Paul Smith (not his real name)* spent nine years in the Army as a mechanic. He was responsible for the diagnostics and maintenance of the highly sophisticated 70-ton Abrams tank, built to dominate the enemy during combat.
Although Smith’s title in the Army was Abrams Systems Maintainer, with a rank as Sergeant E 5, he also did at least two tours of duty, which included his direct participation in seeking out and terminating high value targets. In other words, he was there to get the bad guys.
Smith did many night patrols, going door to door until 3 or 4 in the morning, with the intent to make the country safer. All my maneuvers and activities in the military gave me the maturity and discipline to do what you have to do, to make it in the world, said Smith. My work on the Abrams tanks also gave me a transferable skill. I had something I could do when I got out of the Army.
Receiving an honorable discharge from the Army in 2012, Smith embarked on a new journey to develop a career. He was particularly interested in working for a very specific large Department of Defense (DOD) supplier.
It was right around that time that a buddy of his suggested that he get in touch with CPI. Soon after, Smith was able to attend a job fair in his area where CPI had always maintained a large presence.
CPI was able to place him in a position at that large (DOD) supplier at Fort Hood almost immediately. I went right to work fixing the same tanks I had worked on during the war, said Smith. It was a perfect fit.
Smith reports that CPI was always on time with payroll and his recruitment coordinator was extremely helpful and accessible.
Other agencies reached out to me while I was working with CPI. But I was treated so well,that I never considered working with or for anyone else, said Smith.
Although its somewhat rare for a contract worker with his specific qualifications to receive an offer of full-time employment from the DOD supplier, Smith received and accepted a direct hire position in November 2014.
It was such a thrill to receive an offer of full-time employment. I am certain that CPIs reputation was instrumental in their decision. All of the commanders at Fort Hood are aware of CPI and they think very highly of the company, said Smith. I would recommend them [CPI] to anyone.
Smith is one of thousands of veterans that CPI has helped in transitioning from the armed forces to the civilian workforce. “The key to helping veterans get a new job or launch a career is to make sure they understand how their skills are transferable to their target position,” said Steve York, CEO, CPI.
Not everyone is like Smith. His transition was seamless. He continued to do the same work in the civilian workforce that he had done in the military. Many veterans need additional guidance in drawing connections and parallels between their military skill sets and the civilian workforce objectives and skills required to succeed.
“We have been recruiting and placing veterans in the civilian workforce for more than 33 years,” said Jay Vorobel, Vice President, Eastern Region, CPI. “It’s important to help them recognize and communicate how their skill sets transfers to civilian employment opportunities.”
Veterans are being hired in record numbers, as they transition out of the armed forces. There is a greater need than ever to provide them with the support they need to find employment in automotive, defense, information technology, manufacturing and telecommunications.
If you are a transitioning out of the military or currently a veteran and you are looking for work in the United States or abroad, please contact CPI at 1.877.427.4562 or visit our website at www.cpijobs.com. @CPIJobsInc
*Because of his advanced and secret work in the military, Mr. Smith preferred to remain anonymous for this interview.
