Detroit Arsenal: making federal employment a reality

By Ms. Lori Grein (IMCOM)March 15, 2010

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. - Classes meant to empower military veterans and their families to successfully pursue opportunities for career enhancement and advancement within the federal government system are being held here in line with the Army Family Covenant.

The certified federal job search trainer at U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal uses the Job Seekers Guide, licensed by Kathryn Troutman and the Federal Career Training Institute, to teach the Ten Steps to a Federal Job curriculum.

"So far, we've trained more than 125 individuals and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive," said Nancy Jo Doubrava-Dull, Detroit Arsenal CFJST. "The courses are geared towards federal service employment, but the techniques are also useful when searching for positions in private industry."

The 10 areas of concentration include developing networking skills; understanding the Army Resume Builder system; researching vacancy announcements; analyzing personal and professional experience; analyzing employment postings; writing a resume; composing a cover letter; submitting an application; tracking the submission; and interviewing for a position.

Classes are free of charge and are offered at least quarterly to veterans, retirees and their family members. Relatives of Department of the Army Civilians can also participate on a space available basis.

A most recent success story, as described by Doubrava-Dull, tells of a young person who was laid off from the automotive industry. For nearly three years, the individual faithfully submitted job applications to the federal government; but it wasn't until he took the class and reworked his resume that he was even called for an interview. Shortly thereafter, the man was successfully hired as a government service employee.

"Living the transient military lifestyle can be stressful enough," said Doubrava-Dull. "The classes give family members an edge to help alleviate some of the frustrations of looking for employment following permanent change of station moves."

Alan Parks, deputy garrison manager, USAG-Detroit Arsenal, is thrilled with the initiative set by the garrison's Employment Readiness Program.

"These classes are just one way we are working to fulfill the commitment set by the Army Family Covenant. The Army is a big family, and we work hard to take care of our own."

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