Welcome to the world of 'un-predictability' ... The rules of civilian work are not clearcut nor is the path pre-determined. Living as you have in a structured and predictable environment allowed you to focus on both goals and mission with few surprises.

That has now ended.

Whatever your interest is, i.e. management, technical, IT, the need to research a given industry becomes acute. The more you know about a business, the better chance you have of being hired. Your local library's "Business" section will have multiple publications from trade associations and industry groups that provide the inside knowledge of what and how they view their, and hopefully your, future. Getting the 'lingo' down makes for successful interviewing.

Today, businesses are farming out much of the routine work they used to do themselves. Contract service companies are popping up in both the public and private sectors, and they need technical and marketing skills. Here is where your military experience could be transferable.

Your resumé should be sent to the attention of an individual person, not to the human resources department. The biggest waste of time and effort is 'shot-gunning' of resumés hoping that something will stick. A rifle approach pinpointed to a company officer will yield more responses and additional leads and references in a shorter timeframe. You will learn about the 'gatekeepers' in both private and public organizations. The secretaries & administrative assistants often stand between you and an interview.

Cultivating a rapport quickly in a tone that is both personal and professional is essential.
Remember that all your qualifications are packaged inside your personality. Project well and you will be well-received.