Military Skills Translator Guide (2025)

You've been told to "use a military skills translator" about 47 times since you started your separation process. Cool. But which one? And more importantly, how do you actually use the results to land a job?

There are at least 6 different military skills translator tools out there. Some are great. Some are garbage. None of them give you the full picture alone.

Here's what nobody tells you: these tools are just starting points. They'll tell you "project manager" or "network administrator," but they won't tell you how to translate your experience for a resume, which companies are actually hiring, or what those jobs really pay.

This guide covers every major military skills translator tool, what makes each one useful (or useless), and how to actually use the results to get hired. Not just get suggestions - get hired.

The Complete List of Military Skills Translator Tools

Let's start with what actually exists and what each one does.

1. My Next Move for Veterans (O*NET)

URL: mynextmove.org/vets Branch: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard Cost: Free Best for: Getting detailed civilian job descriptions and salary data

This is the official Department of Labor tool. You enter your military code (MOS, AFSC, Rating, etc.) and it spits out civilian job titles with detailed descriptions, salary ranges, and required education.

What it does well:

• Actual salary data by location
• Detailed job descriptions (what you'll actually do)
• Shows required education and training
• Lists specific tasks and skills for each job
• Free and government-official

What it sucks at:

• Job titles are often outdated or overly generic
• Doesn't show you companies that are actually hiring
• No help translating your resume language
• Some matches are questionable (really? my infantry skills translate to "forest firefighter"?)

How to use it:

1. Enter your military code
2. Look at the TOP 3 matches (ignore the random ones below)
3. Click into each match to see detailed tasks
4. Note which specific tasks match what you actually did
5. Use those task descriptions on your resume

2. Military.com Skills Translator

URL: military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator Branch: All branches Cost: Free Best for: Quick overview of job titles and companies

This one is slick and easy to use. Enter your MOS/AFSC/Rating and you get a list of civilian job titles plus companies that are hiring veterans.

What it does well:

• Fast and simple interface
• Shows actual companies hiring
• Includes job descriptions
• Links directly to job postings
• Works for all branches

What it sucks at:

• Limited to companies partnered with Military.com
• Some job matches are a stretch
• Doesn't show salary information
• No help with resume translation
• Can miss smaller companies or niche roles

How to use it:

1. Enter your code and get matches
2. Click "Find Jobs" for roles that interest you
3. Research the companies listed (Glassdoor for reviews, PayScale for salary)
4. Apply directly through company websites (not job boards)
5. Use the job description keywords on your resume

3. CareerOneStop Veterans Tool

URL: careeronestop.org/veterans Branch: All branches Cost: Free Best for: Local job search and training programs

Run by the Department of Labor, this tool helps you find jobs, training programs, and career resources in your area.

What it does well:

• Location-specific job searches
• Lists local training programs and apprenticeships
• Shows veteran-friendly employers in your area
• Includes certification and licensing info by state
• Connects to American Job Centers

What it sucks at:

• Interface is clunky and outdated
• Skills translation isn't as detailed as O*NET
• Can be overwhelming with too many options
• Not great for remote work opportunities

How to use it:

1. Enter your military specialty and location
2. Filter for veteran-friendly employers
3. Look at training programs available in your area
4. Note state-specific licensing requirements
5. Visit local American Job Center for in-person help

4. Hire Our Heroes Military Skills Translator

URL: hiringourheroes.org/career-services/military-skills-translator Branch: All branches Cost: Free Best for: Industry-specific career paths

This tool focuses on matching you to career pathways, not just job titles. It shows you what certifications you might need and what career progression looks like.

What it does well:

• Shows career progression paths
• Includes certification recommendations
• Industry-focused (tech, healthcare, trades, etc.)
• Gives realistic transition advice

What it sucks at:

• Smaller database than other tools
• Not as many employer connections
• Some career paths are generic
• Limited salary information

How to use it:

1. Enter your military role
2. Choose an industry that interests you
3. Review the career pathway (entry → mid → senior)
4. Note recommended certifications
5. Compare certification costs with GI Bill benefits

5. LinkedIn Veterans Skills Translator

URL: linkedin.com/military (requires LinkedIn account) Branch: All branches Cost: Free with LinkedIn account Best for: Networking and seeing real job postings

LinkedIn's tool translates your military experience directly on your profile and suggests jobs based on your skills.

