As a new advisor on ACP AdvisorNet, I appreciate the opportunity to share information that may be helpful to any veteran pursuing future employment. In response to a number of posted questions, I have offered the following information.

The United States Postal Service is the second largest employer in the U.S. We offer our team variety, training, and ways to move up. We have specific programs for recent grads and skills matching for applicants with military experience. From mail carriers to corporate management, we work together to provide efficient, affordable service to the American public. USPS is an excellent workplace for self-motivated people who enjoy independence and measurable goals with the added satisfaction of serving our communities. Visit USPS.com and check out the Careers tab!

Let me add my personal insight! The USPS is an equal opportunity employer with countless career opportunities. Like our general society, we operate daily through the efforts of a variety of professionals. There are the entry level positions all Americans recognize as their letter carriers and sales and service associates at their local post office. Many may know their postmaster, and as logic would dictate, these local offices have first line supervisors and mid-level managers overseeing the daily retail and delivery operations. What is not generally known is that our mail processing plants operate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and employ entry level mail handlers, clerks, drivers, maintenance workers, electronic technicians, industrial engineers and yes - the initial level supervisors and mid-level managers who oversee the daily operations. Wait - there's more! We have mechanics who maintain our fleet of over 200,000 vehicles, safety specialists, communications specialists, human resources professionals, doctors and nurses, lawyers, marketing and sales professionals, real estate professionals, financial analysts, supply management specialists and information technology professionals. We have a Chief Postal Inspector who oversees over 1400 postal inspectors and over 650 postal police officers in one of the most highly regarded law enforcement agencies in America. The majority of our career paths begin with an entry level job but a few exceptions exist for specialized positions with educational requirements.

I started working at my local post office in rural Missouri when I was 16 years old through a state funded Neighborhood Youth Corp program. I took the exam at age 18 and was hired in an entry level clerk/carrier position. Later, I entered the management ranks and found countless advancement opportunities. From supervisor and manager positions in both delivery and mail processing facilities to staff assignments in Finance and Human Resources, I enjoyed a 40 year career and became one of 30 something Officers who lead the United States Postal Service. My millennial age son believes there are diminished opportunities to work your way up through a large organization. I believe there are still possibilities!

Over 650,000 dedicated postal employees work hard each day to accept, process and deliver billions of letters and packages a year to over 150 million delivery points, from over 31,000 post office locations. Our employees take an oath of office to serve our country by providing universal delivery at an affordable price. We are a proud and successful team of people who take that oath seriously.

I encourage all to consider the USPS as a potential employer - from the infantry man who asked, "What’s out there for me?" to the MP still interested in law enforcement or any veteran with a specialty that fits our community needs. As a volunteer at the USO, I learned that around 1% of American citizens serve in the military. My late husband was a Vietnam Vet who served in the November, 1965 battle in the Ia Drang Valley with General Hal Moore, co-author of "We Were Soldiers Once ... And Young". My nephew was also a Cavalry soldier who was deployed twice to Iraq. Our family is proud to be part of that 1% of America. The USPS honors our military and proudly offers opportunity to our veterans with nearly 20% of our employees having served in the military. Don't miss an opportunity to join an outstanding team when positions become available in your hometown!