If you would like to subscribe to the TAOnline Transition Insight Newsletter, please Click Here!

You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed through our newsletter registration form. To Subscribe, Unsubscribe, or Edit your subscription to the Monthly TAOnline.com news or view previous issues, see the bottom of this newsletter

Big Hiring in the Federal Government

By Barbara Adams, CPRW, CEIP, CMRC, CFRW
www.militaryresumewriters.com and www.careerproplus.com

Right now is an excellent time to consider applying for a federal job position. Why? The government is going on a serious hiring binge Read More

Leaders to Honor Top Employers for Military Support

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2009 – Fifteen employers from across the nation will receive the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award tomorrow for their support of Guard and Reserve employees. Read More

Tourney Offers Disabled Vets Fun, Rehabilitation

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2009 – Jeremy LeGrand, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who returned home from combat safely only to suffer a brain injury in an off-duty car accident, is learning this week that some of the best therapy is delivered on the golf course and at the bowling alley. Read More

Robotic Rodeo Displays Future Help for Soldiers

By Christen N. McCluney
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2009 – Two seemingly different U.S. Army organizations gathered robotics experts, technologists, academics, soldiers and companies from across the country in search of solutions to help save soldiers’ lives. Read More

Hiring Corner

Were you hired by a company that saw your profile on TAOnline.com?

Tell us about it info@taonline.com

TAOnline helpful hint of the month Federal Benefits for Veterans

Big Hiring in the Federal Government

By Barbara Adams, CPRW, CEIP, CMRC, CFRW
www.militaryresumewriters.com and www.careerproplus.com

Right now is an excellent time to consider applying for a federal job position. Why? The government is going on a serious hiring binge, planning to add over 273,000 workers in mission-critical roles over the next three years. Hiring in these fields will jump 40% in 2010 through 2012 compared to the three previous years. The majority of the hiring in these federal positions will be in professional categories including physicians and medical staff, security and protective services, compliance and legal services and program management. Of the 35 agencies involved a concentration of hiring will be found in Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs and the Defense Department.

Leading the way in numbers of projected positions is the medical and public health occupations followed by security and protection and compliance and enforcement. These three categories alone account for half of the projected 273,000 positions up for grabs. Much of the demand is being caused by large numbers of retiring baby boomers along with Obama administration initiatives. If you are thinking of a career in federal service, remember that you will be well compensated and given the opportunity to grow in your field. Opportunities abound for careers in the Federal Government. The time to act is now.

For more information, go to http://data.wherethejobsare.org/wtja/home

Back

Leaders to Honor Top Employers for Military Support

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2009 – Fifteen employers from across the nation will receive the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award tomorrow for their support of Guard and Reserve employees.

The ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here.

Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden – whose son, Beau, has deployed as a Delaware National Guard officer – will join top Defense Department officials including Dennis McCarthy, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, as well as members of Congress at the ceremony. The National Guard and Reserve members who nominated the recipients for the award also will attend.

The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their outstanding support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The award is given to employers in three categories: large business, small business and the public sector. A record 3,202 nominations for the award were submitted by National Guard and Reserve members or their families from across the nation.

The National Guard and Reserve make up nearly half of the total U.S. military strength. The Defense Department shares these citizen-warriors with their civilian employers; many provide their military employees with exceptional support. This year's honorees range from a small race-car wind tunnel business in North Carolina to major technology and pharmaceutical corporations to a local police department.

The recipients are:

  1. AeroDyn Wind Tunnel of Mooresville, N.C.;
  2. AstraZeneca International of Wilmington, Del.;
  3. Cambridge Fire Department of Cambridge, Mass.;
  4. Consolidated Electrical Distributors of North Charleston, S.C.;
  5. First Data Corp. of Atlanta;
  6. FMC Technologies of Houston;
  7. Jackson Parish Sheriff's Department of Jonesboro, La.;
  8. The Marks, O'Neill, O'Brien & Courtney law firm of Wilmington, Del.;
  9. Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash.;
  10. Mid America Kidney Stone Association of Kansas City, Mo.;
  11. NetJets of Columbus, Ohio;
  12. Ohio Department of Public Safety of Columbus;
  13. Perpetual Technologies of Indianapolis;
  14. Santa Ana Police Department of Santa Ana, Calif.; and
  15. TriWest Healthcare Alliance of Phoenix.
Back

Tourney Offers Disabled Vets Fun, Rehabilitation

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2009 – Jeremy LeGrand, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who returned home from combat safely only to suffer a brain injury in an off-duty car accident, is learning this week that some of the best therapy is delivered on the golf course and at the bowling alley.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
Jeremy LeGrand, a medically retired Army sergeant, tees off during the National Veterans TEE Tournament in and around Iowa City, Iowa. VA photo 

LeGrand, who was medically retired as an Army sergeant and now lives in Earlville, Ill., is among disabled veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan participating in the National Veterans TEE Tournament

The five-day golf-and-bowling rehabilitation program kicked off Sept. 6 in Iowa City, Iowa, and continues through the weekend at venues throughout the area.

