Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can feel daunting, but the emergency management industry offers promising opportunities for former military members.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts steady growth in employment opportunities for emergency management directors in the coming decade. Emergency management offers competitive salaries and is particularly appealing for veterans with leadership experience and expertise in emergency planning.
Beyond financial rewards, this career track can offer benefits such as job stability, opportunities to work in diverse sectors (government, healthcare, education, and the private sector), and the personal fulfillment of making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Below we’ll explore the opportunities available, transferable skills, certifications that can improve a transition, real-life examples, and resources to support former military members pursuing careers in this field.
Transferable Skills from Military to Emergency Management
The skills acquired during military service, such as leadership, discipline, and crisis management, align seamlessly with the demands of emergency management roles.
Former military members possess a range of these skills that are highly valued in emergency management:
- Leadership and Decision-Making: Military training develops strong leaders capable of making critical decisions under pressure. Emergency management roles often require quick, decisive action during disasters.
- Crisis Management: The ability to manage chaotic situations with clarity is a cornerstone of both military operations and disaster response.
- Adaptability: Military personnel are trained to operate in diverse, unpredictable environments, a skill essential in emergency scenarios.
- Team Coordination: Military operations depend on collaboration, making veterans adept at working in multidisciplinary teams.
- Mission-Driven Work: Emergency management careers allow veterans to continue serving their communities by protecting lives and property.
- Team-Oriented Roles: Veterans thrive in roles that require teamwork, a hallmark of emergency management.
- Dynamic Environment: The fast-paced, unpredictable nature of disasters aligns with the operational tempo of military life.
Hear From Our Experts
“The skills I learned in the military were critical to me jumping into emergency management – leadership, planning, logistics, operations, etc. are all functions of emergency management.
In more detail, the military operates Operations Centers which are similar to Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), in addition to understanding how to synchronize complex operations with lots of moving pieces with the requirement to coordinate across many different partners.
Military service, like emergency management, is also about serving a mission and cause greater than yourself: helping people during a difficult time.”
– Paul Taylor, Vice President of State, Local and Commercial (SLC) Project Delivery Team at Tidal Basin
Potential Jobs Titles for Former Military in Emergency Management
Here are some key positions that align well with the skills of former military members:
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Disaster Recovery Manager
- Continuity Planner
- Incident Commander
- Hazard Mitigation Specialist
- Emergency Preparedness Trainer
- Public Information Officer
- Critical Infrastructure Specialist
Each role leverages military skills like logistics, communication, and rapid decision-making, making them ideal for veterans looking to transition into a new career.
Many corporations and organizations outside of those in the consulting industry utilize emergency management professionals as well. Some include Home Depot, Verizon, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Uber.
Certifications and Education to Enhance Career Prospects
While military experience provides a solid foundation, additional certifications or education can increase job opportunities.
Helpful credentials may include:
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM): Offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), this certification validates expertise in emergency management.
- FEMA Independent Study Courses: FEMA provides free online courses covering topics like disaster planning, ICS, and hazard mitigation. These courses are excellent for building foundational knowledge.
- Homeland Security Certifications: Programs focused on security, risk assessment, and counterterrorism are valuable for specialized emergency management roles.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Degrees in emergency management, public administration, or related fields can open doors to leadership positions.
FEMA Certification
The FEMA Advanced Professional Series (APS) enhances professional skills in disaster operations and emergency management fundamentals. Professionals who complete this program gain credibility and advance their careers in emergency management.
Hear From Our Experts
“The training, education, and opportunities you experience during military service lay the foundation for an easy transition to the emergency management career field. The farther you advance in your military career, the more the training you receive advances to higher levels of specialized training.
Leadership training is a core component of military service and is critical to organizing and leading teams in the field to meet mission requirements. Many service members have a functional specialty but are also relied on to adapt to roles in various arenas, such as operations, logistics, training, and planning functions similar to emergency management functions.
