Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: Measurable accomplishments like reducing operational costs by 25% annually and cutting shipment delays by 30% reflect the applicant’s ability to drive impactful results.
- Uses action-oriented language: Strong action verbs like led, implemented, and managed illustrate the applicant’s proactive approach to leadership and logistics.
- Illustrates problem-solving ability: Developing a risk management plan that decreased incidents by 35% showcases problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and initiative.
More Military Resume Examples
Check out our military resume examples to learn how to highlight your service experience, leadership skills, and mission-focused achievements. These samples will help you create a resume that stands out to civilian employers.
Entry-Level Military Resume
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: A master’s degree in strategic security studies spotlights the applicant’s solid academic foundation early in their career.
- Effective use of keywords: The strategic incorporation of relevant keywords such as ‘strategic planning’ and ‘resource allocation’ strengthens the resume for ATS screening.
- Shows digital literacy: Highlighting certifications like CompTIA Security+ showcases the applicant’s readiness for digital challenges, aligning with essential computer skills in today’s workplaces.
Mid-Level Military Resume
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: Quantifiable achievements like cutting response time by 30% and managing $1.5M in equipment without losses highlight the applicant’s knack for operational efficiency and resource management.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Language skills in Spanish and French support cross-cultural communication essential for international operations and collaborative efforts.
- Displays technical expertise: Advanced certifications in military tactics and crisis management reveal a deep technical expertise critical for strategic roles requiring precision and specialized knowledge.
Experienced Military Resume
Why this resume works
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume format, the applicant effectively showcases extensive experience by detailing progressive roles and responsibilities in the military and security sectors.
- Lists relevant certifications: Highlighting certifications like Certified Military Strategist from the Defense Certification Board shows a dedication to expertise and continuous learning.
- Emphasizes leadership skills: Demonstrating leadership skills, the applicant has led large teams, managed complex assets, and launched training programs that significantly improved operational efficiency.
Explore Even More Military Resumes
Military Resume Template (Text Version)
Tao Singh
San Francisco, CA 94106
(555)555-5555
Tao.Singh@example.com
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Operational Management
- Risk Assessment
- Team Coordination
- Security Protocols
- Logistical Support
- Crisis Management
- Communication Efficiency
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Intermediate (B1)
- German – Beginner (A1)
Professional Summary
Dynamic military professional with a robust background in strategic leadership and operational management. Proven track record of reducing operational costs and enhancing threat detection. Adept at managing logistics and executing security protocols.
Work History
Military Officer
Eagle Defense Corps – San Francisco, CA
January 2023 – July 2025
- Led a team of 50 personnel successfully
- Reduced operational costs by 25% annually
- Implemented new safety protocols
Security Operations Specialist
Fortified Solutions Ltd. – San Francisco, CA
January 2020 – December 2022
- Coordinated base security for 100+ events
- Increased threat detection by 40%
- Managed communications for 24/7 operations
Logistics Coordinator
Frontline Logistics Inc. – San Francisco, CA
January 2019 – December 2019
- Streamlined supply chain processes
- Reduced shipment delays by 30%
- Optimized inventory levels successfully
Certifications
- Advanced Security Operations – National Security Institute
- Crisis Leadership Training – Defense Leadership Academy
Education
Master of Science Security Management
University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan
May 2018
Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice
Texas A&M University College Station, Texas
May 2016
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Advice for Writing Your Military Resume
Explore our tips on how to write a resume for a military position and discover how to highlight your service experience, leadership skills, and dedication.
Highlight relevant certifications and training
Certifications and specialized training are key for military professionals, as they show you have the skills needed to do your job well. Here are a few examples of relevant certifications to include on your resume:
- Security Clearance (Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI)
- Combat Lifesaver Course (CLS)
- Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Certification
- Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) Certification
- Cybersecurity certifications (CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP)
- First Aid/CPR and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)
- Weapons Qualification/Marksmanship Certification
Including a certifications and training section right after your education or skills sections makes these qualifications easily visible to recruiters. This is especially important in the military field, where specific credentials can be important for certain roles. Highlighting these certifications showcases your preparedness and dedication to your profession.
Example of a certifications & training section
Combat Lifesaver Course
Issued by: U.S. Army
Completed 2021
Advanced Leadership Course (ALC)
Issued by: Noncommissioned Officer Academy
Completed 2022
Hazardous Materials Transportation Certification
Issued by: Department of Defense (DoD)
Expires 2024
Cyber Security Fundamentals Training
Issued by: National Security Agency (NSA)
Completed 2023
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician Qualification
Issued by: Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Issued 2019
Get great ideas by looking at our professional resume examples. They show you how to make your resume look good and stand out.
List your most relevant skills
When listing your most relevant skills for a military role, it’s important to showcase both technical and soft skills. Technical skills might include weapon handling, vehicle maintenance, or knowledge of specific military software. Soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication are equally important. These abilities help you work well with others and adapt to different situations.
Consider adding a dedicated skills section to your resume to feature any software you’re good at using or artistic abilities that show creativity and attention to detail. Highlighting these skills in their section makes them easy to find and shows what you bring to the table right away.
Weave your skills into your work experience bullet points for more impact. For example, instead of just saying “led a team,” you could say “used leadership skills to lead a team of 10 soldiers.”
This approach helps hiring managers see how you’ve used your skills in real-world situations and gives them a better idea of what you can do in the future.
For military professionals, select a resume format that highlights leadership, discipline, and technical skills prominently.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary on a resume serves as an introduction for hiring managers, providing a snapshot of your skills and accomplishments. You can decide whether to use a summary or a resume objective based on your experience level and career goals.