About 150 participants in this year’s event served in conflicts from World War II to the current wars. All have visual impairments or other disabilities and receive treatment at Veterans Affairs Department medical facilities.

And as LeGrand attests, all refuse to live their lives as couch potatoes.

“I don’t want to just sit at home and play my games,” he said. “I’m an active person, and I want to get out there. I’m a worker.”

Today, LeGrand was putting himself to work at the Colonial Bowling Lanes in Iowa City. Yesterday, he tested his mettle against his fellow vets on one of several participating golf courses. That was a warm-up for the big tournament tomorrow.

VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki called the event --– in which TEE refers not just to golf, but also “Training, Exposure, Experience” -- a big part of veterans’ rehabilitation.

“Providing veterans the rehabilitation they need in order to lead a fulfilling, active life is what this event is about,” he said. “The courage of these veterans to overcome life's obstacles and soar above their physical limitations is an inspiration to all of us.”

The TEE Tournament is just one of many VA-sponsored sporting activities that use a therapeutic format to promote rehabilitation, fellowship and camaraderie among participants.

LeGrand said he gets a lot out of the time he spends talking to and learning from his fellow disabled veterans. But he makes no bones about it: he particularly enjoys the fun of competing against them in just about any venue.

He was among more than 650 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who participated in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., earlier this year. He’s also looking forward to returning later this month to his second National Disabled Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, in San Diego.

“I am going to be in everything” offered there, he said, adding that he’s especially looking forward to building on the love of surfing he discovered there last year.

“I was laughing up a storm,” he said of his first experience on a surfboard. “I had a big smile on my face.”

As he anticipates that event, LeGrand is focusing this week on the bowling alley and golf course. He said he hopes to give his competitors a run for their money at tomorrow’s tournament.

“Yesterday I was pretty good, but not outstanding,” he said. “As for tomorrow, well, we’ll find out.”

The TEE tournament began in 1994 as a regional program for legally blind veterans, then went national last year.

“This is a really great program,” said Sandy Franks, who works at the VA Medical Center in Shreveport, La., and volunteered to help at the TEE Tournament. “It’s a real inspiration to meet these veterans.”

Back

Robotic Rodeo Displays Future Help for Soldiers

By Christen N. McCluney
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2009 – Two seemingly different U.S. Army organizations gathered robotics experts, technologists, academics, soldiers and companies from across the country in search of solutions to help save soldiers’ lives.

The 3rd Corps and U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, or TARDEC, based on Fort Hood, Texas, hosted the first Robotics Rodeo to showcase what’s new in the world of automation.

“The number one goal is to save the lives of our soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Barry “Chip” Daniels, 3rd Corps’ robotics project officer said in a Sept. 9 interview on “Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military” on Pentagon Web Radio.

The rodeo was intended to foster better communication between soldiers and robotics developers. In this forum, soldiers can offer information on what they actually need in theater, and developers can share what technology is available in the development stage, as opposed to the fielding stage, Daniels said.

More than 30 exhibitors were on hand to display the latest in autonomous robotics, a capability that allows robots to function without a user interface, which helps in areas with limited communications or when soldiers have other tasks to focus on.

“There are a lot of enabling technologies and we saw a lot of examples at the rodeo,” said Jim Overholt, director of the Joint Center for Robotics at TARDEC. “Robots are still in their infancy. If we don’t have the robots keeping up with the operational tempo of what the troops are used to, they will leave the robots behind.”

Daniels advised thinking beyond common perceptions of what robots are capable of when thinking of how they might help the military.

“Often we fall victim to what Hollywood tells us a robot can do,” he said. “If they [soldiers] know what the robot is capable of doing, they can see the utility in having it fielded.”

Overholt said he is excited that technology developers who have been hearing the need for more mobile platforms, higher rates of speed and stability, are responding to the demand.

Soldiers’ feedback is valuable in updating technology and helps with the development phase in all areas, from design of robots to the size of battery packs, he said.

TARDEC also has embedded engineers in Afghanistan and Iraq to see firsthand how soldiers would use the equipment and get insight from the field on how to design it.

Because many of today’s soldiers grew up with gaming consoles, TARDEC designed many of the robots to be operated with joysticks.

“It's amazing, you give some of these soldiers robots that can be controlled from a game station or a simple controller and it’s not a matter of reading manuals, they are operating that robot in a matter of minutes,” Overholt said.

One of the main purposes of having the robots is to simplify capabilities so soldiers are not distracted from what is going on around them.

