Military Skills Translator Explained

A skills translator takes what you did in service and maps it to the civilian job titles that describe the same work.

That matters because the gap is usually language rather than capability. Employers search for terms they recognise, and a CV written in trade names, rank and unit acronyms doesn't surface for those searches — however good the person behind it is.

The practical use is twofold. You get a list of roles worth looking at, and you get the vocabulary to describe your own experience in a way that gets read.

It also tends to surface skills people had stopped counting, because five years of doing something makes it feel unremarkable rather than valuable.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who has served, from any branch, at any point.

If you're still in, the Career Transition Partnership will do this with you as part of your resettlement. Which CTP programme you get depends on your service: the Core Resettlement Programme at 6 or more years, the Employment Support Programme at 4 to 6 years, and CTP Future Horizons under 4 years.

All of those run to two years after discharge, and the first two are available from two years before it. CTP Assist is open regardless of service length to people on Recovery Duties.

If you left more than two years ago, Op ASCEND from the Forces Employment Charity covers the same ground.

What benefits does this provide?

  • Which CTP programme you get depends on your service: the Core Resettlement Programme at 6+ years, the Employment Support Programme at 4–6 years, and CTP Future Horizons under 4 years. CTP Assist is available regardless of length of service to those on Recovery Duties.

  • Support runs to 2 years after discharge: All of the above are available up to 2 years post-discharge, and the 6+ and 4–6 year programmes from 2 years before it.

  • Skill Identification: Translates military experience into civilian job skills, helping veterans understand their transferable skills.

  • Job Matching: Aligns military skills with civilian job opportunities, increasing the chances of finding suitable employment.

  • CV Enhancement: Provides language and terminology that can be used to enhance CVs, making them more appealing to civilian employers.

  • Career Guidance: Offers insights into potential career paths based on military experience, aiding in career planning and development.

  • Increased Confidence: Helps veterans articulate their skills and experiences effectively, boosting confidence during job searches and interviews.

  • Networking Opportunities: Connects veterans with potential employers and industry professionals, expanding their professional network.

  • Educational Pathways: Identifies educational programmes that align with military skills, facilitating further education and training.

  • Time Efficiency: Streamlines the job search process by quickly identifying relevant job opportunities and career paths.

How do I apply?

  • Research Available Tools: Identify military skills translator tools online, such as O*NET's Military Crosswalk or My Next Move for Veterans.
  • Gather Your Information: Compile your military job titles, duties, and any certifications or training you have received.
  • Access the Translator Tool: Visit the website of your chosen military skills translator tool.
  • Input Your Military Experience: Enter your military occupation code (MOC) or job title into the tool.
  • Review Civilian Job Matches: Analyse the list of civilian job equivalents and skills that match your military experience.
  • Explore Job Descriptions: Click on job titles to read detailed descriptions and required qualifications.
  • Refine Your CV: Use the translated skills and job matches to update your CV, highlighting relevant experience for civilian roles.
  • Seek Additional Resources: Consider reaching out to veteran employment services for further assistance and guidance.

Common questions

How do you translate military skills into civilian job titles?

Start from what you actually did rather than your rank or trade name, then map it to the civilian titles employers advertise. A CTP career consultant will do this with you, and the same translation is what makes your CV searchable.

What CTP support do you get, and for how long?

The Core Resettlement Programme at 6 or more years of service, the Employment Support Programme at 4 to 6 years, and CTP Future Horizons under 4 years. All run to 2 years after discharge, and the first two from 2 years before it. CTP Assist is available regardless of service length to those on Recovery Duties.

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