Translating Military Jargon When Transitioning From Active Duty

By Julia Park and Jenny HaleFebruary 21, 2017

SFL-TAP
To learn more about SFL-TAP and to find a location, visit www.sfl-tap.army.mil. SFL-TAP is also available on social media! Check out SFL-TAP on Facebook (Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program), Twitter (@SFLTAP), and LinkedIn (Soldier for... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Every work place has its jargon, but in the military this is especially true. In the Army and at the Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program, or SFL-TAP, words such as TOT (Time on Target), FOB (Forward Operating Base), and FFE (Fire for Effect) are often used. While these Army acronyms may be well-known to those inside the SFL-TAP Center, often military jargon is foreign to civilian employers reading resumes and looking to hire Veterans.

SFL-TAP encourages Soldiers to work with a counselor, as well as with someone who knows nothing about the Army in order to review a Soldier's resume. While having a second (or a third!) set of eyes review a Soldier's resume for errors is a must, the main reason for having someone else review the resume is to see if they understand the language being used.

SFL-TAP has counselors that are not only familiar with military jargon, but also have experience translating military career skills into civilian career "language." For example, a senior field grade officer may be more easily correlated with a department head or program director position on a resume.

When reviewing resumes, counselors sometimes see phrases like "responsible for" being used. While this phrase is meant to explain a Soldier's experience, civilians often have little understanding what "responsible for" truly means. Instead, consider phrases such as implemented, oversaw, assigned, and accountable, which may hold a more specific meaning and value to employers.

The duties of an SFL-TAP counselor extend beyond conducting the congressionally mandated transition requirements. SFL-TAP counselors are here to assist, support, educate, and inform transitioning Soldiers, their Family members, DA Civilians, Army retirees, and other eligible military members in need of transition services and resources.

Soldiers need to make an appointment to meet with a counselor who can evaluate post-transition goals, help develop a resume, assist in translating military skills, and teach the Soldier interviewing skills.

SFL-TAP Centers are located at over 50 installations around the world. To make an appointment to see a counselor, call a local SFL-TAP Center or visit a Center location. SFL-TAP encourages Soldiers to start the program 18 months prior to transition or 24 months prior for retirees.

To learn more about SFL-TAP and to find a location, visit www.sfl-tap.army.mil. SFL-TAP is also available on social media! Check out SFL-TAP on Facebook (Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program), Twitter (@SFLTAP), and LinkedIn (Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program Connection Group).