The robotic technology showcased at the rodeo was designed to help the military with four missions: route clearance, to allow robots to sweep areas instead of troops; logistic convoys, in which robots travel alone between different points; persistent stare, where the robots can observe an area with artificial intelligence alerts; and as future robotic wingmen to augment the current manned combat force, Daniels said.

"The learning that took place on both sides was wonderful to witness," Overholt said.

Daniels agreed that the collaboration between soldiers and robot developers must continue. “Until the systems are in the hands of the soldiers, we are not done," he said.

(Christen N. McCluney works in the Defense Media Activity’s emerging media directorate.)

Back

Job Fairs

Click here for a complete listing of Military Job Fairs

Back

Hot jobs

Check Out Our Spotlighted Employers!

Northrop Grumman

 

What does it mean to work at Northrop Grumman? It means becoming an important part of an extraordinary company. Northrop Grumman is the world's largest shipbuilder, a leading systems integrator, a pioneer in space systems, and the U.S. government's largest provider of information technology. We are a company committed to the highest standards of business conduct and technical excellence in each of our distinct segments of business. These segments of business are also known as operating sectors: electronic systems, information technology, integrated systems, mission systems, Newport News, ship systems and space technology. Please click here. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions. EOE M/F/D/V,

Back

EG&G Technical Services, Inc.

Do the Best Work of Your Life! URS is the top Engineering and one of the top Defense firms in the United States!

EG&G Technical Services, Inc. and Lear Siegler Services, Inc.(both divisions of URS) consolidated to become one of the nation's leading U.S. federal government contractors providing operations and maintenance, systems engineering and technical assistance, and program management, primarily to the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security.

We are currently looking for Engineers, Logistics Analyst, Technicians, Aircraft Mechanics, Program Managers, Acquisition Analyst and more! We have opportunities in the US as well as overseas!

If you want to join a team of dedicated professionals who are among the best in their field, in a diverse work environment that fosters integrity and trust, then take some time to explore URS Corporation career possibilities. To learn more about URS Corporation, please visit our Web site at www.urscorp.com

Back

FirstEnergy

Serve your community as a FirstEnergy employee the same way you served your country. FirstEnergy, a diversified energy company, has opportunities within our Energy Delivery, Fossil and Nuclear Power Generation, and Corporate Services organizations that are ideal for many levels of skill and expertise acquired during military service. These include all engineering disciplines, Navy Nuclear, Naval Electricians and Machinists Mates, Logistics, Technicians, and many other enlisted experiences. For example, Navy Nuclear or Naval Electricians Mates offer great transferable skills for electric distribution dispatchers, fossil and nuclear generating plant operators. Please visit our website www.firstenergycorp.com for a list of opportunities in areas such as Plant, Substation, overhead/underground line and more. FirstEnergy provides competitive pay plus incentive compensation; a Company-sponsored pension plan; 401k savings plan with company match and performance bonuses; a choice of medical, prescription, dental, vision, and life insurance programs; and educational assistance programs. We also provide employees called to active duty with 540 days (approximately 18 months) of differential pay and health coverage to support you as you serve our nation. Join a company that emphasizes volunteerism, professionalism, and team work - and rewards the skills and discipline you developed in the service. Click here for more information.

Back

L-3 IS Joint Operations Group

L-3 IS Joint Operations Group is the most capable and dependable aircraft modernization and mission systems integration company in the world. We are recognized internationally as a systems integration organization specializing in the study, design, development, and integration of mission systems, plus the modernization and maintenance of aircraft. We have modified more than 15,000 aircraft of more than 125 types, and more than three aircraft per year using our Quick Response Capability, and L-3 IS has delivered integrated real-time reconnaissance systems that contain more than 2 million lines of code. To see our opportunities click here!

Back

SAIC

Own Your Future

SAIC has worked with the Department of Defense since our inception over 35 years ago. That is how we know what disciplined, mission-focused leaders can accomplish. As an employee, you'll find the same dedication and commitment to accomplishing goals at SAIC that you found in the military. Take ownership of your future! As an employee- owner, you'll have the opportunity to achieve success within an environment that understands the needs of servicemen and servicewomen who are separating from the military. SAIC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. For immediate consideration, apply online by clicking here. Please let us know that you heard about SAIC from TAOnline.com when submitting your resume.

Back

Raytheon

Software Engineering / Systems Engineering

Challenge yourself, develop your skills AND relax your life. Raytheon is recognized as a company that provides you with an ideal work/life balance. What better place to manage your career and your personal interest than State College, Pa. Ranked as one of the least stressful cities in America, with four seasons of outdoor activities, State College is the perfect place to pursue your goals.

Software Engineers

We seek experienced software engineers looking for a challenging career using today's leading edge technologies. Perform full life cycle software development of data exploitation/dissemination and real-time signal collection/processing systems. Senior engineers support proposal activities, define architectures and lead software development tasks. Junior-level engineers support design, code and test of software requirements.

