Federal, state, and local governments employ more than 23 million people in careers devoted to public service. Opportunities span defense, security, health care, administration, finance, science, technology, research, and more.
With such a broad range of roles, the potential career paths and the impact you can make, are nearly limitless. Your military experience can be the foundation for continued service.
Government and Defense
Government and defense are distinct sectors, but they frequently intersect through the Department of War (DoW) and federal contracting. The U.S. defense industrial base (DIB) is the network of people, organizations, facilities, and resources that supplies the federal government, primarily the DoW, with defense-related products and services.
The DIB covers a wide variety of entities, including:
Government employees receive federal, state, or local benefits that may build on military service. Employees of government contractors generally do not receive those public-sector benefits; instead, each employer provides its own insurance, paid time off, and incentives.
Opportunities for the Military Community
The DoW employs nearly one million civilians worldwide and works with more than 100,000 companies and subcontractors across the DIB.
Across 33 agencies, the DoW offers more than 650 occupations, ranging from internships and entry-level positions to senior roles around the world. Both government and defense depend on people with varied disciplines and experiences to accomplish critical missions.
If your interests include administration, cybersecurity, information technology, foreign affairs, intelligence, law enforcement, education, STEM, trades, or support services, consider a career in government or defense.
The military community brings firsthand knowledge that applies to nearly every mission in these sectors.
For many transitioning service members, this work offers a meaningful way to continue serving beyond the uniform.
The Compound Effect
Military service may strengthen retirement benefits for people entering government roles. The federal government, along with many state and local governments, offers programs that allow eligible former service members who did not retire from the military to apply their service time toward a public-sector pension. Military retirees may also have options for using prior service toward a government pension.
While many state and local governments have military credit programs, retirement benefits differ by location.
Always check with your state’s human resources division for a clear understanding of benefits offered for government service.
When comparing a government job with a contractor role, remember that military service credit may apply only to government employment. Both paths can offer strong benefits, but confirm your eligibility before deciding.
Government hiring follows its own rules and timelines. Prepare your resume, expectations, and calendar for a process that may take more time.
The Process
Research each role and its requirements carefully, and expect a lengthy hiring process. Agencies typically review applications for minimum qualifications, assess required skills or knowledge (when applicable), and rank qualified applicants.
Top candidates may then be referred to hiring managers and interviewed. A tentative offer is often followed by a background check, and employment is not final until that process is complete.
The Resume
Federal applications require a federal resume that follows detailed formatting and information requirements for the government’s hiring systems. Because federal resumes require more detail, they are often longer than those in the private-sector. Include the following information:
For guidance and examples, review resources from SEC.gov, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), or attend a RecruitMilitary Federal Resume Webinar.
You may come for the benefits, but you’ll stay for the mission.
Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) operates across nearly 100 naval bases worldwide, offering career opportunities in retail, hospitality, logistics, telecommunications, business operations, and more supporting the Navy community.
More than 40% of NEXCOM’s civilian workforce are veterans or military family members, creating a strong connection to the community it serves; sailors, veterans, retirees, and military families.
The Waiting Game
The hardest part of pursuing government or defense work may be the uncertain timeline.
Some government roles are posted before a vacancy is available. Even after you accept a tentative offer, your start date may be weeks or months away.
In defense contracting, negotiations and contract signatures can also affect renewals and start dates. Plan for the possible impact on your finances, schedule, and family.
Federal Employment Preference
Many federal jobs may offer veterans’ or military spouse preference. Veterans’ preference can support eligible applicants in competitive federal hiring. Generally, eligibility requires discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions.
These preferences can give eligible veterans and spouses an advantage in certain competitive appointments, but they do not guarantee a job.
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