What it does well:

• Integrates with your LinkedIn profile
• Shows you actual people in those civilian roles
• Suggests jobs based on your network
• Helps with professional networking
• Can message people in roles you want

What it sucks at:

• Requires active LinkedIn engagement to be useful
• Quality depends on how complete your profile is
• Can be overwhelming with notifications
• Some translations are corporate buzzword nonsense

How to use it:

1. Create/update your LinkedIn profile
2. Use the military transition tools to translate your experience
3. Search for civilian roles you're interested in
4. Find people in those roles and send connection requests
5. Ask for informational interviews (most veterans will help)

6. SkillBridge and Military Transition Tools (Branch-Specific)

Branch: Varies by service Cost: Free through TAP/TGPS Best for: Branch-specific transition support

Each branch has its own transition resources and skills translation support through TAP (Transition Assistance Program) or TGPS (Transition GPS).

What it does well:

• Personalized counseling from transition specialists
• Connects to real training opportunities
• Access to SkillBridge internships
• Branch-specific success stories and examples

What it sucks at:

• Quality varies wildly by base and counselor
• Often too generic for technical fields
• Can be rushed if you're on a tight timeline

How to use it:

• Start TAP/TGPS at least 12 months before separation
• Schedule one-on-one counseling sessions
• Ask specifically about SkillBridge opportunities in your field
• Get your resume reviewed by the transition counselor

Comparison Table: Which Tool for What

Tool	Best Use Case	Strength	Weakness
O*NET My Next Move	Detailed job descriptions and salary research	Official DOL data, comprehensive info	Generic job titles
Military.com	Finding companies actively hiring	Direct links to employers	Limited to partners
CareerOneStop	Local job search and training programs	Location-specific, training options	Outdated interface
Hire Our Heroes	Career pathway planning	Shows progression and certs	Smaller database
LinkedIn	Networking and informational interviews	Real people and connections	Requires active use
TAP/Branch Tools	SkillBridge and personalized counseling	Official support programs	Quality varies

How to Actually Use These Tools (Step-by-Step Process)

Here's the process nobody tells you about. Don't just use one tool and call it done. Use them in sequence:

Step 1: Start with O*NET (30 minutes)

1. Go to mynextmove.org/vets
2. Enter your military code
3. Look at the top 5 job matches
4. For each match, click through and read:
   • Job duties (what you'll actually do)
   • Salary range (know your worth)
   • Required education (do you need more school?)
   • On-the-job training (can you learn as you go?)

Write down:

• 3 job titles that sound interesting
• Salary ranges for each
• Any certifications mentioned

Step 2: Cross-check with Military.com (20 minutes)

1. Go to military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator
2. Enter your code again
3. Compare results to O*NET
4. Look for job titles that appear on BOTH lists (these are your strongest matches)
5. Click "Find Jobs" and note companies that are hiring

Write down:

• Companies actively hiring for your matches
• Job titles that appeared on both lists
• Any new job titles that make sense

Step 3: Check CareerOneStop for Local Options (20 minutes)

1. Go to careeronestop.org/veterans
2. Enter your military code AND your location
3. Filter by veteran-friendly employers
4. Look at training programs available locally
5. Note any state-specific licensing requirements

Write down:

• Local companies in your field
• Required state licenses or certifications
• Local training programs (some are free for veterans)

Step 4: LinkedIn for Real People (Ongoing)

1. Update your LinkedIn profile
2. Search for the job titles you identified
3. Find people who have those jobs
4. Send connection requests with a brief note:
   • "Hi [Name], I'm transitioning from the military and researching [job title]. Would you be open to a 15-minute call to share your experience?"

Goal: Talk to 3-5 people in roles you want within the next month

Step 5: Translate Your Resume

Now comes the important part. You have job titles. You have tasks. You have salary ranges. Now translate your actual experience.

For each job title you're targeting:

1. Pull up the O*NET detailed task list
2. Match YOUR actual duties to the civilian task language
3. Rewrite your resume bullets using that civilian language
4. Include specific metrics (numbers, percentages, dollar values)

Example: Infantry Squad Leader → Operations Manager

Military resume bullet: "Led squad of 9 soldiers through 150+ combat patrols"

Civilian resume bullet (using O*NET language): "Managed team of 9 in high-stress environment, planning and executing 150+ operations with zero safety incidents"

See the difference? Same experience, different language.

Branch-Specific Tips

Army (MOS Codes)

• Most MOS codes translate clearly (68W → EMT/Paramedic, 25B → IT Support, 92Y → Supply Chain)
• NCO leadership experience is often MORE valuable than your technical MOS
• Focus on translating leadership and management experience for E6+

Air Force (AFSC)

• AFSC translations are usually more technical than other branches
• Civilian employers understand Air Force = technical expertise
• Emphasize your certifications (Sec+, clearance, etc.)