Systems Engineers

Define architectures and requirements for leading edge systems, provide technical leadership in new business development and proposals and integrate sophisticated technologies and products. Use your knowledge of systems engineering processes and methodologies, including object oriented as well as conventional systems design .techniques to solve complex technical .problems. Provide leadership in a wide range of technologies.

Learn more by clicking here!

Back

Oracle Corporation

Excel with Excellence.

At Oracle, we're no strangers to pushing our limits. We've been first in class in an array of industry leading enterprise solutions, including being the first software company to develop and deploy 100 percent internet-enabled enterprise software across our entire product line. In fact, pushing the limits of our innovative solutions is an every day goal. Here, you'll be challenged by the excitement of creating leading-edge technologies and applications while enjoying the support and stability of and established leader.

To learn more about Oracle Corporation please visit: http://www.oracle.com/careers

Back

Prudential Financial, Inc.

Prudential Financial, Inc. is a multinational financial services leader with operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. The company's well-known Rock symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential's businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, asset management, and real estate services. For more information, please visit www.prudential.com.

Back

MasTec Advanced Technologies

Install Success On The Job.

As a MasTec Satellite Technician, your day begins with a list of customers, the keys to a company-owned truck and unlimited potential. With a mix of new installations, customer support visits, add-on sales opportunities and technical service appointments, you'll experience a variety of challenges that makes each day different.

The installation and servicing of a satellite system can be physically demanding. Also, providing excellent service to every customer is a critical responsibility. But at MasTec, we reward hard work. From your earning potential to your career growth, every job you complete is your chance to install success into your life.

Install A Secure Future.

MasTec Advanced Technologies is one of the largest DirecTV installation and service companies. With millions of people turning to DirecTV for their television needs, MasTec Advanced Technologies offers unlimited potential to the right professional.

For more information on MasTec, or additional MasTec careers, click here.

Back

Central Intelligence Agency – National Clandestine Service Center

You can make a world of difference.

Be a part of a mission that's larger than all of us. The CIA's National Clandestine Service seeks qualified applicants to serve our country's mission abroad. Our careers offer rewarding, fast-paced, and high impact challenges in intelligence collection on issues of critical importance to US national security. Applicants should possess a high degree of personal integrity, professional backgrounds. Do you want to make a difference for your country? Are you ready for a challenge?

All applicants for National Clandestine Service positions must successfully undergo several personal interviews, medical and psychological exams, aptitude testing, a polygraph interview, and a background investigation. Following entry on duty, candidates will undergo extensive training. US citizenship required. An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free work force.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.cia.gov

Back

L-3 Intelligence Solutions is a division of L-3 Services, Inc.

Intelligence Solutions has a two-decade track record of providing cutting-edge solutions and is a leader in all source intelligence support, information management, operations and security. Intelligence Solutions provides national and defense intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense's agencies, commands, and uniformed services with analysis, information solutions and systems support. Among the services Intelligence Solutions delivers are deployed Advanced Information Systems, HUMINT services, analytical services, special logistical services, mission-critical processes and systems engineering and training. The organization also provides and supports advanced concepts, research and development and state-of-the-art intelligence systems production. Using real-world experience and emerging technologies, Intelligence Solutions builds today's solutions for tomorrow's needs. Field combat units and national planners at all levels have access to the same operational, actionable picture through our proven, technologically advanced designs.

For more information, click here.

Back

Kaiser Permanente

At Kaiser Permanente, we work together as family to do what’s right for our patients. If you’d like to contribute your skills to an environment built on teamwork and support, come to Kaiser Permanente. Visit jobs.kp.org for more information

Back

Edward Jones

As a current or former member of the military, you know what dedication and service are all about. At Edward Jones, so do we. We operate a branch-office network of over 10,000 Financial Advisors who work one-on-one with individual investors to help them reach their long-term financial goals.

By becoming an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, you can run your own neighborhood office, enjoy unlimited earning potential, and set your own schedule – all backed by us, a unique and long-standing financial services leader. You’ll find that the focus, mindset, skills and experience you acquired in the military or that led you to serve in the first place, will also serve you well at Edward Jones. We look for people who understand the value of maximizing their efforts and rising to new challenges in exchange for greater results and rewards.

Worried that you don’t have a financial background? Don’t be. Our world-class training program has been specifically designed to enable individuals from a variety of occupational backgrounds to thrive in their new career. Currently, there are over 1,600 men and women with military backgrounds who now proudly serve as Edward Jones Financial Advisors.

To learn more or to apply, please visit our military microsite at www.edwardjones.com/military. Once there, be sure to check out our videos from former service people as well as our contact list of veteran Financial Advisors you can call with any questions you may have broken out by branch of service.

Back

TAOnline.com Helpful Hint of the Month

Servicemembers enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program can transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children. more

Back