If you’ve ever stared at a blank resume trying to turn your MOS into something a civilian employer would understand — you’re not alone.
You led teams, managed logistics, fixed million-dollar equipment, and handled pressure most people will never experience… but now you need to say it differently. Let’s break it down.
The Problem: Military to Civilian Language Gap
Civilian employers often don’t know what an “NCOIC,” “squad leader,” or “expeditionary tasking” means — even if those responsibilities are exactly what they’re hiring for.
💥 Your mission now: repackage your experience in language they understand.
Use Impact + Numbers
Instead of:
“Maintained 6 Humvees as part of OCONUS team.”
Try:
“Performed scheduled maintenance on a $250K vehicle fleet, ensuring 100% operational readiness during 12-month deployment overseas.”
Quantify. Show results. Make your impact clear.
Swap Military Terms for Keywords
Here are some quick swaps that instantly boost civilian clarity:
Military Term Civilian-Friendly Term Comms Communications OCONUS Overseas Squad Leader Team Supervisor MOS Role/Specialty UCMJ Regulatory Compliance
Use Free Tools to Optimize Your Resume
There are powerful tools that can scan your resume and recommend edits to make it more “civilian recruiter–friendly.”
✅ Teal Resume Builder (Free and customizable)
✅ Jobscan (Great for ATS matching)
✅ Resume Worded (Shows impact + keyword match)
🎯 Want Help Translating Your Resume?
Download our free resume checklist built for veterans — it breaks down how to rewrite bullets, pick the right civilian keywords, and avoid common mistakes.
👉 Get the free checklist — click here
Or DM us @VetForceCareers with your toughest bullet — we’ll help.