Jack--
All points very well taken. On my way out the door, the ACAP workshops surprisingly gave me some very good ideas and put me down the right path in regards to the job search and submitting a quality resume. Now that I re-read your post a few times, I'm beginning to realize that the problem may lie in the fact that most jobs I applied to are internet-based and completely structured in what information they are looking for. Employers typically only want to know what degree I hold (or don't hold for that matter) and what my duties were in prior positions. I haven't came across many employers that make exceptions to minority situations like military veterans, or more specifically combat veterans with our level of training and knowledge. Without trying to sound like I'm tooting my own horn, I consider my ability to write and wordsmith one of my greater assets, so I figured that my resume would be of little difficulty. *shrugs*
In regards to my 'quality jobs' comment, I'm currently putting shipping stickers on freight skids before they are loaded into a truck for 8 hours a day at $15.50 an hour. Feeling overqualified would be a gross understatement
I just want a job where I feel like I'm actually using my talents and skills to contribute to society, rather than being treated like I hardly graduated high school
. Anyways, I'll put the violin back again
It might be more simple in the parameters of this message board to just post the aspects of my resume which could require tweaking. Also, I'll PM my resumes to bravo and gypsy just for redundancies sake. If anyone else has some suggestions, I'm all ears.
Again, thanks for all the help everyone!
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(bulleted within the document itself)
Summary of Qualifications
• Graduate of the US Army Special Forces Qualification Course.
• Possesses strong oral and written communications skills.
• Real world experience of radio communications in stressful and dangerous situations.
• Thoroughly cross-trained in radio etiquette and operations.
• Proven leadership capabilities in stressful environments with diverse groups of people.
• Well versed and proficient in Microsoft systems and programs.
• Able to type at over 75 words per minute.
• Specialized and experienced in the formal and informal training of large groups of people in various subjects.
• Earned a Meritorious Bronze Star for operational success while deployed to Iraq (Jan-Aug 2006).
• Bilingual: conversational in Tagalog (Filipino) with 6 months of formal training.
• Possess a Secret security clearance through the Department of Defense.
(skipping past the work experience that is simple to convey in civilian terms)
Detachment Intelligence Sergeant
March 2006 – November 2006
Operational Detachment 191, 1st Special Forces Group, US Army, Fort Lewis, WA
Assumed role of higher-ranking position after two months in Iraq. Analyzed, planned, and presented over 70 computer-generated target products that resulted in the capture and detainment of numerous insurgents. Led and advised Iraqi Reconnaissance soldiers in over 20 counter-insurgency operations with no injuries or casualties.
Junior Detachment Engineer Sergeant October 2004 - March 2006
1st Special Forces Group, US Army, Fort Lewis, WA
Directly responsible for the logistic preparations, planning and execution of three separate training operations, and one deployment to Iraq.
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Those are likely the most vital parts of the resume. I did the best I could with what I had. Thanks again!