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Just out of the Army and stuck

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OneCoolSoldier

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Just officially got out of the Army after 12 years, 6 of which has been as an HVAC technician. Unfortunately the armys focus on HVAC limits us to automotive or package units, with very little in the way of big commericial, industrial and ZERO in the way of residential.

I wish I had know this in advance, because out here in the open market, my experiance is severely limited and its next to impossible to find an opening in the field. Im universally certified, however I dont know how that equates to NATE certification. I've been told by several companies I should go to a local technical school to learn the other side to the business I havent had a chance to get my hands on. However its hard to do that effectively when I have a family to consider.

Just a heads up to you fellow servicemen/women who are on the verge of, or think about, getting out anytime soon. Use your time wisely and get into school now to learn more if you intend to stay in this field, especially in this current economy. Unless you're lucky enough to find a company willing to train you on thier dime, you may find yourself in a similar situation.
 
#3 ·
52C10. You know more than you think you do. You will realize that as you gain employment.

The big stuff. Same concepts. Same theories, Just bigger. If you were trained at Aberdeen, you will do well in the civilian world.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Im in the sandhills region of NC now. I agree that I know quite a bit... the theory is all the same basically, just on bigger/smaller scales and some slight tweaks (duct systems, airflow, etc.) But Ive always been a logical person and can pretty much troubleshoot anything I can put my hands on. Im a wiz with electrical and control systems, if it has a schematic I can fix it.

My current rut is that its hard to put that on a resume as something a prospective employer can relate to. I have supervisory experience, inventory and record keeping, creating training programs, etc. Theres alot of supervisory stuff that goes with a Techs job in the military that is just integrated with the job itself as compared to seperate fields/ job positions out here.

Im currently thinking of going overseas back to iraq... always found it sick how civilians got paid 2-3 times as much as I did, and didnt have half the knowledge on what they were doing...nor had to deal with half the BS a soldier does over there. Even in the civilian sector I couldnt begin to approach that much even if I had 20+ years of experience.

I need to do some more research and find out just how much my current training/experiance translates to out here.
 
#5 ·
Thanks again for your service to our country! My friend just got back from 2nd tour about 2 mo. ago he is in the same situation. If you have the knowledge youll find work it just stinks with the way our economy is right now. If you were up here in Pa. i'd find a place for you in my outfit.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Thanks. I'm starting to see the trend in this region. One of the bigger local companies just had to lay off 12 of thier service techs due to the slow down on work.

The biggest hinderance around here is my lack of hands-on experience with residential systems. From what I've read on these forums, its a vicious cycle anywhere... where employers want experienced ppl, but how do you get the experience without doing the job? You can get all the training you want, but from my own experience, what you learn in a classroom is vastly different from what you do in the field.

Ah the frustrations of civilian life... what was I thinking? lol

I heard you can post a resume on here, any idea where I do that? I have a posting up on HVACAgent already, what are other HVAC sites are there?
 
#7 ·
I'm not sure about the resume thing I'm new here too. Just keep your head up and keep pluggin away,good people will find a way through any adversity.
 
#8 ·
thank you for serving your country.....just wondering why you got out after 12 years....only 8 more and you would be sitting fairly nice with the benifits..any how keep looking, maybe something will turn up for you
 
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#9 ·
OneCoolSoldier said:
Im in the sandhills region of NC now. I agree that I know quite a bit... the theory is all the same basically, just on bigger/smaller scales and some slight tweaks (duct systems, airflow, etc.) But Ive always been a logical person and can pretty much troubleshoot anything I can put my hands on. Im a wiz with electrical and control systems, if it has a schematic I can fix it.

My current rut is that its hard to put that on a resume as something a prospective employer can relate to. I have supervisory experience, inventory and record keeping, creating training programs, etc. Theres alot of supervisory stuff that goes with a Techs job in the military that is just integrated with the job itself as compared to seperate fields/ job positions out here.

Im currently thinking of going overseas back to iraq... always found it sick how civilians got paid 2-3 times as much as I did, and didnt have half the knowledge on what they were doing...nor had to deal with half the BS a soldier does over there. Even in the civilian sector I couldnt begin to approach that much even if I had 20+ years of experience.

I need to do some more research and find out just how much my current training/experiance translates to out here.
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I think the going rate for a private contractor is about 80k, tax free.

Since you developed a comfort level with the lifestyle, you should do well.
 
#10 ·
This is going to be a long post but worth it I think.

Check to see how much of your army training transfers to college credit, relating to HVAC. When you got out they should have given you a packet that tells how many hours of the different types of training you have and could tranfer towards college credit. Thats what they did when I got out, unfortunately I was a combat MOS so not much transfered. I just can't remember what it was called.

If that works out or even if it doesn't then I would find a tech school and sign up for classes that relate to stuff that your not comfortable with. I think you'll find that the tech schools and community colleges that teach HVAC typically have contractors that hire from them, at least if there worth half there weight they do. While your in school you can draw GI Bill and collect unemployment to tie you over untill you get going, maybe get a part time job in the trade to get some more experience. I think you'll find just being a vet helps you a lot. Also check out the Helmets to Hardhats program. You have to do that with in a certain amount of time after your discharged to qualify. I'm not sure what it is but I've heard its a good program.



I agree with what the others say, you probably know enough to get a job and make a decent wage. Be patient but proactive and it will work ouit. Take advantage of your veterans benefits, you more than earned them. Good luck!
 
#13 ·
Thanks fer yer service my man, you truly are one cool soldier.

If you have an honorable discharge go government. even local government must putt you to the head of the list when openings come available.
 
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