Why Companies Hire Junior Military Officers
Sunday, November 5th, 2006WHY COMPANIES HIRE JUNIOR OFFICERS
- Diversifies development candidates from strictly college and/or experience
- Geographically hard to fill openings
- Diversity goal obtainment
- Expansion/growth of company requires infusion of fast developing, high potential talent
- Training costs are lower
- Add more depth to bench strength
- Experience can be validated
- Team-building style of leadership requires the maturity of the junior officer
- Higher retention level than college or experienced hires
- Significantly higher promotion rate than college or experienced hires
THE JMO EXPERIENCE
- Project management in logistics, acquisition, IT, implementation, and training/devlopment
- Accountable for $500,000 to $5 million worth of equipment
- Daily interface with people significantly higher and lower in position
- Has had staff responsibilities where writing, presentation, and planning skills are necessary
- Has relocated 1 - 4 times during tour service
- Extensive travel and family separation
- Average work week of 50-70 hours
- Has had to make frequent decisions under stress
- Budgeting - compliance and formulation
CANDIDATE PROFILE
- Appropriate career goals
- Average SAT score 1200+
- 30% will have a masters degree
- 35% are graduates of West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy
- 5 - 9 years military service as an officer
- Military performance will be top 20%
- Image, presence, and verbals typical of the successful business person