A professional summary is typically three to four sentences that highlight your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s best suited for experienced applicants because it showcases their professional identity and value right away. By using action-oriented language, you can emphasize your impact in previous roles. Learn more about creating a strong professional summary.
Resume objectives are statements about your career goals. They work well for entry-level applicants, career changers, or those with employment gaps. Unlike summaries, which focus on “what I’ve accomplished,” objectives center on “what I aim to contribute.”
Next, we’ll provide examples of both professional summaries and resume objectives tailored for different industries and levels of experience. This will help you choose the right approach for your military role or any other position you’re targeting.
Military resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent military science graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and completion of the ROTC program. Certified in first aid and CPR, with foundational skills in leadership, strategic planning, and physical training. Eager to apply academic knowledge and training to support defense operations and ensure mission success.
Mid-career
Dedicated military professional with 7+ years of experience in infantry operations and team leadership. Expertise in tactical planning, weapons handling, and emergency response. Recognized for leading successful missions and improving unit readiness through rigorous training programs. Holds certifications in advanced combat tactics and battlefield first aid.
Experienced
Seasoned military officer with over 20 years of service, including roles as platoon leader and battalion commander. Proven track record in operational leadership, strategic deployment, and international mission coordination. Holds a master’s degree in military strategy and certifications in counterterrorism and advanced warfare techniques. Known for driving mission success through innovative strategies and exceptional team management.
Military resume objective examples
Entry-level
Dedicated and disciplined entry-level military professional seeking to apply strategic planning and leadership skills in a challenging defense role. Eager to contribute to mission success through a strong commitment to teamwork and operational excellence.
Career changer
Resourceful individual transitioning from civilian roles into the military, bringing transferable skills in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Aspiring to support military operations with a fresh perspective and strong work ethic.
Recent graduate
Motivated recent graduate with a background in international relations seeking an entry-level position in the military to use analytical skills and knowledge of geopolitical dynamics. Passionate about contributing to national security efforts and learning from seasoned professionals.
Build a standout resume in minutes with our easy-to-use Resume Builder. Choose a professional template, add your details, and make a strong impression on employers.
Showcase your accomplishments and publications
Listing your publications, conference presentations, and research accomplishments on a military-focused resume can help demonstrate expertise, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to learning. This section shows your ability to contribute knowledge to your field and highlights your analytical or technical skills—qualities valued in many military roles.
Including publications or presentations also showcases leadership in sharing ideas, which is essential in guiding teams and influencing decision-making. List peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, or conference papers in a clear format. Include citation details such as the journal name, volume, issue number, and year of publication using a professional style guide like APA or Chicago.
If you’ve received awards, grants, or fellowships tied to this work, mention them briefly to show the impact of your research. Adding links to online profiles like Google Scholar or ResearchGate can provide easy access for reviewers who want more information about your contributions.
Keep entries relevant and concise while focusing on achievements that align with the needs of the role you’re pursuing within the military.
Example of publications section
Publications
- “Cybersecurity Readiness in Military Operations” – Published in Military Review Journal, Vol. 102, No. 4, 2023.
- “Leadership Development in Joint Operations: Lessons from Multinational Exercises” – Proceedings of the International Defense Leadership Conference, Washington, D.C., 2022.
- “Logistics Optimization in Combat Zones” – Featured in Army Sustainment Magazine, 2021.
- “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Warfare” – Co-authored article, Journal of Defense Technology, 2020.
Choose a simple resume template with clear sections and easy-to-read fonts. Skip fancy designs or bright colors, so hiring managers quickly find your skills and experience without distractions.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my military resume?
Yes, adding a cover letter to your military resume is a smart move and can make a big difference. A cover letter lets you highlight specific skills and experiences relevant to civilian roles while detailing how your military background has prepared you for the job.
For example, if you’re applying for a leadership role, discuss how leading troops has equipped you with strong team management skills. There are tools that can help you create an effective cover letter tailored to transitioning from the military to civilian work.
Check out cover letter examples from veterans who have successfully made the switch or use templates crafted for military personnel. You could also consider using our Cover Letter Generator dfor expert tips and content suggestions.
How long should a military resume be?
For a military role, aim for a two-page resume to showcase your skills and experience. Military careers often involve diverse responsibilities, so you’ll need space to highlight achievements like mission-critical operations, specialized training, and leadership roles.
Focus on accomplishments that translate well into civilian terms if you’re transitioning out of the military. Keep the most relevant and recent roles at the top while tailoring your one-page resume to the specific job or industry you’re pursuing.
Avoid listing every detail—stick to measurable results and key contributions that demonstrate your value. If you’re unsure about length, explore our guide on how long a resume should be for more tips on balancing depth with brevity based on your career stage.
How do you write a military resume with no experience?
If you lack direct military experience, concentrate your resume on transferable skills, education, and traits that fit a military position. For guidance on crafting a resume with no experience, check out these helpful tips to get started:
- Emphasize leadership and teamwork: Highlight any experiences where you’ve led a group or worked effectively as part of a team. This could be from school projects, sports teams, or volunteer work.
- Showcase discipline and reliability: These are key military traits. Mention any roles where you’ve demonstrated responsibility, punctuality, and commitment.
- Highlight physical fitness: If you’re involved in sports or regularly engage in fitness activities, include this to show your preparedness for the physical demands of military service.
- Focus on problem-solving skills: Provide examples of how you’ve successfully managed challenges or found solutions in difficult situations.
- Include relevant education and training: List any courses or certifications related to leadership, first aid, technical skills, or other areas valued by the military.
Tailor your resume to reflect qualities that match the expectations of military roles while showcasing your potential through past experiences and achievements.
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Jasmine is certified career coach and recognized expert in job search strategy. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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