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Sample resume for a military-to-civilian transition

This sample resume for a Marine seeking a position in law enforcement shows how you can translate your military skills for a civilian job.

By Monster Contributor

Making the transition to the civilian workforce certainly comes with its own unique sets of challenges, not the least of which is learning how to write your resume. Which skills are important? How do you take your military experience and translate it for a civilian hiring manager? Will your accomplishments in uniform be as impressive to someone outside of the military?

It's a lot to think about, no doubt. For guidance, view the sample resume for military-to-civilian transition below, and download the military-to-civilian transition resume template in Word.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following are some examples of types of occupations for enlisted personnel. If you have military training in these areas, there are civilian jobs ready and waiting for you:

Apply to police officer jobs

Military-to-Civilian Transition Resume Sample

Jeremy W. Wilson
Sometown, CA 90000 | (555) 555-5555 | jw@somedomain.com | LinkedIn URL

Decorated police officer transitioning from the US Marine Corps Military Police (MP) to civilian law enforcement -- tour of duty ends this fall. Highly motivated to leverage achievements during MP career to serve a city or county police department.

Qualifications include a pending BA in criminal justice (currently completing final semester) and extensive experience in safety patrol, security details, undercover investigations and public-service activities. Skills include:

Law Enforcement & Public Safety

Emergency Planning & Response

Security & Surveillance Operations

Criminal Investigations

Crime Prevention

Traffic Patrol

Evidence Collection

Defensive Tactics

Counterterrorism Strategies

Firearms Safety & Handling

Interviews & Interrogations

Crime Scene Management

Experience

US Marine Corps — Current Assignment: Camp Pendleton / Previous Deployment: Iraq

Military Police Officer, 12/06 to Present

Awarded MP position at the culmination of 12-week basic training and an additional 12 weeks of intensive, specialized MP training. Currently serve as a Military Police officer protecting lives and property, patrolling military base and preserving law and order at Camp Pendleton USMC Base.

  • Earned citations for excellence in rapidly resolving crisis situations, upholding law and order, relating effectively with culturally diverse populations and protecting property and lives.
  • Gained experience in accident first-responder/investigations, police patrol, report writing, felony traffic stops, search and seizures, criminal investigations and suspect interviewing, fingerprinting and processing.
  • Selected for elite security details providing dignitary protection for visiting high-ranking officials.
  • Infiltrated illegal drug ring operating on base and participated in undercover surveillance and “sting” operation leading to the arrest, prosecution and incarceration of guilty parties.

Recognition & Awards:

  • Honored with three USMC Commendation Medals for heroic and life-saving acts of bravery, Good Conduct Medal and Combat Action Badge.
  • Earned Expert Marksman Awards in both small arms and assault weapons.
  • Graduated #3 in MP class, earning honors in marksmanship, mastery of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), patrol procedures and physical fitness.

Education & Credentials

Sometown State University — Sometown, CA
A in Criminal Justice Candidate ˜ GPA: 3.7

Certifications & Clearances:

  • Certified in first aid, CPR, traffic accident investigations, preliminary breath test (PBT), Intoxilyzar 9000 and handcuffing/flexi-cuff procedures
  • Weapons certifications: MP 9mm pistol, M4 carbine, 12-gauge shotgun, Taser X26/M26

Training Highlights:

Security Police Tactics

Criminal Investigations

Situational Training

Weapons Handling

Levels of Force

Civil Disturbance

Urban Area Force Protection

Personal Security Detail

Conflict Management

Give your resume a boost

Though you've likely assumed far greater challenges during your time in the military, writing a resume is no easy task. Could you use some help making sure your resume looks professional and stands out? Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts at Monster's Resume Writing Service. You'll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review of your resume's appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiter's first impression. It's a quick and easy way to ensure your skills and experience are being properly presented and are focused on the types of jobs you're interested in pursuing.