Navy (Ratings)

• Navy ratings are the HARDEST to translate (what's an "FC"?)
• Spend extra time explaining your role in civilian terms
• Use O*NET heavily for the task-level translations

Marines (MOS)

• Infantry MOS translation is tough - focus on leadership, not "combat"
• Emphasize problem-solving, team leadership, adaptability
• Look at operations, logistics, and management roles

Coast Guard (Ratings)

• Smaller branch = fewer automatic matches
• Focus on maritime, law enforcement, safety roles
• Government agencies (FEMA, DHS, CBP) understand CG experience

Common Translation Mistakes

Mistake #1: Using one tool and stopping Each tool has different strengths. Use at least 3 to get the full picture.

Mistake #2: Accepting the first match The top match isn't always the best match. Read through multiple options.

Mistake #3: Ignoring local opportunities National job boards are competitive. Local veteran-friendly employers are goldmines.

Mistake #4: Not networking Tools give you titles. People give you jobs. Use LinkedIn to connect with real humans.

Mistake #5: Copying military language to your resume "Fire team leader" means nothing to civilians. "Supervised team of 4 in high-pressure environment" means everything.

What If the Matches Suck?

Sometimes the translator tools give you terrible matches. "Your infantry skills translate to forestry technician!" Uh, no thanks.

Here's what to do:

Option 1: Focus on soft skills Your technical MOS might not translate, but leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability do. Look at:

• Operations Manager
• Project Manager
• Logistics Coordinator
• Business Analyst

Option 2: Get certified Pick a civilian field that interests you and get certified before you separate:

• Tech: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
• Project Management: PMP, CAPM
• Supply Chain: APICS CSCP
• Trades: Use SkillBridge for apprenticeship

Option 3: Use SkillBridge If you're within 180 days of separation, SkillBridge lets you intern with civilian companies while still on active duty. This is better than any translator tool.

Option 4: Go to school GI Bill is money on the table. If your skills don't translate well, use education to bridge the gap.

How to Use Translation Results on Your Resume

Once you have your civilian job titles and task descriptions, here's how to structure your resume:

Resume Format for Veterans

Top Section: Professional Summary Use your civilian job title target, not your military rank.

❌ Wrong: "Staff Sergeant with 8 years logistics experience" ✅ Right: "Supply Chain Professional with 8 years managing logistics operations for $50M+ inventory"

Experience Section: Translate Each Role

Format:

• Civilian Job Title Equivalent | Military Unit | Dates
• Bullet point using civilian language and metrics
• Bullet point using civilian language and metrics
• Bullet point using civilian language and metrics

Example:

Operations Manager | 1st Infantry Division | 2018-2024

• Managed daily operations for 45-person team, ensuring 98% on-time mission completion rate
• Coordinated logistics for 200+ operations valued at $5M+ in equipment and resources
• Implemented process improvements reducing equipment downtime by 35%
• Trained and supervised 12 team members on safety procedures and operational standards

Keywords to Include

Based on your translator results, sprinkle these throughout your resume:

• The exact job title you're applying for
• Industry-specific software or systems
• Certifications (even if in-progress)
• Measurable outcomes (%, $, time saved)
• Leadership and team management
• Compliance and safety
• Process improvement

Tools We Built to Help

Because the existing translators don't do everything, we built some tools specifically for military transition:

Military Skills Translator Our version focuses on translating your experience into resume language, not just job titles.

Resume Builder Automatically translates military experience into civilian resume format. It uses the O*NET database plus veteran-sourced translations.

Transition Checklist Don't miss important steps while juggling job search and separation paperwork.

The Bottom Line on Skills Translators

Here's the truth: skills translator tools are useful, but they're just the starting point.

What they DO:

• Give you civilian job title ideas
• Show you salary ranges
• Help you understand what's possible

What they DON'T DO:

• Write your resume for you
• Get you interviews
• Replace networking and research

Your actual process:

1. Use 3+ translator tools to identify job titles (1 hour)
2. Research those roles on LinkedIn and Glassdoor (2 hours)
3. Talk to real people in those roles (ongoing)
4. Translate your resume using civilian language (4 hours)
5. Apply to 5-10 jobs per week (ongoing)
6. Network, follow up, interview (ongoing)

The translator is step 1 out of 100. It's important, but it's not magic.

Start with O*NET for detailed info, cross-check with Military.com for employers, use LinkedIn to connect with real people, and translate your resume using civilian language.

That's how you actually use a military skills translator to get hired.

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Ready to translate your skills? Use our Military Skills Translator to find civilian job matches and get resume translation help in one place.