Job Discussion Forums

[mightyQ]

hey! i have few interviews coming up at univeristy/colleges in the UAE and was wonering if mentioning previous experience in the US military would be a good idea? i was an officer and had a few shinny badges and in the states, as well as here in japan, it would be automatic to mention this in an interview but nowadays the US and especially the military isn't respected in other countries so i was just wondering if it would be a good idea to mention it during an inteview for a teaching position?
thanks

[veiledsentiments]

Unless you are applying for jobs teaching military men, I don't see any benefit in mentioning it... especially in the Middle East universities. I would put it on my CV and if they have an interest in it, they can ask.

Actually you may find negative reaction from some of the students.

VS

[Neil McBeath]

Speaking as a former mercenary officer, I would say that should go ahead. You have nothing to be ashamed of.

Your military experience is part of your CV, and it makes a lot more sense to include it than to leave an unexplained gap.

While you were serving, you must have done leadership courses or administration courses that could be relevant to your new position.

Student reaction is completely irrelevant, they are not the ones who will be reading your application for employment.

[Stephen Jones]

If it's needed to fill gaps on the CV you've got to mention it. My experience of ex-Marines in the Middle East is that they are either top class or totally mentally unbalanced. Luckily, if you're the latter, Middle Eastern employers rarely check up references.

[mightyQ]

Thanks for the advice! it's not on my CV, other than a brief mention about recieving a scholarship, as it was a long time ago. i did recieve a lot of leadership training and got a whole lot of admin experience! i can see how students might be put off by it! Think i can still use it in an interview if the right situation comes up.
again thanks and would love to hear any other opinions.

[johnslat]

Dear Stephen,

"My experience of ex-Marines in the Middle East is that they are either top class or totally mentally unbalanced."

Why the "or?" I'm proud to say that I'm a mentally unbalanced, top-class ex-Marine.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the whole phrase (i.e. mentally unbalanced, top-class ex-Marine) is chock-full of redundancy.

OOORAH and Semper Fi
John

P.S. My four years in the Corps (and a tour in Vietnam) never came up at any time that I can recall during my nineteen years in Saudi Arabia. It's on my resume, but no one ever asked about it at the interview, and I didn't single it out for mention.

[eha]

'...totally mentally unbalanced. Luckily, if you're the latter, Middle Eastern employers rarely check up references....'

In fact, my observations suggest that it's a positive asset. Indeed, it may be a prerequisite if you're after promotion.....

[johnslat]

Dear eha,

Well, you don't HAVE TO BE mentally unbalanced to work in the Middle East, but it does give you a good head start on those who go there "mentally balanced" and will require a few weeks to catch up with you. Of course, the really fast learners might be able to do it in just a few days.

Regards,
John

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Since this was posted n the UAE board and I am a vet (Jarhead, NOT...no offense, John ), the only real gig for ex-military in this country would be with CERT...the money-making arm of the Higher Colleges of Technology...an' hiring ex-military ain't their mission. I would counsel NOT teaching that "lovely group of lads".

You don't have offset groups in this country like they do (or did) in Saudi. The above counsel is correct. Put it on your resume, but let them bring it up if they like...they probably won't.

NCTBA

[uaeobserver]

I knew a few teachers that were vets. None encountered issues related to their status as vets.

It might even help, now that Zayed University is working along side the UAE armed forces.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[Sheikh N Bake]

Experience as a US military officer usually counts as excellent management experience. The higher the rank, the better.

As for me, having been a lowly enlisted Navy sailor, I've always kept that off my r�sum�.

Having said that, I can offer an excellent character reference from a Chinese woman friend:

You are handsome and hounest and successed,you are worm and Magnanimity.

I have no plans to correct her.

[mightyQ]

thanks for all the advice and info!
but i just have one more question for all you ex-marines, do you have to be mentally unbalanced before you become a marine or is it something that occurs at bootcamp? it's the whole chicken/egg question again.

[johnslat]

Dear mightyQ,
I'd say it's pretty much the same answer I gave for working in the Middle East:

Well, you don't HAVE TO BE mentally unbalanced to (join the Marine Corps), but it does give you a good head start on those who go there "mentally balanced" and will require a few weeks to catch up with you. Of course, the really fast learners might be able to do it in just a few days.


In my own case, I'd say I was in the preliminary stages before I joined. It might be genetic; my Dad was a Marine (a D.I., no less.)

Regards,
John

[colt]

I'd mention it, because if you end up with HCT or CERT, they often have military contracts, and your experience. might be useful.

I did a special contract with the military that required knowledge of interior, exterior, and terminal ballistics. My background was a big help.