During my military service, I had the opportunity to support various humanitarian missions to assist those in need and I’m proud of the opportunities I have working with Tidal Basin to continue to serve our communities.”
– Richard Lee, Director of Response Team at Tidal Basin
Rebuilding New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) spearheaded recovery efforts to restore and enhance New Orleans’ flood defenses.
Task Force Guardian repaired levees and floodwalls to pre-Katrina conditions by the 2006 hurricane season, while Task Force Unwatering removed 250 billion gallons of floodwater in just 53 days.
These critical actions laid the groundwork for the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS), a stronger and more resilient flood protection network.
USACE’s efforts have significantly mitigated the impact of subsequent hurricanes, safeguarding lives and property in New Orleans. This achievement highlights the importance of strategic engineering and rapid response in disaster recovery.
Resources for Transitioning to Emergency Management Jobs for Former Military
Numerous resources can help former military members explore careers in emergency management:
- USAJOBS: The official government job portal includes federal emergency management positions, often with hiring preferences for veterans.
- Hire Heroes USA: This nonprofit provides career counseling and job placement services tailored to veterans, including opportunities in emergency management.
- American Red Cross: The organization offers roles in disaster response and recovery, often seeking the unique skills veterans can bring.
- National Emergency Management Association (NEMA): Provides networking opportunities and job postings specific to emergency management.
Incident Command System Leadership
The U.S. Army Reserve trains its personnel for emergency management roles by offering expanded Incident Command System (ICS) courses. These FEMA-recognized courses, including ICS 300 and 400, develop leadership skills and teach disaster response policies. This training ensures effective coordination during hurricanes and other emergencies.
Expanding Career Opportunities Through Networking
Networking is critical for transitioning into civilian careers. Former military members ca leverage these strategies:
- Join Professional Associations: Groups like IAEM or NEMA provide access to industry events, certifications, and mentorship.
- Connect on LinkedIn: Building a professional profile and engaging with emergency management professionals can open doors to new opportunities.
- Attend Job Fairs for Veterans: Many events focus on connecting former military members with organizations hiring for emergency management roles.
Hear From Our Experts
“Teamwork, leadership, communication, and first aid/medical training are invaluable skills that I learned in the military that I was able to carry over with me to jump-start my career in emergency management.
Many military operations use a command structure that aligns with the Incident Command System (ICS) framework, which is widely used in emergency management to ensure organized and efficient response efforts.”
– David Rosales, Project Manager of Response Team at Tidal Basin
The Role of FEMA and Federal Support
FEMA plays a pivotal role in supporting veterans pursuing emergency management careers:
- Veterans Employment Initiative: FEMA’s program prioritizes hiring veterans for emergency management roles.
- Transitional Assistance Programs: Federal resources help veterans translate their military experience into civilian terms, making their resumes stand out.
- On-the-Job Training: FEMA offers opportunities to gain experience through training and mentorship, helping veterans adapt to civilian careers.
Preparing for Success in Emergency Management
Key Steps for Veterans
- Understand Your Transferable Skills: Identify how your military experience applies to emergency management roles.
- Pursue Certifications: Strengthen your resume with industry-recognized credentials like the CEM or FEMA courses.
- Utilize Veteran Resources: Take advantage of programs that assist veterans in transitioning to civilian careers.
- Network Strategically: Connect with industry professionals through associations, job fairs, and online platforms.
By following these steps, veterans can confidently navigate the transition into rewarding careers in emergency management.
Continuing the Mission in Civilian Life
For former military members, emergency management offers a meaningful way to continue serving their communities while building fulfilling careers.
The alignment between military training and the skills required in this field makes the transition smoother, with additional certifications further enhancing career prospects. By leveraging resources like FEMA, networking opportunities, and professional associations, veterans can find some of the best jobs for themselves in a growing, dynamic and impactful industry.
Explore our careers page for opportunities or contact us for more insights into emergency management careers.
