to leverage your unique background as a strength in your job applications.

Key Takeaways:

• You can add military experience in the following resume sections:

  • Summary Statement

  • Work Experience

  • Awards or Achievements

  • Skills and Certifications

• Have a non-military friend review your resume; their perspective can help clarify any military-specific language that may confuse civilian employers.

• Avoid using military jargon in your resume, as it may alienate hiring managers unfamiliar with military terminology.

How to Add Military Experience to a Resume

When incorporating military experience into your resume, consider including it in your summary statement or the work experience section. Here are some effective strategies for listing military service on your resume:

1. Include it in your summary statement. If your military experience is recent, mentioning it in your summary statement can provide recruiters with a quick insight into your background. In four concise sentences, discuss your military experience in relation to the position you’re applying for, emphasizing the key skills and attributes you gained that are applicable to civilian roles.

2. Include it in your work experience section. Your military role was a legitimate job and should be included in your professional history. Clearly state your position, tenure, and list key responsibilities and achievements in bullet points.

   Carefully review the job description and incorporate relevant keywords. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements—this helps recruiters understand your impact more clearly.

3. Include it in your achievements or awards section. If you received military honors, ensure they feature prominently on your resume. You may list them in your work experience, but consider dedicating a separate accomplishments section to highlight significant awards, medals, or recognitions.

4. Include it in your skills and certifications sections. The military likely provided you with valuable certifications relevant to your industry. Include language skills, technical certifications, and other competencies gained during your service that will impress potential employers.

Example of Resume with Military Experience

What Do Employers Look for in Applicants with Military Experience?

Employers value military experience for its demonstration of a strong chain of command understanding and the ability to execute directives effectively. Veterans often possess desirable qualities such as:

• Discretion

• Strong Work Ethic

• Reliability

• Team Collaboration

• Discipline

• Leadership

The skills gained through military service can be incredibly valuable to employers, even in roles where the experience may not seem directly relevant.

However, veterans may find it challenging to articulate their capabilities in civilian terms, making it essential to translate their skills effectively on their resumes.

Tips for Adding Military Experience to Your Resume

When showcasing military experience on your resume, it’s crucial to avoid military-specific jargon and utilize keywords from the job description to align your skills with employer expectations. Consider these additional tips:

• Avoid Acronyms and Military Jargon. This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook terms only familiar from your service. Ensure clarity by excluding military-specific phrases where possible.

• Leave Out Irrelevant Certifications. Highlight certifications that are applicable to the job you’re applying for. For instance, training as an electrical engineer is relevant; weapons training may not be.

• List Experiences Like Any Other Work Role. Present your military experience concisely, using bullet points and clear dates to ensure readability.

• Describe Non-Obvious Skills. Provide explanations for any training or certifications that may not be immediately clear to civilian employers.

• Proofread. Take time to review your resume for any errors. Consider asking a peer to provide feedback as they may catch mistakes you might have missed.

• Use Keywords. This is an effective way to demonstrate your fit for the position. Analyze the job description for keywords that align with your qualifications.

• Get a Second Opinion. After incorporating your military experience into your resume, have a civilian review it. They can help identify any confusing elements that need clarification.

Military Skills to Include on Your Resume

During your military service, you develop valuable skills that can be advantageous in civilian jobs. Here are some transferable skills you may have acquired:

• Communication. Effective communication is crucial in the military, and these skills are highly valued in civilian roles. Employers seek candidates who can articulate ideas clearly and collaborate with teams.

• Flexibility. Adapting to new environments and challenges is a common aspect of military life, and this skill translates well into a dynamic workplace.

• Problem-Solving. The ability to devise solutions with limited resources is a critical skill honed during military service and is sought after in many civilian jobs.

• Teamwork. Collaboration is essential in both military and civilian settings, and strong teamwork skills enable you to achieve objectives efficiently.

• Leadership. Military training fosters strong leadership abilities, which can open doors to management or supervisory roles in civilian careers.

How to Use Military Experience to Your Advantage During an Interview

During interviews, it’s important to navigate discussions about your military experience effectively. Here are some strategies:

• Keep the Focus Relevant. While it’s essential to discuss your military background, ensure that the conversation remains pertinent to the position. Balance your responses to maintain the focus on your qualifications.

• Prioritize Relevant Experience. If you have extensive military experience, emphasize the aspects most relevant to the job. Avoid dwelling on early training unless it directly pertains to the role at hand.

• Decline Inappropriate Questions. If interviewers ask inappropriate or overly personal questions about your service, feel empowered to redirect the conversation to your skills and qualifications.

Military Experience on Resume FAQ

1. What is considered military experience?

   Military experience encompasses any relevant job experience obtained while enlisted in a branch of the military, regardless of duration.

2. Is military service beneficial on a resume?

   Yes, military service enhances your resume due to the wide range of skills acquired that are applicable to civilian roles. However, if the experience is irrelevant to the job, it’s acceptable to omit it.

3. Should I disclose my military service on my resume?

   Yes, you should mention your military service if it relates to career advancement. While you can choose to leave the military affiliation section blank on applications, disclosing your service is advisable to avoid potential conflicts with employment requirements.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, effectively articulating your military experience on your resume is vital for standing out to potential employers. Framing your experiences as a narrative that highlights your skills and growth is key. Reflect on what your service means to you and prepare to translate those insights into a compelling employment story.

Whether you feel you’ve gleaned profound lessons from your military service or not, it’s important to convey your experiences in a way that resonates with hiring managers, ensuring you can articulate how your military background has prepared you for the civilian workforce.

As you prepare for your job search, remember to think critically about how your military service informs your competencies and be ready to discuss these in interviews confidently.

References

1. Military One Source – How to Write a Civilian Resume

Author

Ryan Morris

Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.